The final night of Summer Sounds went very well. There was a good turn out of folks in spite of the cooler weather and the performers were well received. I had fun emceeing as I sported my Ed Fest t-shirt and talked it up as much as possible.
First up was Velle and Kootenay Soul. She brought some of her band and hired two brass players from Brass Monkeys. It is always fun to see Randy and Shinobu arrive at the park.
The middle performer was a real treat. Tyrel Hawke is an ICU nurse from Fort Steele who won the 2014 Kootenay’s Best Singer competition. He has concentrated on his career and it is so great to see him perform. I had forgotten that he and Ashlée were very close in high school and that he was also in A Midsummer Night’s Dream when she played Puck and I flew here to see it and surprise her on closing night. She came down specifically to see him perform and was moved to tears by a song he wrote about his family dynamics. It was great to see them reunite and share the love. He does have a killer voice.
I gathered all the money and paid the vendors for the volunteer coupons and then stuck around to help with the fence takedown tonight. I wanted to thank everyone for being part of another special summer experience.
But, I am glad this was the last one!
The Super Blue Moon is mostly hidden by cloud cover but it is trying to reflect through.
You know, the one that just rolls along and then you realize it’s done. Your lists were checked off, you took the calls, replied to the email, and just got it done. You even stopped to eat… 3 times!
I just had one of those.. I wonder if it was the rain. I was able to just focus in a relaxed manner and meet my obligations and then some. Now, after a nice dinner, I am enjoying a glass of wine and AGT.
It is my first best friend’s birthday today. She has caught up and joined the 60 club. The first connections are pure. I believe that when we are children we choose friends that are soul mate friends. Life may send us in different directions but there is still a love that is there.. forever. We were close for so many years and then our own insecurities and peers in high school got in the middle. I can now admit that I was sad not to have been in her wedding party but I also didn’t have her in any of mine, so… lol. Today I thought of her often and the memories we made as young girls in male worshipped families. I remember her clearly wanting to be a boy, and I have always described myself as my father’s oldest son. Good thing now, I think, that neither of us grew up in a world where we would have made that choice permanent. We are both strong, intelligent, high functioning women.. and it all began in a strange little suburb of a suburb of Vancouver. There is a large part of me that wishes we lived closer, but I have to wonder if I am actually very good at maintaining closeness. It is easier to pop in and catch up on my friends. Or, maybe that is self protection. Part of me stays aloof so I can’t be hurt.
For example.. I decided to join the FaceBook dating app and have had a couple interesting conversations. One has gone on a few days with a guy in Kelowna. We talked about things and seemed to be getting along. He requested switching to messenger…. (Yep, should have seen this coming) and I took a day to decide, sure, at least I would see his profile. The first thing I see is his likes of ‘Innocent babes’ sites and then he says he’d like to see more of me. Done, blocked, sigh. There is a reason I am so jaded. I shall have to wait to meet someone in person, a friend of a friend, someone vetted.
I did have a good meeting with the Ed Fest crew today and brought my screen to be used. Tracy came over with her ladder so I could check where my roof peeled back from the wind/pergola damage. Thankfully it did not leave access for rain, as we are to get a bunch tomorrow. I will have to fix it before snow and ice though.
I finally got all the documents requested to the broker and she has sent in the package. I hope to hear soon that I have an appointment at the notary to sign it off.
I loved the timing that I finished the first of the puzzles she gave me.. today!
Driving the jeep was a complete joy today in the perfect temperature with the wind in my face. It was almost like being on a boat again. I could practically smell the ocean in my imagination.
The pharmacist at Safeway is a lovely human being who goes above and beyond to help me get what I need for my Mom
My friend Deanne is a blessing as she will take Mom to her lab appointment tomorrow, which is necessary because Mom wouldn’t give up her card game this afternoon to let me take her when an appointment was open.
I have been chatting with a couple guys on the FaceBook dating app. None of them live here, two are 5-6 years older than I am. They are nice but I am practically moving backwards slow in the conversations. One I am already writing off as he is too attractive and too complimentary. He thinks I am too pretty to be single… why is that a red flag…
I made a good meal and was puzzling when Tracy asked me to go for a walk. It was nice to do so. I am still maintaining my weight mostly but slowly creeping up and then back down. I still would like to lose more to be completely comfortable and definitely need to get back on the treadmill in the mornings.
The mortgage still hasn’t completed and I am currently paying 9.85% on the old one… argh.
I need this to be over so I can even make plans for my vacation in October.
Still enjoying Only Murders in the Building. It is well done.
Checking out Ash’s pics in Koots Roots at the mall
Fresh pretty nails from Ty
A drive about town
Puzzling
Sitting in the yard reading my book
Admiring a pretty and talkative bird in the yard.
Made nummy tacos for dinner
Missy proudly brought me in a small bird (not the talkative one). She had it gently in her mouth and was mewing as she came through the cat door. She laid on the floor and looked at me with it held gently in her mouth. I calmly said, “no Missy” and she released it. I opened the front door and it flew away. In all these years she has never shown any signs of interest in birds, or any other critters for that matter. I always just thought her bell would be a deterrent. At least she didn’t try to eat it!!
Today I was pleased to wake and spend the morning, enjoying poached eggs on Texas Garlic Toast and coffee while I watched some brain soothing Star Wars items on Disney +. Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies was odd and peaceful. Biome was ridiculously soothing as it was a peaceful flyover of various Star Wars terrain. And I loved Lego Star Wars Summer Vacation.
I then got ready to head to the park for Summer Sounds in collaboration with Rotary Club of Cranbrook’s Chili Cook off. I was there just after 1 as I stopped at the office to prepare my info to emcee.
The first band of the day was Las Cha Chas. The guitar player, Ivan lives in Kimberley and his posse comes up from Sayulita, Mexico. They were absolutely amazing, filling the park with their Tropical Rock. The small audience was very appreciative. I truly wish more people had been there to enjoy them.
Next was Half Spent, a group of indie rockers from town. They were so tight, very enjoyable. There was a moment of annoyance when I heard a volunteer at one of our booths say that they were the worst band we have ever had. I went off to the loo and then sat down with her to calmly explain that she is the face and voice of our organization while she is volunteering for us. I explained that the hoped for response to “How is the music?” Is that people seem to be really enjoying them. They are not my taste but people are happy. She was very receptive and we left on good terms. I did let her know that they were, in fact, a very good band.
The evening was closed out by Brass Monkey, a 7 piece band complete with keys and brass! Two of the members used to live on Salt Spring Island, I do adore Randy and Shinobu. One of the members is also one of our Board Members, Jamie has a wonderful voice and he really pours the energy out after having open heart surgery not that long ago.
Over the course of the day, from 4 pm on, the Rotary club was selling wristbands for $20 to allow people to taste the 9 different chilis. There were local celebrity judges for a prize of $500, and a people’s choice award for $300. It was very popular and they sold out of wristbands.
Dom & Lallah
It was a long day with my back and hips reminding me that I was walking on uneven ground. It was worth it to have the feedback from people, how much they loved it. I was also very flattered that Dom complimented me on the job I was doing as she works for a local radio station and emcees many events.
The crowd was appreciative, the music was great and the feedback was good. Our collaboration was a success, in spite of the confusing schedule and uncertainty of why we started the music so early when the crowd was sparse. It is something we will take up at the board level.
I have a bit of a sore throat but made sure to Covid test when I got home. It was negative thankfully.
I got news that my appraisal is done and sent to my broker today. Thankfully it came in even higher than the BC Assessment value. It is ridiculous that in the current market, my 1980, 1 bedroom and den mobile home on it’s own lot has come in over 260K. I can’t imagine how anyone can get in the market any more. I know I won’t be selling, that’s for sure. I will follow up on Monday to make sure it all goes through quickly though as I can’t imagine what my open mortgage is costing me at the moment. It is such a huge relief though, I am sure I will sleep much better tonight.
Got news that Jake is coming for a visit next weekend. I can’t wait to see him as I was not here in July when he last visited.
I drove the jeep today and the weather was absolutely perfect.
I FaceTimed with Edwina last night, catching up and reminiscing about Woody. We held our own wake. I fell into a heavy sleep and woke up wide awake at 4:30. I tried to listen to comedy podcasts, but did not fall into a good sleep again and finally got up at 6:30
I had a bagel and cream cheese as well as a couple coffee before heading to the office. I did not feel well…
I put in a lot of time on the books, broken up by coming home to meet the appraiser, Barry. It was hard to read him, but he promised to have it emailed to me tomorrow. It is an uncomfortable feeling to have a stranger in your home, taking stock.
I worked until 7:30 and came home to just heat up a burrito, make some popcorn, puzzle a little and watch my shows. I am trying to stay up long enough to induce a good night’s sleep as I have to go to a client’s tomorrow and then emcee for the Chili cook off and music in the park on Saturday.
The problem with moving away from a tight community like Salt Spring Island, where I lived for 15 years, is that I don’t always get the news that I wish I knew, in a timely manner. Today I was stunned to see a post of a picture of the flag lowered over Mouat’s, the community central, with an accompanying message that it was in honour of Woody Scott. I was immediately overcome, fighting the urge to vomit, which is my deep feels reaction. Upon reaching out to a mutual friend, I learned that he had had a long and terrible battle with Cancer. I suspect people thought I knew that, and that it was less of a shock to many. There are many who had a far deeper relationship with him, the flag being lowered speaks to his place in the community. My reaction to the news speaks to the place he held in my heart and my history. Woody was a very good, loving and kind man. We played ball together and socialized during my time on the island. He was always ready with a big hug and even bigger smile. I have so many fond memories, but one of my favourites that I share on occasion was when we went to a ball tournament off island. Another of our players was nicknamed Nummy and when we all went to hit the hay at the end of the night it seemed neither of the guys had brought a tent. I was all set up, so of course, they crashed with me which led to the night I slept between Woody and Nummy, lucky girl. It is hard to speak to the hole someone leaves in your life, but it is always as big as the space they filled when they were in it. I loved you and will miss you, dear Woody. I am glad your battle is over.
I forgot to set my alarm so when I woke up I messaged Geraldine right away and then jumped in the shower so I could meet them at Denny’s. They had breakfast before I got there but I was so happy to get a several coffee visit before they had to go and I had to get to the office to run payroll. I was happy and sad that I was so in the moment that I forgot to take a picture with them!
Back at the office I got things done, including fine tuning my trip in October and making plans for the rest of the week.
William called me and asked if I was busy or could I take Sawyer and him to Encore around 3. I got my stuff done and went to pick them up. I took them to visit GG (my Mom) and once again forgot to take a picture of them with her although it was so cute to see Sawyer cuddling with her every chance he got. We dealt with her mail and her recycling and then I had to ask her to turn off the news as she was saying it was scary. I didn’t want the boys to pick up on the wildfire fear. I iterated that all our family and friends are safe and we have no reasons to fear anything.
Once we got to Encore they were thrilled to find that the arcade was free. Rae, and then Roger, and then Ashlée, Lukas, Bill and Deanne joined us and we talked about Disneyland in early 2024. I have to connect with Jake about us going and taking Emmy. I hope Yumi will join us, we just have to figure out timing and accommodation as well as what we may want to do that the whole group may not.
We have been here a lot….
I am feeling stress that I need to reach out and connect with many friends. I hope that has nothing to do with my or their place on the planet…
Today I worked hard and then spent a good deal of time fine tuning my trip with Sonia from Vegas to Helena in October. I found us interesting places to stay and sent her the links to decide. My friends were to arrive on their way home from a cancelled holiday due to WildFires and I was to meet them at Encore. They didn’t take into account the time change and ultimately were too tiered to set which was disappointing. I sat at Encore and decided to order a pizza and ask Rae to come meet me to bowl as it was Ladies night. There were so many people though that I felt bad taking a lane. We had a good visit and I finally headed home. I may be a little too buzzed for a Monday night….
I let myself sleep in and the spent the day puttering at chores, watching The Morning Show and beginning a puzzle.
Two of my nails were chipped and one came off. I made an appointment for 4:30 to get them fixed at the same place I had them done. It only cost me $15 including a $5 tip and she did a lovely job fixing them.
All my laundry is done and the potentially wrinkly bits are hung up. I still have one basket to put away. I put stuff away outside, sorted more MusicFest stuff, swept and cleaned and then made myself a delicious dinner from what I had in the house.
It is interesting to watch the show that so well follows the events in the world. MeToo, California Wildfires, Vegas shooting, and Covid-19. It will be interesting to see what things are addressed in the 3rd season. It really is a stellar cast covering some serious issues.
On and off today, I checked the Wildfire App to keep on top of things. BC being in a state of emergency has all travel plans being canceled. Out of province people are being turned back home and the traffic on the highway thru Cranbrook is heavy.
This morning was ridiculously cold given the temperatures we have had for the last while.
I put a final coat on my 3000 piece puzzle that has been taking up my table for a year and a half. I bought an awesome product off Amazone that came with little paint brushes that promises to dry waterproof. Yesterday I put a coat on the front and was able to turn it over and coat the back. This morning I ruined it back over and put a second coat on the front. I intend it to be a mat in my den.
I did a lot of puttering and chores this morning, recycle, litter box, rehanging a coat hanger, and watering my garden. I received a call that my jewelry was ready at Delamont. I had taken a ring to get fixed and another to get sized that Auntie Trish gave me. As I had some spare gold, it only cost me $10 rather than the $90 each. When I was leaving I received a text from Monica to see if I could pick her up to go bottle our wine batches. We had a great time and afterword I dropped my wine at home, picked up salad and dessert and headed to her place. We played 3 games of Patchwork and then had a delicious vegetarian dinner. After dinner Galen, Monica, Zoey and I played ticket to ride, which was new to them. I believe we all had a good time. It was good for my soul.
While I was there I received a call from my cousin Rosie, who I stayed with in July that she, Uncle Bryan and Auntie Lynne were packed and leaving their homes as the fire had jumped Shuswap Lake and was too close to them. I had asked this morning if we should be having our family reunion given the province’s state of emergency. It has been decided to cancel it which is sad but is also the right thing.
The day was mostly irrelevant, just got lots done. Much time was spent taking care of our cancelled/postponed Summer Sounds night due to the thick smoke and High temps. I am glad we paid everyone who was cancelled on same day. One of our performers refused the payment as he felt it was an act of God. I really appreciate him and hope we keep hiring him.
For me, it was a bonus evening off. I almost cry when I walk in my house and feel the cool. I am truly First World blessed to have air conditioning.
I did have a lovely early lunch with my friend Stacey and we got talking about how to empty more bottles before I go fill them again on Saturday. I looked up wine popsicles and after making dinner, that is what I did. Peach juice, some blueberries and fruity wine for the win. I hope I got the mix right so that they freeze.
I woke up way too early as I think I was stressing about a client call today. She seems to think I offended her some way by setting my own boundaries. I was prepared to address it, but it still caused me stress.
I relaxed and watched 90 Day Fiancé while having breakfast and then took a shower and headed off. I still love my new hair which is great.
I took her call at 10 and I was able to show her the areas that were causing me grief with her file. We worked through a lot and an hour and a half later I had to beg off as I still had payroll to run.
I worked until it was time to go to an Ed Fest meeting at 4 and we got a lot done as it is less than a month away. It is a very productive group we are working with. I feel that the only weak link is the organization I am on the Board for. I am more there on my own, trying to make big picture things happen.
Next stop was Encore to drop off a poster. I ended up staying and enjoying rib night and a couple bevies. Amanda is an awesome bar manager and I am always happy when she is there. She seems to have recovered well from the fire.
In the course of only 24 hours the smoke has settled in an it is eye burning outside. I am so grateful for the clear air and coolness in my home.
Missy was extremely happy that I picked up her favourite food today.
This picture doesn’t even show how eerie it was this morning
I dedicate this day in remembrance of my cousin Kelly. She was like a sister to me, the thing I lost when I was only 3 months old and then at 54, I lost my dear Kelly. Life goes on.. and so does the grieving.
I did not like the mood I ended yesterday in. I realize it was a weird form of grief. I am sad for my cousins losing their Dad, my Aunt for the loss of her husband and most especially feeling the sadness that tomorrow is the anniversary of them losing their sister, Kelly, 6 years ago. She was a large light in my life and for all of them, I am sad. I had a complicated relationship with my Uncle and Kelly protected me from it. I know he loved me as family and probably never knew how much his words hurt me. It is a complicated grief. My brain can’t just light on it and move through it.
So, this morning, I got up and put on a pretty dress and high heels and decided to have a different kind of day. I would honour both of them by being me and loving my life. I worked hard on payroll, went to my waxing appointment and then sat myself at Encore Brewing, enjoying delicious food and beverages. Lukas came down and we played some skeeball and basketball as the arcades are free on Tuesdays and then he joined me at my hair appointment where he got a cut before mine. Our friend Karissa had a salon before she had her daughter and then twins. She now has a small clientele three nights a week out of her garage. I didn’t know what I wanted but I knew I didn’t like that my grey is predominantly in the centre of my head. My natural colour is very dark still so she did lowlights, the money piece as she calls it and did a nice pick up trim. It was so nice to hang out and visit while she was at it and the result makes me so happy. Unfortunately as I stepped into her house my pretty shoe came apart, lol. I came home barefooted, but got to enjoy them for the day, especially the confident walk and popped calves the give me 🙂
I decided I am going to go to the Gerow Family reunion in Salmon Arm in a week and a half and am going to take Lukas and Will with me. It is my step-family but have I loved and been loved by them nearly my whole life so I am looking forward to it. It will be fun having the boys along as well.
I couldn’t get to sleep last night, set my alarm for late and hit the ground running when I got to the office. There was so much stuff to get through and I plowed through but for the second half of the day I was working on a client’s laptop. I didn’t realize it was set an hour earlier and suddenly realized that I didn’t have time to get to Rae-Anne’s 39th birthday dinner at the Pedal and Tap in Kimberley and back in time for my board meeting. I decided to get ready for the meeting and then do my mystery shop at a cannabis store where I picked up some treats. From there I drove through Popeye’s as I hadn’t been there yet. Back at the office I enjoyed my meal just in time for the meeting, hoping to end at a decent time to join Rae when they texted me that they were at the Firehall for a drink. The meeting was painful and I never got a text so I could leave. I drove by Rae’s and dropped off a card and the rest of her gift but didn’t see her. Would have liked to hug her, but I probably have this angry mood around me anyway so no point.
The morning brought Nana making pancakes for the boys as they cleaned the house and built a Lego vase for their Mom whose birthday is tomorrow. Once they were done with everything I gave them two hours of screen time while I got ready and brought my stuff home to ready for tonight and get changed into cooler clothes. It was a bonus that I tried a pair of shorts on that I haven’t fit for 3 summers and they are perfect. I brought cat toys to Williams new kitten, Leia. She is so adorable and has a pompon tail as it was stepped on and broken, healing in a curve before he got her.
I arrived at the site to stand in a long line to get in but it went quite quickly once the gates opened. I scoped out the area where I sat yesterday and saw a spot for one chair only one row behind where I was. I set up my chair and turned to see I was next to Shannon and Teri, the ladies I had bought the tickets for in the first place! Great kismet! And, we had all brought fans today, lol.
The first band up was Teaze who I couldn’t recall at all. They did do Sweet Misery though and that was familiar. They had good energy and were well received. It is extremely hot on the pavement today and I am staying well hydrated. Thankfully there are water stations.
I decided to get a Chicken Caesar wrap from the salad truck and it was delicious but I didn’t notice it was dripping all down the front of my MusicFest shirt I was wearing. I tried to clean it off but it was a mess so I went to the merch tent to see if I could buy one of the fest tanks. They only had small ones left and the only vee necked one left was a white Streetheart one. It was as a matter of fact, the last one, the sample on a hanger. It was a large so I took a chance and bought it. I went into the arena washroom to change and was glad to have it. While I was buying it I also met the lead singer of Teaze who was very sweet.
I settled in to watch Streetheart and they were great. I don’t think the lead singer has the chops but he was personable and I enjoyed them. I decided to get in line for autographs on my new shirt and although it was hot standing in the sun waiting for them, it turned out to be one of the fun highlights. They were all lined up behind tables and I had a chat with the first guy about him being class of 74 and moving to Vancouver when he was 20 and the music scene being great there. I got him to sign the back of my shirt. Next was Daryl Gutheil, the keyboardist, who is a founding member of the band. I got him to sign over the heart on the front of the shirt. After him were the drummer and bass player who also signed the back and then last was Paul McNair, the lead singer. When I stepped in front of him, he said: “well, this will be fun!” I promptly turned around and the drummer told him that the front was for founding members only… there was a huge laugh and I got a great picture. He was a very good sport and gave me a cheek to cheek moment as well.
Honeymoon Suite was next. They were very popular. I don’t know if I was overheated or just worn out on this kind of music but I wasn’t as into them as I thought I would be. I mean, they were fine, just not great. They drew a big standing crowd.
I blew a sandal, but they had a good long life and managed to get me home so I could throw them out.
I enjoyed chatting with people and finding out where they were from. The furthest I met today was from Saskatchewan.
Once April Wine began, I was glad as not only was a long and hot, over stimulated weekend coming to an end, but I had been looking forward to them. I did however get the unfortunate news that my Uncle Jim died at 8:47 our time this evening. I was unable to completely concentrate after that and found the seemingly never ending drum solo to be just too much. I finally decided to leave about ten after 10 and listened to two of their biggest hits while I was heading to my car.
I stopped to make sure the boys had done as they were supposed to and was pretty impressed. They even made a great sign to welcome their mom for her birthday tomorrow. Rae, Roger and Ash arrived home and we had a quick catchup. She was very impressed with the cleaning job, especially the kitchen.
I am very tired but finding it hard to wind down. That was a great deal of stimulation… and sun. I don’t know how more people weren’t wearing earplugs. maybe they have hearing aids from listening to this type and level of sound, and just turn them down. I could not have survived without my Loops. I did have a fun game in my head that I wish I had had a friend to engage with about. I found myself watching the crowd and wondering who were the hot ones in high school. I also felt great about my aging process as there were all kinds of people of all shapes and stages, just enjoying themselves. it will be interesting to see what the plan is for next year.
triumphgal 