I started the day doing society things and then got good advice from a friend about taking care of Throbby Bobby. Ever since I stubbed him back in March, he has been sore and the nail partially lifted. There doesn’t seem to be any infection or grossness, it just doesn’t look good and pressure on it is tender. It is sandal season and I need it to grow all the way out again. I am going to purchase the medication Maureen suggested and get it taken care of. The rest of the day was spent doing payroll and working on tidbits in various files that got a lot off the list. I ran out for Taco Tuesday which used up most of my calories for the day but was so crazy delicious. Another positive part of the day was getting an encouraging message from the besides. I feel good as I had time at the end of the day to do my billing, flip the calendar, and get my spreadsheets ready for June. I even got a call from Doug Cox, my boss at MusicFest. We made our plan for who does what to get the binders, etc., he filled me in on who is running what sound for stages. It was so good to hear his voice, I can’t wait to see him. And now I have the stage schedules so I can start scheduling crew which will take a big thing off my list as well!! Let’s Roll!
this month got away with me and although I managed to get the last necessary file done today, I have had low grade anxiety that is hard to ignore. I have overpromised a bit and am afraid of dropping balls again. this is the most negative part of my personality. I didn’t finish and leave work until 8 tonight. I had things to take care of before work and I had to go grab something for lunch and am having trouble keeping the weight off never mind going down as I don’t have any fruit or healthy snacks so I went to Safeway and picked up a few things. I made myself get up and walk around as well every time I felt overwhelmed. It was nice to celebrate Nigel’s birthday over the net with some good laughs. I had sent a journal and pens styled just for him. tomorrow will feel better, i will make my lists for June and feel more on top of things. I have much to accomplish for July. For now I will try to live in this moment.
I slept a full 10 hours last night, had some breakfast and reached out to see if any of the grandsons were available to help me beat the rain and get the yard tidied up. I need to set up the Airbnb as the reservations are rolling in. Rae dropped off Lukas and Will shortly after I started mowing. They started weeding and I finished mowing which took a long time as everything was so tall. It is the first time the yard has been worked on this year. I promised to take them for dinner of their choice when we were done. Lukas asked if sushi would be to expensive. What a considerate young man. We got as much done as possible, made a fire to burn sticks and pine cones and the the rain began so I showered and off we went. Sakura was a closed so we went to Sushi on the Strip and got our own little room. The server was odd but we ordered lots to share; gyozas to start, 4 special rolls and then Deep Fried cheesecake. We were all so full as it was so delicious. It was not cheap, but enjoyable and I know the boys don’t get a feast like that very often. I had to remind them not to eat so fast. There was enough, they didn’t have to eat fast in case it was all gone as I am sure happens with 8 of them in the house. I really love these individual times with them. I am also impressed with how well they worked and how much we got done. I am ready for another 10-12 hours sleep now though!
Chelsea, a woman who works in the Co-working space heard me mention I needed to figure out a second screen for my laptop for working away from the office. She came the next day and gifted me with a brand new one that fits in a sleeve and works fabulously. It didn’t work with her system but is perfect for mine. So grateful!
I was at the theatre for 10 am to attend a directing comedy workshop conducted by Kevin McKendrick. There were 9 of us, 8 friends and one new person to the circle got to spend the day together learning so many great skills. Many things I use as a director were confirmed as useful and I also learned some great ways of working with business, adding to the script without text. It was really a joy to spend 6 hours with people of a like mind, doing what we love. I was inspired to Direct again, maybe in 2024 as the next season is already set. Kevin is a very good instructor, and actor as we saw in his examples. He accepted everything we threw out there and ran with it, fine tuning the thought or suggestion. I really wish to be directed by him but he is in Vancouver. At lunch it was missed that I am allergic to peppers and every single part of it was loaded with them. I popped out to Sakura Sushi for some tempura and edamame. The part that made me sad was that the smell was so strong in the lobby where everyone was eating that I had to go sit by myself on the stage to eat. I didn’t like missing out on the conversation and connection but Kevin did come and sit with me for a while and we found quite a few people from the time I was at Studio 58 with that he knows or knows of and we had a few good laughs. It was nice to talk to someone who understood how special it was being taught by the instructors there at the time, especially fencing from Antony Holland.
I left as soon as we were done to come home and change to head to Key City Theatre as they were very in need of volunteers. It is a good thing I did as Sandra and I ran the bar and wow can those Dance Moms put it away. We went through a great deal of wine, lol. I was glad to get home and have something to eat and have been sitting puzzling and watching the Survivor Finale. I can’t believe I have been watching it for 21 years! It used to be the thing Jake and I would do every week, Taco and Survivor Thursdays.
I really need to mow my lawn tomorrow and weed but it is supposed to rain. If it does I may go into work for a while so that I can take time to do it during the week. It will also take the stress off Monday’s deadlines.
I decided I had better get my laundry done so I have something to wear to the Comedy workshop I am attending tomorrow. I forgot how long the washer takes and waited until it was done so I could throw it in the dryer. In the meantime I decided to frame the card I purchased at the Atlas Coal Mine in the frame I picked up at IKEA. It looks lovely and now I just have to find wall space for it.
I was at work relatively late but got my CCT tech business finished which took a weight off my list. After getting a myriad of things done, I settled to finish the last file I had to do before month end when a client showed up unannounced for assistance and 3.5 hours later she said want to go for a drink since I have kept you so late on a Friday. I shut everything down and met her at the Blind Pig where where we had food and bevies and a great long evening of getting to know each other. It was great as there was no work talk and much getting to know each other. As someone was passing my to leave they recognized her and had big hugs and then he turned and saw me and said hey and gave me a big hug too. It was Tom Shypitka, the East Kootenay MLA and I was surprised he remembered me as I have only met him once at the CCT Gala for our big renovation. He and his wife stayed for a good chat and then Alex and I finished our visit before heading home. I, again am grateful for where I live and who swims in this pond. There are good people here. Alex gave me a hat from her company and I look forward to sporting it around town. Alex is Metis and has a strong feeling that I am as well and would like to help me research that. It is not the first time someone has planted that seed. I am curious.
I am very tired but had a good time and will get some rest for the full day tomorrow as I agreed to volunteer at Key City tomorrow due to the shortfall in volunteers for the Dance academy night.
This morning I was up and tidying in anticipation of Erin coming for a home visit to go with my application for a college homestay student for the Fall term. She seemed to like my place and me and said she would be doing placements soon. Unfortunately she emailed me later that she found out it wouldn’t be possible as I have a door on the bedroom that doesn’t go to the floor. It is decorative and has about a 6 inch gap. I was disappointed at first but then relieved and I also figured I would still make a nice space in the den and use it for Airbnb in the winter months. That way I will still have my alone time which is healthier for me. The universe knows what I need.
I can barely stand to listen to or watch the news as the pictures and stories of the precious children and teachers murdered in Texas are shared. 19 children in grades 2-4 and 2 teachers were gunned down by an 18 year old heavily armed male. It is beyond comprehension and I just want to hold my grands close. What kind of human shoots his own grandmother in the face and then announces on Facebook every thing he is about to do and then does it? There is so much of no sense going on in the world. I just want to live in the bubble I am in, but also need to not give in to fear.
I got a great deal done today, even spent a few hours on my volunteer work without stress about the last file I have to complete and file this month. I am really doing ok finding my balance. I have come late to the game of saying no. There is so much to say yes to with aplomb, it is getting easier. I still have a bit of guilt that I didn’t come back to go to the Board meeting on Tuesday night but I had provided reports in advance and the time with family was precious. I have never taken a vacation with them and it still fills me with joy to think about all we did together.
This morning was a tough get up and function as I did not sleep well last night, seems my brain was trying to process all I needed to do today instead of catch up after all that fun.
I had to really focus as there was nothing simple about anything I had to do but I got it done and toward the end of the day my client, now friend, Matt stopped by to give me my own hoodie from his company. I had admired his with the zip neckline some time ago and he remembered and brought me one, saying, girls like pink. That made me smile. We then had a good long chat about nothing work or book related and it really was special.
I got home to have a lovely long visit with my neighbour. She liked the puzzle I bought her to thank her for looking after Missy while I was away. We were sitting on the couch and Missy snuggled her without coming near me… I guess I am being punished for leaving her.
I was going to do a really deep clean tonight as the lady from the Homestay program is coming for a home visit at 9 am but I am truly too worn out and so I did a quick tidy and will just let her know this is as bad as it gets. What with the surgery and then the trip I haven’t mowed my lawn even or weeded. I usually have pride in my place. I guess I will hope she understands. It is still very habitable and not gross so it shall be what it is. I am at the moment too tired to care but I am a bit anxious. I think I shall take a pill and get some much needed sleep.
This morning we had some of the kids in the pool, some getting packed and eventually all of us at the breakfast buffet. Poor Will had a tough night with a bad cough, likely caught from his cousin he was hanging out with. He is such a doll, wearing his mask without question and taking cautions. Breakfast a was good and we had a lovely hostess/server who made our morning special. I recommend the Best Western Port O’Call especially with kids as the water park with dual water slides was just great. Once we got all checked out and loaded we headed to the zoo. It was supposed to be a cool stormy day so I dressed accordingly. Good old Calgary… I boiled
The lady at the booth gave me the seniors rate as I am only a year away from the 60 they call senior. I will take any perks, lol. The first and last stop of the day was the Penguin Plunge exhibit. Ashlée and I could have lived there. The black fluffy black bird in the back is 6 months old today!
Thanks to Aymo for this
After that we just worked our way round and kept trying to see the 32 day old gorilla baby. The timing was wonderful and Doxy (SP?) showed up with the baby girl on her back. The lone silverback is the papa and his father was the oldest recorded Silverback living to 62! At feeding time it was exciting to see all 7 gorillas. They have a huge indoor and outdoor pen and seem to relate well. I could have just sat and watched them for hours but after dinner mama headed out of sight again. We were so grateful to see them. It was hard to miss out on so much due to the Avian Flu and pandemic fear. Many places were fenced back or the animals were indoors
I am just going to share a bunch of pictures although I couldn’t get a picture of some of my favourite, the Meerkats. Their old man faces and frantic movements of seemingly endless curiosity cracked me up.
It is hard to explain exactly how I feel about a zoo. It is so incredible to see these animals in an environment trying to create their natural one, to have opportunity to learn about them, to see which are endangered, etc. I hope though, that most of them are rehabilitated or relocated from negative spaces rather than captured and caged. Most of the environments seemed positive, only a few seemed too small and I hope over time they will be expanded as it seems some have been along the way. There is a new polar bear habitat in the making. I will be following that progress.
We all had a bite together and then finished that last bit we’d missed before heading for the parking lot. A pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich is delicious btw.
It was odd for me to see Bill in a scooter. I am glad he had it or he wouldn’t have lasted long. My feet and knees were feeling it, he never could have done it all. The fact he was my first husband though sits with me as the age seems so much more than 6 years to me now. It was such a good time all together though, I am really glad I went. And I am glad for the fun Deanne and I had as well, even if my bad influence made her buy a designer fanny pack and drink peach crown royal.
Lukas may look older than his Pepere
Golan and Aymo travelled with me home and we had such fun, stopping to take pictures and singing Bruno Mars loudly. It was great to have long talks and learn more about their lives and home countries, hopes and dreams.
I’m going to need this tomorrow
Once home again, I dropped them off, came home and unloaded, appreciating the bounty of travels, including the odd rabbit Golan gave me from his Kinder Egg.
This was such a full and fun experience, it really is important to enjoy your own backyard, only 5 hours away and so much greatness!
It was pretty impressive that everyone was up, had breakfast, and was loaded in the cars by 9:30. We headed to Calgary and were at Crossiron Mall just before it opened at 11. We entered through the Bass Pro Shop which was a bit overwhelming and a little like being at the stuffed zoo. From there we split into smaller groups and shopped like pros. I think most of us bought shoes (mine were for the kayak), some of us got puzzles and others bought clothes and goodies. I think Deanne got the beautiful item of the day when she found an expensive designer fanny pack on sale. It really is lovely and it makes me happy that she is happy and blames it on me, lol. Of course I encouraged her to get it as I didn’t want her to think about it and wish she had. I managed to get a few small things but mostly hung out with my buddy Sawyer who once again made me laugh. I went to Shoppers to buy nasal spray as the air is so dry I am clotting blood and I read the three options to Sawyer of the sayings on them. He told me to get the strength one because I am a bit old and when you get older you get strong and then weaker. He’s not wrong. We ran into his friend Audrey. I bought Gene his 15th bday present coming soon in June.
Next was IKEA where I only spent $150 and got so many things including a duvet and bedding for the guest room. That is definitely the least I have ever gotten out of there for.
From there we went to Chine Hot Pots where Roger really wanted to share that meal experience with the kids. Ray and Jan, Jessy and Braeya joined us and it was exciting and complicated but good. I would probably do it again for the seafood.
After dinner it was a rush back to check into our hotel so the kids could get in the pool before it closed. There was much fun and we love our beautiful family room with the Murphy bed and more room to walk. You can see from the picture from the last hotel that room 126 (theirs) was much bigger than 113 (ours). Tomorrow is a big day as we are going to the Zoo before heading home.
This morning we finally got our poop in a group and headed south to the Atlas Coal Mine Museum. It was really impressively done, the tours don’t open until next weekend but we paid and were able to wander the grounds, reading signs, ducking in and out of buildings. Each one felt very caught in time and I think everyone enjoyed it. At one point Sawyer and I turned to each other at the same time and said, ‘That looks like a face”! I would go back there and take the tours, ride the narrow gauge railway, go underground, etc. I did buy some wash house soap and a dinosaur egg bath bomb as well as a nice small print to frame.
We headed back into town and stopped at our dream grocery store Freson Bros. What a lovely place with so many incredible options. It was easy to find food to take to Horse Thief Canyon for a picnic. We also met a dog named Moose celebrating his 4th birthday.
The drive up to Horse Thief was nice and the view down into the canyon was spectacular. We all settled to eat and then people started heading in different directions down and up and back again. Suddenly there was a fleet of emergency vehicles crowding the parking lot. It turned out someone had fallen and broken their ankle on the other side out of sight. I felt for the EMTs who did not seem equipped for hiking. The way down was long. some of the trucks found a way to a closer spot and the person was eventually carried out in a basket. All very exciting!
After that we drove North to the Bleriot Ferry which is the halfway mark on the Dinosaur Trail. It was a cable ferry, free to take and operated by a single person. Many of the features are quite antiquated and we were told she had to leave people behind because of the number of life jackets, despite room on board still.
Coming back down the other side of the river we saw the welcome to Drumheller sign and just had to stop. It was also the site of a previous coal mine. Turns out so is our hotel. I like the signs around the area explaining the history.
Back to the hotel as the pool was open again, having recovered from a burst pipe. I sat and blogged about yesterday and others rested. I have decided not to go home tomorrow but to carry on to Calgary with them all. We plan to shop tomorrow, no provincial sales tax so it saves us 7% and then go to the zoo the next day when Alberta kids are back in school.
We fed all the kids and then Rae-Anne, Roger, Ashlée, Deanne and I walked next door to O’Sheas for a nice dinner. Well, that was what we hoped for…. My steak that could be cut through because of sinew was not the only thing to go wrong and it took a very long time so we were freezing on the patio by the time we were done. They did give us a 20% discount after the manager came to sit down and get to the bottom of it all. Unfortunately it made the night end sooner than we had planned as we are all tired and just done. We got the boys in our room organized for the morning and we will have breakfast with an intended launch of 9:15.
I did get some sun today but am happily tuckered out.
I begin this evening backwards because I just spent the last couple hours hanging out in the hotel comfort area with HAYLEY from Victoria, sharing life stories and more. To be fair, I am hammered. So as much as i want to share all that happened today I am going to tell you this…. I remember that: Hoodoos,, Wayne.. Big Dinosaur,, family, random strangler.
Hayley and I spent along time hanging out in the lobby,which of course Is the last thing I am relating to since Roger kicked my andDeanne’s butts at RummyCube
I am sorry,I want to Share more of my fabulous day but IAM drunk,lol
Ha! I am going to count that as an official post but apparently I didn’t even push the publish button so I am going to fill in the blanks now. I laugh to read the above as I am not even sure what random strangler I am referring to.
The day began with me herding everyone out of the room so I could get housekeeping to clean the bathroom and do up the beds. The breakfast room here is pretty great with everything you could hope for available. I understand they are also short staffed at this SureStay but seem to be making the best of it. It’s a shame they keep having trouble with the pool though as the kids are very disappointed when it is closed.
The first adventure of the day was Fossil World. It was more for the little guys and they had fun digging for fossils that they could choose one of to keep while Ashlée and I roamed the large gift shop. There were no local fossils to purchase as it is illegal to sell Alberta found ones. I did but a gorgeous geode though as a keepsake of this fabulous trip. I probably would have bought the shark if I had the money, lol.
While everyone else went to the World’s Largest Dinosaur, I went to Vi’s Nail salon where I spent a lovely hour chatting with the other ladies and learning about the places we should see. It really was a marvellous fill as well, and I love my cats eye colour.
When I was done the whole gang had just made it to the Vietnamese Noodle House for lunch and we gained Bill’s brother Ray and wife Jan with their son Kory and his two kids Luna and Maddox. We now fill half a restaurant. The food was very good and reasonably priced.
Once back at the hotel, everyone went outside and had a lot of fun with footballs and such before we all decided to go to the HooDoos. $2 a carload for some great climbs and hanging out in the beautiful environment.
Our next destination was the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne. It was at the end of a long winding road with 11 bridges, of which we crossed 9. There was no cell reception and the place was crowded when we arrived with 17 people and 4 more were on the way. Fortunately they had contacted Jessie, Kory’s brother to let him know where we were headed so that he, his Daughter Braea, his friend Austin and his daughter Charlotte could join us. The staff was so accommodating and let us have the whole closed patio to ourselves. The place has a lot of character and friendly staff which made it very enjoyable and we had a good, impromptu Perreault family reunion.
Once we got back to town, The Guedes family, Ash and I went to the big Dinosaur as their time was so short earlier, the lady signed their slips that they could come back. I went up in Deanne’s place and was glad I did. It is very well done and the view from the top is awesome.
Returning to the hotel, Gene managed to get his new kite flying and we all hung out and visited before the rest headed to their hotels. That is when Roger, Deanne and I drank whiskey and played Rummicube. It was time to go to blog and bed but I didn’t want to keep Ashlée awake so I went to settle in a chair in the living room style area down the hall. there was a lady already there and I had a great chat with her, the above mentioned Hayley. As you can tell, there was not much that happened after that, rather like the plaque re 1897 that I saw on the saloon wall in Wayne.
So much fun was had yesterday and today that I am only just now at 5:40 pm finishing this!!
I didn’t have a lot of great sleep but was up at a decent time and we all headed to the hotel provided breakfast which was delicious. We headed out and were at the museum before 9:30 which turned out to be the best as we were ahead of the crowds and took our time wandering through and enjoying it all. It really is world class!! I had no idea that Drumheller is the Dinosaur Capital of the world. I learned so much today and it really was special. We headed into downtown to do the dinosaur walk. The kids had fun posing with so many of the art installations and we wandered in and out of stores and stopped for flights of beer being sure to bring some cans back with us. The kids went to the pool while Rae and I took the students to Walmart to pickup a few things and then it was out for dinner to Bernie and the Boys Bistro for great burgers in a very weird environment. I picked up some dehydrated salt water taffy. When we got back, the teens went to the pool again and Rae and Roger and I went for a walk to the neighbourhood stores, and they picked up drinks and snacks for the kids. Roger and I continued on to the Liquor store across the street for some treats. I then played RummyCube with him and we each won a game before I headed back to my room to get people settled for the night. It is challenging with one room and 6 different expectations of sleep times. It is a really nice time together and I am really glad I came. I have even mostly been able to ignore my email, ha-ha
I loaded the car, took out the garbage and headed to the office. Got a lot of people paid and reports done before going to fill up the car at Shell where there was double air miles and 3 cents off with BCAA. Stopped at Northstar Bicycle Company where I had been told yesterday that there is a great barista and that was the truth. He (dang I forgot, I think TImmy) was just a lovely human being who made me a wee dog and Rae a heart. What a sweet touch.
We all met at Rae’s and packed the cars before agreeing to meet at Arby’s where Rae needed to bring change. From there we hit the highway with Ash in my car, the students in with Bill and Deanne and the Guedes family all in their vehicle. The weather was sketchy with pretty strong winds as expected but it stayed light long and there were many things to see that made me wish for time to stop and take pictures. The turbines freak me out a little. I guess I have watched too many movies that they unnerve me as a harbinger of doom.
I listened to audible books and Ash tried to sleep along the way until we got to Vulcan which is a cool little spot celebrating the Star Trek universe. It wasn’t open and it was pouring rain so we stopped at the Subway across the street use the loo, grab food and warm up. Just as we were nearing town my car gave me a message. Maybe it came from outer space
My car told me I had zero Kms of fuel left about 2 Kms before we got to the first open gas station which just happened to be a shell right beside our hotel. Probably could have kept going!!!
Rae, Roger, Bill and Deanne, Will and Sawyer have a suite with a kitchen and separate bedroom and Ash & I are in a two queen with pullout with the 4 teens. It is already smelly in here, lol.
I once again forgot part of my machine but thankfully Ash brought both of hers so I will use her machine and my mask tonight. Should be good and I am tired… On with the vacation!!
I started getting ready to leave tomorrow and then raced to the office to run payroll before heading to St. Eugene Resort for the Cranbrook Chamber lunch as a representative of Fisher Peak Performing Artists society. I had great conversations with people I hadn’t met before, and some I had. The buffet had two options and I asked specifically if there were peppers and was told no for the meat sauce penne. I am going to say they were wrong as I was not feeling well within minutes of eating. The speaker was from Destination BC and it was interesting to hear the plan to recover from the pandemic. I liked the pavilion venue and can imagine beautiful events there. It went long but I hit the books hard when I got back, drank lots of water to calm my upset stomach and wished I had antacids at the office.
I popped home to change and eat some rice before heading to Key City to bartend for the Johnny Reid concert. It was sold out so there wasn’t room to sit in but I bought a great t-shirt, enjoyed my time working with Éveline and Emma, and had a great chat with the merchant guy about how I saw Johnny in 2012 for the Rick Hanson celebration of heroes in Vancouver. Alex said that was before most of the hits and called me an early adopter. We had a good laugh over that.
Once I got home I packed and organized for tomorrow; I am really looking forward to this road trip to Drumheller, Alberta.
I wasn’t feeling good so I took a Covid test just in case. It was negative and the running nose and lethargy mostly wore off as the day went on.
Focus was tough but I spent over 8 hours working on theatre books so I could have them ready for the board meeting in time. I will basically be coming back from vacation to the meeting on Tuesday, weather and roads permitting. One of my client’s forgot to send me the time sheets so I will do that payroll and another in the morning.
I got home late and made dinner which was good but the onions are leaving me hurting. It tastes so good going down…
I cleaned up and readied for not being here for a few days. Probably should go pack… and get sleep.
Ashlée sent me this shot from the fair. Gene and I enjoyed the Ferris Wheel.
It barely matters that I worked and rushed home to make dinner and change to head to Key City to volunteer for The Debaters. The single most exciting thing that happened today was when I heard a voice while I was bartending and turned to see Pete and Jayme, Luc and Colleen, friends I made while living in Bella Bella. I could not keep the grin off my face. I went in to watch the first half of the show and as I was sitting there, I realized That I had worn my Monday socks. That is what I call the ones that P & J gave me when I house sat for them, not long before I left the Central Coast. There was so much synchronicity in the evening, it is overwhelming. Just to see all those smiles, and hug again… joy, joy!
Side note, I didn’t only get socks from them, it was their dog that caused my last concussion. How great is it that I only found out at the fair this weekend that my vertigo is finally gone!!
I woke up at a decent time, very dehydrated and chased away a mild hangover with a breakfast of strong coffee and a chocolate cupcake from yesterday. Cleaned and started laundry, watered the plants and headed to the theatre to help with the strike and inventory the tech gear. Pepijn was an invaluable help to make it all happen. We sorted and recorded everything. He created 5 presets for the convenience of renters and I was impressed with how well he was able to create them from what I explained. We also created directions to make it easy for renters to follow. I will type everything up tomorrow and put it on the GDrive as well as make a copy to laminate for the wall of the booth.
One of my favourite parts of the strike was when the chainsaw fired up to take down the tree. Now that was a first.
I took all my recycling to the bin and then came home to finish chores and make a nice dinner of Grilled Asparagus and Portobello Mushroom Salad. I was glad I had fresh lettuce to use as I had let the head that came with the meal get floppy. The stickbugs are enjoying it, so no waste! It is funny that growing up I thought asparagus was slimy rope and now here I am cooking it for myself. Most things are about texture, just had to learn how I really like it, al denté. I look forward to it for lunch tomorrow as well.
I have been thinking today about my conversation with Mayor Don McCormick and his wife Bev while I was in Kimberley yesterday. We were talking about the fact that your bookkeeper has one of the most trusted relationships. It’s definitely true as the person who does your tax return knows the most about you; who you do or do not donate to, what your prescriptions are, who you work for, etc. The other thing I was interested in was that he said fewer and fewer people are going into politics as they are afraid that they will have done something to offend in the past or be found guilty for the awkward choices of their youth. That is a disturbing thought.
This day was surrounded by so many people that I can’t imagine I haven’t been exposed. I threw caution to the wind, did not wear a mask and enjoyed being out in public, accepted and enjoyed so many hugs and just took a calculated risk. Rae let me know that the older kids all had play dates to the fair in town but Sawyer did not. I have very fond memories of my grandad taking me to the PNE every year. I knew I needed to make that memory for Sawyer so I picked him and Lukas up at 11:45 to go. We were so lucky as there was no line to purchase our wristbands and they got to go on most of the rides before there were lines or before they got very, very long. We spent nearly 5 hours enjoying all the fun, including William and his friend Ryan. The boys were great to hang out with and they even got me on rides I never would have gone on due to my vertigo issues in the past which did not rear their ugly head. The only ride Sawyer stepped away from was the Ferris Wheel which scared him. It is my favourite as the peacefulness of it always brings me joy. There were so many perfect moments, I can’t even explain.
I dropped the boys off and came home to use the loo, no portatpoties for me and headed to Kimberley to join in the first anniversary of my client, Grist & Mash Brewery. I was so tired but am so glad I went. I was blessed to come home with a new glass for my collection
On the way home I stopped at the fair to meet with the family again and got in line for one last ride on the Ferris wheel. The people behind us gave tickets to Rae so she could ride with Sawyer who panicked for a moment but ended up enjoying it.
I headed home as I was getting cold and no portapotties for me. Autopilot into my jammies and was about to settle into the couch when I remembered I was to join the cast party at The Blind Pig. I got myself dressed and headed down to have a fabulous evening of theatre friends which of course involved many hugs and deep conversations. It is now 2 am and I am fully exhausted from all the fresh air and good times. I am sure there are many more exciting things to share but am worn out and ready to tuck in. Tomorrow is strike day which I have promised to assist with!!
Today began with sideways rain and sleet, contained many issues with electronics and other people calling for help, and ended with a swing by the fair before stopping at the Market and Safeway where many pleasant conversations occurred. Another lucky day after all.
triumphgal 