Last night a little surprise happened as I was getting ready to turn in and heard something in the ramp to the cat door. I found it to be a family of raccoons. This morning I found that they had had a party.
This was once again a very full day and I made all my filings. Tomorrow will be full of things I had to push off. I am glad I succeeded. I am also glad that I made dinner last night so I could come home and relax. Yes, I did treat myself to a bowl of double chocolate ice cream and a Blackberry Crown Royal.
I figured out a bunch of stats that made me let go of two clients today. They always bring me their stuff last minute. I am done with that, no matter how much I care about out them as humans.
Average month = 84.5 hours
June 99.5
July with two weeks off = 84 with one day to go
Came home and made dinner
Played two games of Outsmarted with Mark. We each won 1 and had fun as I had my friend, Rhonda, buy nummy chocolate and drop it off to him today.
I worked over 11 billable hours and even took time out to grab Lukas from work, get gas and pop into Walmart who sadly didn’t have the colour yarn I need to keep crocheting.
‘The ministry of ungentlemanly warfare’ was still on my mind, having watched it the night before. On Prime, check it out
I had a decent sleep, got some chores done and then headed to the office. Left around eight after giving my mom a call and finding out that there was a Covid exposure in her room so they are basically quarantined just when she was getting able to walk the halls for Physio. Very disappointing. I dropped off her sandals for better traction walking and picked up her MRI report which has a whole lot of things that I have to look up to understand. But for now, I am glad that I made the base for a shepherds pie this morning before I left as it is now after nine and I am just boiling the potatoes so that I can have dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow
Marc and I played Outsmarted last night and one of the things that came up was that the Hyundai logo is supposed to be a handshake. I couldn’t see it until he sent me a picture
I had a decent sleep, got some chores done and then headed to the office. Left around eight after giving my mom a call and finding out that there was a Covid exposure in her room so they are basically quarantined just when she was getting able to walk the halls for Physio. Very disappointing. I dropped off her sandals for better traction walking and picked up her MRI report which has a whole lot of things that I have to look up to understand. But for now, I am glad that I made the base for a shepherds pie this morning before I left as it is now after nine and I am just boiling the potatoes so that I can have dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow
Marc and I played Outsmarted last night and one of the things that came up was that the Hyundai logo is supposed to be a handshake. I couldn’t see it until he sent me a picture
Set my alarm so I could connect with my ABC peeps. Not going to lie, the blush is off the rose. I somewhat look forward to these moments. There are some that I still feel connected to and others that are fading. It is always good to hear voices to go with faces. I do hope to get to Michigan folks in the near future. That would be the last of the group that I haven’t visited in their own state/country.
Following the zoom, I headed to the office and broke the back of a big file.
Once I got home, I reached out to Minto play Outsmarted, which he always beats me at, but we have fun.
7 hours on one file, a visit to Mom who is doing much better but in for another week or two, home to enjoy my over grown blossoming yard, dinner and now I am sitting watching Big Brother with a big bowl of popcorn and a glass of wine. I also started my new temp blanket from July 1 onwards
Work, Rotary lunch, work, Rotary Park for Summer Sounds. The Anadil Belly Dance kicked off, followed by Trena, and then Shred Kelly. There were 7-800 people there and everyone had a great time.
Started the day with a gift in my mailbox from Emmy. I love it
I put a ridiculous amount of time in today on client work and then spent 3 hours on Fisher Peak website, membership, and money updates. I left the office after 10. Thankfully Mom is in good hands, they’ve got her up walking a bit and did an x-ray to find out why her right arm isn’t working properly. Turns out she’s got bad arthritis in that shoulder. Nice to hear her in better spirits.
There is really nothing to report. Mom sounds much better and she understands that I can’t make it there today. I did have to start the day with a manicure (broken nail) and errands.
I worked solid until after 7:30 and then called it done.
I set my alarm but fell asleep again. I needed it so wasn’t stressed. Got through my email although I can’t figure out why my work email won’t send or receive since July 4th into my outlook. Jake, Sawyer and Emmy picked me up for a visit with Mom before going for lunch.
Underhoused bearThe rain didn’t come 😦
I worked my butt off, attended the Board meeting and went for eats with Steve and Ferdy. While I was there I was getting texts for help from a client so I stopped them at 8:45 and got shit done! He was shocked and happy and I didn’t have to add it to tomorrow’s list. I was home by just after 10. This is going to be a heavy work week.
I was awoken at 8:39 from a very deep sleep by a call from Mom that they were taking her to the hospital. It seems that she hadn’t been able to get out of bed on her own when they came to give her a shower. It was a very long day of test and wait and no info
Finally, after ecg and chest x-ray, they decided to admit her. This was a blessing, as were the third floor nurses and the wonderful Dr Ang. He is determined to get to the root of her leg swelling and why it is also hot.
I missed Deanne’s 70th birthday party but after gathering things at Mom’s apartment, I stopped for cake and a bevie and a good visit.
I am so very tired and drained after 9 hours at the hospital
A very realistic lawn ornament
I forgot that Ash had sent me pics of the t-shirt presentation. They make me smile
I didn’t even know that a performer had strapped himself in when he road on back of my cart.
My tough puzzle when I left (actually it was nearly done) and thanks to Missy, when I returned
I woke up early, had coffee and a good visit with Wendy, processed out loud the loss of a mutual friend and headed out. I left her a flamingo and stress star to share with her grand daughter Georgia which left me with one of each for me. Perfect! First stop was at a liquor store to buy birthday gifts for Deanne and Roger, and pick up Blackberry Crown for me Westbank and Kelowna have massively grown since I last was there, many years ago. First stop after that was a rest stop and then Rock Creek for gas. It was sad and amazing to see where the wildfires had destroyed acres and acres but left farms standing. I’m sure that’s a tribute to the crews.
Next stop was on the outskirts to take a call from Moms care worker and I authorized three times a day and Physio. Good thing I pulled over to take the call as only one minute after, the reception was gone for miles. I continue to listen to Patrick Stewart narrated his biography. The next stop was at the art gallery in Grand Forks. There was an amazing display, and I even got to hug a crocheted tree. I loved the bike stands at the library across the street
The last stretch was broken up by a stop at my favourite fruit and veg spot in Creston. I was told there are no peaches or nectarines in Creston u less they came in from Georgia! I bought a massive bag of peas, some baby carrots and potatoes, and some Rainier Cherries.
I stopped to see Mom when I got into town and a little it read her the riot act as she hasn’t journaled her food, water intake and activity since July 1st. She has to care more about her health than I do. Apparently her bottom plate has been stuck in her mouth for the whole time I’ve been gone and she hasn’t reached out for help. I asked at the front when I left and apparently there was a dental assist on shift who was able to go up and get it out. That’s a relief. I got the impression that Mom wants me to come see her every day again. I will try, but…
I was happy to get an email from Donna’s caregiver that they found my Dads wedding ring that had gone missing as it had gone with the laundry. it is now safely locked up.
I stopped at Encore for the patio opening party and it was so lovely to get the big Cheers welcome, Maddi started off the ‘Marnée!’
I had some food and beverages before coming home to a cat who clearly missed me and a nice visit with Tracey. It was sad to not be able to see Fisher Peak due to the smoke, but my angel, Kelly let me know she got me home safe when a dragonfly landed on the edge of my windshield
Now I am enjoyable sip of blackberry crown
I am so thrilled that Michael McGovern is wearing this crew shirt at Hebcelt Fest back home in Scotland
It was truly good to escape and fill my cup. Marnée Magic was in full swing for me and I really needed it.
I woke up to a peaceful morning at Jake’s. He had to run off to work so I made myself a coffee, got ready and headed to see Jackie We had a great visit, I think she is a bit more bored than she has been but we had many good laughs, hand squeezes and hugs. I really miss hearing her firm commands and corrections, lol, but am so happy to still be able to ask questions that she can answer.
I made a plan to stop for lunch with Julie at the golf course she works at and then head to West Kelowna to stay with Colin and Wendy. Much to my surprise, the crew that Jules alluded to being there was Bruce McBeath, Mike Gosse and Dominic, a Queensborough kid like me. The welcome was overwhelming, many great stories were told and maybe too many hugs after, lol. I felt bad that I didn’t have a deep visit with Julie as the boys were hogging the conversations. we had a great visit and posed some before and after shots. I teared up a bit when Dom and I got talking about David Bellham. He was Dom’s best friend and my first love who died of a brain tumour at 17.
I stopped in Chilliwack for cheap gas and headed for West Kelowna. It is such a beautiful route and I am sure I haven’t been in Westbank since the Ride For Sight in the ‘80sI got a very warm reception from Colin and Wendy and e en got to interact with Miss Georgia. She is a soon to be 4 cutie. Visits were great, dinner was amazing and I accidentally spilled the last glass of expensive wine from Lucinda Williams. It was delicious.
This cat freaks me out
I love these people so much, am blessed to call them friends for nearly 30 years! Today has truly been a walk down a happy memory lane!
I feel like the universe is unveiling the love and admiration that has always been around me that I was unable to see. Bruce said that they all thought I was so strong, that they never knew ew I was hurting and Dom gave me his number, telling me to call if I was ever in need again.
I wish I could go back and tell that teenage me just how loved that I was.
I spent the morning washing my car, doing laundry, taking care of a few clients, changing the bed and visiting with Kym. At one point I went t up to the shop with Greg to bring down his flat deck for him. We stopped at guys working on the roadside clearing and 3 of the 4 were friends, Amos, Jay and Ole. I’m not going to lie, my heart was full finding them so happy to see me. Ole said he had been wondering recently how I was doing. It really is nice to know I had a space in their lives that was meaningful.
The sparkle is backAmos OleKym
I packed up and said my goodbye to go visit my step-mom, Donna whom I call Mrs B. She has progressive Alzheimer’s and is in Extended Care at Lady Minto She didn’t know me at first but recognized my voice and mannerisms as definitely being a Bellavance. I laughed when I realized she was wearing a signed Donnie McDougall t-shirt. He was a guitar player for The Guess Who and a friend whom I haven’t seen for a while. I was surprised and cheered the fact that they get happy hour everyday at 3. She enjoys her Scotch and soda. Most of the time we talked about her time as a teacher. She is a brilliant woman and often mentioned that she forgets now, yet quoted Robert Frost. There was one line that kept alluding her so I wrote it on a paper as well as a small family tree from Dad on down.
I took time to speak with Katie who is her worker and has also been an acquaintance of mine for years. I asked her to let me know ow if there was anything I could send or do and she did say some newer comfy clothes and pictures. Mrs B did ask me for the picture of us that I took the last time I was there. Kym has a picture book I the works and will add some of my family as well. We had good laughs and although she often asked my name, how old I was and where I lived, there were sharp moments. I told her that she was my WSM and she immediately responded, “Wicked Step Mother!” I think we both gasped when we calculated that she had known me for nearly 50 years.
I left and headed for the 6 ferry out of Fulford Harbour to Schwarts bay. I was very early so had time for a bowl of soup and a glass of Garry Oaks Pinot Gris. I invited a lady to sit with me who was over for a meditation retreat and was catching a bite on the way. She was sweet and grateful for the seat out of the sun.
Once I was on the second boat to Tsawwassen, which I had to barely sit in line for, I had the fish and chips I had taken out I confess that the wine and the company were the best part of that experience. It was a beautiful crossing and always thrilling for the tourists when the whales breached in Active Pass
I found this online that spoke to my thoughts about talking out my feelings about Lee and how he thought it should be bygones
I enjoyed the drive to Jake’s and found a spot to park right out front. it is a lovely neighborhood near to where we used to live in Vancouver. It is an older building though and very hot
Mom called while I was on the boat. She is very stressed from the heat. I may have to make room for her at my place but that is going to be complicated. I asked Rae if Will could go visit her for a couple hours in the afternoons and put cool cloths on her legs and make sure ahead of time is getting enough water.
Had a great catchup with Jake about the tech show he was at in Tai Pei and the trip to Japan that followed. I am happy for him and am glad he is coming up next weekend for his 30th birthday.
I was woken by a client call at 7:15 or so. I wasn’t grumpy exactly, yeah I was grumpy.
I headed up to the production trailer to do my payroll for today
Next was getting my camp undone and packing up my stuff. This took about an hour and a half in the blazing son. I was done in and needed a shower. I went to start the car and the battery was dead. I sat dejectedly in the car seat wondering how long BCAA would take when I noticed there was a button, never used, on the left lower – saying 12 V batt reset, so I pushed it.
There was an odd sound, and then I tried the push button ignition to find that it came to life. How cool is that, that my car boosted itself.
After making my rounds to say goodbye, I headed for Crofton, which has the ferry that goes to Vesuvius Bay on Salt Spring Island
I laughed when I parked in line at the terminal at exactly 4:20
First stop was to train my friend/client on his books and then he took me out for dinner at Cassette Diner & Dive Bar which used to be a Shell Station. The food, drinks and company were all fabulous
After Mark took off I decided to do a slow loop through the village and I heard a voice that I recognized. I parked and went with video rolling to see Tom Hooper on the wee Shipstone’s dockside stage where I used to host. After chatting with friends I ran into, I went in and casually stood by so as not to interrupt Tom on his break talking to someone. He glanced over at one point, did a serious double take and leapt off his stool to give me a huge hug, introducing me as a dear friend d that he hadn’t seen in a decade. More hugs were had after a quick update on things Grapes of Wrath and it was time for him to get back on stage.
I wandered and soaked up the sea before heading up to my brothers. It was great to see family in their own environments. We had a nice visit and then I fell asleep blogging lol
I awoke to my alarm with the sun streaming in and was not feeling dry refreshed after 3.5 hours sleep. This was of course my own undoing so I was stealing myself to get up for teardown when I heard a sweet voice softly calling my name. Dear Kate, Cresslynn, the Production Manager’s new assistant, is beside me in her motor home needed me as I was parked on her cord. Seems when I was assisted to park and asked if I was on a cord, to which all replied, No, was in fact erroneous information. I got up and flagged down Mark to see if he could jack it up as I am not sure where my jack is buried. He got it done and off she went
I got dressed, grabbed a coffee and headed for backstage. It was important that I get everything sorted and in its proper place in order for the strike crew to do their work. Both Duncan and Giovanni showed up on their own accord to help and then Ashlée. The team had done so much last night that it went smoothly; radios and cart chargers were returned, laundry placed ready to be done, stools and stage totes put by the trailers and sea cans that they would call home for another season. There were many moments spent chatting and congratulating each other on a job well done. I love finding out about people’s favourite moments. Ashlée and Francis made a game of ‘Can we do it all in one load’ and gave us a good laugh. (They did) I gave Eli a ride up to his bike and had a nice visit while we pulled all the padlocks from the barn. I had a nice visit with Isa and Emmanuel and then Francis joined as the dear brothers awaited a pick up from their parents. I got a good round of hugs from all, including Mom, and off they went for another year.
I found out tonight that someone’s child voted mine ‘the dirtiest car’
We all had lunch and then Ash headed off to get a ferry to stay with her brother in Vancouver for the night. I grabbed my laptop and headed to the production trailer to sit in the AC and get payroll done as I forgot about the time change. Seems that although I have out of office on, clients weren’t getting the messages and were worry started texting. There is something going on with my email as it is only coming in on my phone. That made things even more complicated, but eventually I got all 5 done with only one to do tomorrow. While I was working, Mark came in to get something and apparently was so focused that he didn’t know I was there. When he left he put the safety bar across the door. I went to leave and was locked in. I had to call to get out. We had a good laugh. Marcy gave me the most expensive bottle of wine I’ve owned that was left from Lucinda Williams trailer. I look forward to enjoying it. Kurtis (Tiny), head of our security, sent me a picture of him and three of the PAW guys holding the stress balls that I gave them. I had tried to thank the coffee guy by giving him one, but he said no as it was wasteful. A bit rude thought I. Today was the first time that I really realized that we have been in Rotary Bowl all these years. Now that I am a Rotarian, I am starting to see more of the signs and take pride in how much we do every where
As the sun was setting a tight bunch of us gathered for a beverage at the Production Trailer and a few good laughs were had. I really like the friendship that I am growth Connie Schaad. She’s straight up, just as all of us are that are Fest Family.
Fest Stonehenge
I wandered back to my lovely camp and am honestly sad that I will have to pack it up tomorrow and head on down island. Salt Spring is calling
Up early and off to the races. The day was long and awesome! I have now been up and on the go for 21 hours. Not all of it was at full gallop but I really should sleep as there is still much to do tomorrow. My emotional cup is refilled and there is nothing better than that.
The performers today that I had the most love from upon their leaving were from Chola Y Gitano, Michael McLachlan and his friend whose name has escaped me. I have been handing out flamingos and stars and sharing laughs. Michael was even gifted with a slightly faded Stage Manager shirt to take back to Scotland. There are so many great memories to store. I wish I could spare the remainder of the night to share them here so I could keep them like a time capsule. I just enjoyed my old friends and made new ones.
All in all, Marnée Magic was fully engaged this weekend. I couldn’t begin to list all the moments where I was exactly where I should be. Even at the end of the night there was a call from Hotel Shuttle that a mandolin had been left in a vehicle and the hotel’s front desk was closed. They had no identification as to whose it was. I requested they bring it back to me. The only tag on it was from our lockup which led us to identify immediately whose it was and call him to arrange delivery. Jaxon was so grateful and it proved that our system works. I had brought chips and non-alcoholic Moscow Mules, Margaritas & Pinot Gris to share with the last crew of the Fest. It was a fun celebration
I should have gone to bed but as I was sorting things at lockup, I heard a chorus of my name from the main stage to come join everyone for a beer and a photo. I was so damn happy and had several great conversations and made plans to follow up with critiques of crew and systems etc. Doug and I had a pretty deep conversation after about the reality of continuing. Once again, I am emotional at the thought of many of these ‘folks like family’ drifting out of my life.
I was up and at it early and thank goodness. Hit the ground running.
This will be short as it is already 1:30 am so, technically, Sunday, but this a brief rundown of Saturday. There is much to unpack.
Showered, coffee, radio on, let’s go!
Someone had a partyThe Lee Boys with Calvin CookeCalvin CookeGordie Tentrees and Jaxon HaldaneRiley and LisaMarianne Gittani
I had a joyous peaceful moment when all stages were up and running, and then, as I was watching Marianne for a few minutes, things changed. I glanced sideways to see my LAST husband, Lee sitting there smiling at me. I was caught like a deer in headlights, but pulled an Oscar winning performance as a person of importance doing an important job rather than let him see how little I wanted to engage. I casually beelined for the backstage of the Barn, found a bench out of sight and proceeded to have a full on panic attack. My throat tried to close and I was struggling. Our marriage ended when he left fingerprints around my neck so I shouldn’t be surprised that that was the reaction I had. I was sitting there struggling when I realized that the monitor guy, Clay, whom I have worked here with for many years, has seen me and come from his board to give me deep breathing exercises before he had to run back to his board. Such kindness. I pulled myself together and headed for backstage but now I felt discombobulated in my happy place. i stopped to take a video on my way backstage and while my cart was surrounded by people he proceeded to walk up and make small talk. I was a trapped animal. I finally made some excuse to leave and then I autopilot drove my cart to production trailer hoping for a hug from Cresslynn or Jean, but as I pulled up it was Ilana, a challenging crew member who was there and I just let her hold me while I sobbed. I think our differences have been resolved. It was what has been dubbed Marnée Magic. The perfect timing, even in a bad situation.
I tried to pull myself together as best as I could but my brain went into fright or flight. I couldn’t multitask, was even having trouble remembering stage names to communicate so I took time to process. I was still on my game at an average level, just not the one that I wanted to be at.
I did share what had occurred with my Fest family and the overwhelming support helped me to claim back that this is my happy place. I was also relieved that Ashlée was so supportive and even confronted him when she ran into him. She was also able to see what I could not, that he did not have backstage access. I could trust the security and relax there.
I finally got on with the day, slowly regaining my thoughts and doing what I do best.
It is now 2am and I need to be back at it soon so I shall say goodnight or perhaps, good morning
I came across a lady distraught that she had just bought pickled carrots and couldn’t ring them in. Not gonna lie, I may have smuggled for herCalvinSarah and her birthday girlTony and SarahLovely JeanBCUCDevon
triumphgal 