Today was a lot.
A lot of incredible reunions and introductions and music.
A lot less heat which was a bonus
A lot of hard work and dedication to get everything ready to roll
A lot of meeting needs including seeking out an accordion and drum/cymbal stands for an out of country band
A lot of concern for my crew member who had to go out in an ambulance. She is back and we are grateful that her heart episode was cleared
A lot of aches
A whole lot of love and joy
I had a great sleep, only waking at 4:17 to pull my afghan over as the temp had dropped.
The morning was spent puttering and directing when things should be placed or built. It is hot but there is a nice breeze and it is like walking into air conditioning when you move into the shade.
I took a break to drink Gatorade and read for a bit before Ash came to get me to run for cash as I tend to eat from the vendors during to allergies.
When we returned I sorted and readied the binders for the stage managers. One of mine, Richard Caissie has been at the festival for the entire 30 years and two of his sons are on my crew as well having grown up as Little Festers.
The all Vollie meeting was at 7 where I officially introduced Ash as my right hand and gave her power to act in my behalf. We followed that with a crew meet and greet where I handed around a bag of rub er duck style pink flamingo s which I had only recently learned also squeak. I asked each person to take one, say their name and how long they had been volunteers. After the first two people started squeaking as others introduced themselves and it made for a fabulous experience. We all had many good laughs and all the important things were communicated.
I spent some time hanging out with Connie and Gerry, Mark, Eric and Ian before I got a call from VIMF Goddess, Cresslynn that we needed to go lock up the barn as the gear had been moved in. It is always an adventure getting the paddock doors closed. I so love that woman and treasure our friendship.
Now I am in my space enjoying the ambient campground sounds and feeling very ready for all that will occur going forward. This is the way.
I woke up around 8 after a not too comfortable night due to not fully setting up last night. It’s a good thing I didn’t though as where I was put was too far into the fire lane. Mark, Gerry and Ian moved Ian’s Boler over and carried my tent for the move. I tried to get Ashlée’s tent set up with her when she arrived. It was complicated and once more put us into the fire lane. We headed off to town to meet my niece Maya and her partner, Aiden for dinner at Brown’s Social house where we had good food and drinks and even better conversations. She has an amazing tattoo of Mt Maxwell with my Dads signature under it. Ash had taken me to Staples to get a new case for my iPad which is much better than the one I shall return when I get home. Once back on site, I finished setting up my camp, moved her tent to a shady spot and visited with friends. I have done some Fest work as well today, confirming with screw crew where I need ramps and stairs, etc. The vibe tonight is simply lovely. I did visit first aid to attempt to dig out a deep sliver I got this morning. He even had a sliver kit. Hopefully that is it for injury for me. I plan to watch the last of The man with 1000 kids and tuck in. Much work coming soon!
Up early so took time for breakfast and coffee before getting on the road.
It was a beautiful although sometimes hazy day. Traffic was better than expected so I should have made a reservation for the 4 pm ferry out of Horseshoe Bay. Got there at 3 to finally board the 6:20. Was the last one off aside from the car with the dead battery ahead of me. Finally made it as the sun was setting and made time for a quick visit with my dear friends before doing a very basic set up of my camp. Lots of time to finish tomorrow.
The best part of the ferry wait was going for dinner at Trolls. I remember it from my childhood when Dad would be doing dives in Whytecliff Marine Park
Woke up early again this morning due to the magpies outside my window. It’s not the worst way to wake up, but they could’ve given me another hour. After a lovely poached egg on sourdough breakfast from Rosie it was time to say goodbye to Michael and Shanna who were heading back to Coquitlam today. I do love them both and wish I could see them more often.
Rosie and I got ourselves ready and headed the hour plus drive to see my cousin Mark and his fiancé Elaine, who live on the north shore of the Shuswap in a lovely cabin style home. She had put out a delicious charcuterie spread for us. we had a glass of wine, a good visit and a tour of the house as well as preparation for their wedding at the end of the month.
It was really so sad to see the devastation that was caused by the wildfires last year. The village of Celista was especially hit. I was overwhelmed by the side of a single house standing while three or four on each side of it were gone completely down to the foundation.
I wonder if the spots will ever be rebuilt as there has to be some fear and perhaps a lack of insurance.
Rosie took me for a delicious dinner at Finz restaurant and we were both grateful after to get home to air conditioning
We spent the evening watching one of my favourite movies of all time that she had not seen and is about to expire on Netflix, the sapphires. I loved it for the third or fourth time now and then we began watching The man with 1000 kids. I’m not gonna lie. It’s slightly disturbing and terrifying in this world that you might have to ask someone for their DNA before proof of a negative HIV test.
I’m going to head to the island tomorrow; traffic and ferry’s are all I have to worry about. It has been amazing downtime surrounded by people who love me that I love deeply and now I’m heading off to even more of that. I am a lucky, lucky girl. 
I woke up early and had a nice breakfast with Rosie. I was restless as it was the first day of ‘down’ time. Uncle Bryan, Auntie Lynne, Michael, Shanna and I headed to our tour of the Llama Sanctuary in Tappen for 11 am. It was two hours of wonderful. The place is an incredible immigrant story. David and Lynne had moved from the UK to somewhere in northern BC and had learned of a Llama ranch which intrigued them. They were offered a llama that needed rehoming, and found their passion. David did 5 years of regular homeopathy study and then animal study to be the best caregivers for Llamas and Alpacas. I don’t think I have ever met to such lovely humans full of so much empathy. They run the place together 24/7. Currently there are 60 on the property. There is so much to tell, but really, all I can say is it was a perfect visit. We met Gemmy, the blind one and her best buddy, Eddie who guides her with sounds. We bought buckets of carrots and fed them, even by mouth! It turns out they really loved me and I got cuddles and nudges and responses from ones who even typically shy away from visitors. They have only recently gotten their charitable status and I want the whole world to support them.
I did support by purchasing a few treasures and then gave a donation to bring home Moonshadow
It was very hot and we were glad together back for some lunch and shade. Rosie, Lynne,Michael and I watched Ordinary People. That movie came out in 1980. It has stood the test of time very well. I remember being very emotional when I saw it the first time. I was dealing with far more than a teenager should have at that time and I find that I am now able to give myself grace. It was good to talk it out with Rosie and Michael afterwards.
I had made soup which was a good thing as dinner had peppers in it. After dinner we decided to play Outsmarted again and Roger kindly went to my house to get me the code that I needed so we could use the virtual board. I won
I am also feeling relaxed finally and think I will sleep well tonight.
I awoke at a decent time and relaxed over coffee before showering and packing the car. It was a beautiful day and I started with a quick stop at Ashlée’s to pick up her tent. We had a good chat and I remembered a couple things I had forgotten so returned home before fueling up and heading out. As I journeyed, i was grateful today have filled up in Cranbrook as it was the cheapest by far at only 154.9 per. L (dang why is my keyboard doing this)
I have no problem, wait what, I didn’t type that. It seems that my new case and keyboard has a life of its own. Bear with me.
I really enjoyed the drive even tbough I had many close calls with crazy driving people who just happened to have Alberta plates. One asshat even came screaming out of nowhere, tailgated me and flashed his lights and honked his horn as apparently I wasn’t going fast enough, passing in the passing lane. I actually flipped him the bird as he passed. 
I arrived at the family dwelling in Blind Bay in time for dinner which was amazing, and the company even more so. Michael and Shanna are up visiting from the coast to see his parents that live in their half of the house, and I am staying with Rosie on hers, although technically, us kids, are staying in the basement under both their sides.
The kids played Outsmarted on our phones using a Trivial Pursuit board as I had forgotten to throw in the board. Shanna won, it was fun.
Just as we were tucking in, I learned that we are going to a Llama and Alpaca rescue centre tomorrow. Yay!!!
Work work work, lunch with a client and their employees at Fire Hall, work work work
Car wash to relax
Home for a rest
Packed car with camping stuff and tote of binders, etc
Doing laundry
Made list for tomorrow
Watching the innocence project
Ready to finish packing and get out of here tomorrow!
I worked getting all payments and remittances done until it was time to go to Rotary Park to set up for Summer Sounds. for lunch it was Rotary time where our sponsored ambassador who won and her princess gave their winning speeches
I had to leave the park for my 4:15 appointment to get all my travel vaccines.
The evening was a bit chaotic until I figured out how to get the internet connected to the Square and train up the people running it. We did good on memberships and donations.
Brent Halliday played a set between sets of Rockinomix. It was a perfect evening and the 59/50 winner got 187.50 which wasn’t bad for first night. I was gifted a beautiful new harmonica which was so sweet. Our banner that I designed arrived today and made for a perfect backdrop.
Damn those Bakers
5 hours I will never get back
You should have listened to me
Daughters know best
Pedi Pink
Caregiver burnout
Bottle of wine, fruit of the vine
All of these apply to today which began around 7:30 am with being woken out of a deep sleep by the phone ringing. Mom was in pain and hadn’t slept. Her knee was hurting. I reassured her I would be there and then had a breakdown before thinking to call 811. The nurse was fantastic and had me do a three way call with Mom as I had asked whether to take her to the clinic or ER. She said ER in case of blood clots/stroke. i jumped I. The shower and had a good cry, threw on clothes and headed to pick her up.
I can’t bring myself to go into detail, but we were a good 4 hours in the waiting room as they had no beds. All blood tests and consultations were in the public. She had an awesome practitioner though who requested an ultrasound on her right leg to finally establish that she has a Baker’s Cyst behind her right knee eye and likely behind her left as well. He said that no compression socks or diuretics are necessary so stop using/taking. I have had one so I was able to let her know it would be painful, likely burst and then, feel so good.
I was able to explain all this to the patient concierge Clayton at her home so they know not to send her to hospital over leg pain.
I missed a full day of work but was grateful to have my pedicure booked and it relaxed me after all that.
I came home and got the car loaded with supplies for tomorrow night, and washed all the water pumps before eating and setting in with Bourbon Barrel Red and AGT
work, work, work, volunteer, volunteer, volunteer, home
dropped Moms pills and groceries, and did her garbage and recycling. I am glad i was able to get the new compression socks on her.
my pretty new ipad was waiting for me at home. I set it up and cleared the other one to sell to FPPAS for the sales at Summer Sounds.
i love my lilies.
I slept in a bit, puttered and then went to the office and did I ever get a lot done! I am listening to Geddy Lee narrate his biography. He has a calming voice and it is interesting.
I felt good when I got home so I weeded a bit in order to enjoy my Tiger Lilies that are starting to bloom. I also rehung some of my fairy lights before making some nachos and figuring out how to charge the new batter pack for my travel CPAP machine.
Step by step I am getting ready to leave.
I missed the Canada Day celebrations at the park, sigh.
I did go and work for the afternoon and then came home to eat before playing Outsmarted with Mark. Still hard to believe 2024 is half over already.
triumphgal 