triumphgal

August 28, 2026

I didn’t really want to get up this morning as I had a tough time sleeping again, but I was glad to be in my own bed

I got a lot accomplished at the office before heading to Rotary lunch where Shawn Penner told us about the basketball association that he has here in Cranbrook. It was very cool.

I was happily surprised to receive my Paul Harris plus one pin today at Rotary.

I work the afternoon away until seven when I got a text from Brett that he and his daughter were down at Summer. Sounds so I decided to stop working and join them. It is fairly smoky out, but I was able to handle it and did enjoy Miesha and the spanks.

While I was there sitting with Brett and Dave Morley, I mentioned that I was hoping to find a photographer for Mom’s gathering so that my daughter Ashlée didn’t have to do it and Dave said you should ask that guy that used to have Cranbrook photo.

I got home and messaged Brian Clarkson, an amazing photographer in town and he said he would love to do it and is going to reach out to me tomorrow

I got home at the same time as Tracy and her sister and they invited me over to sit on the deck and visit under the full moon eclipse. We had a wonderful visit but now it is very late and I need to go to bed!

August 26, 2026

Up at a decent time after a terrible night of very big nightmares. Clearly processing all of the fields and thoughts from the weekend. Rosie made us her traditional poached eggs on toast and we headed out around 10. It was a nice day and we enjoyed the drive, listening to his music and then mine and stopping to take pictures at some sites. We even saw the Rocky Mountaineer going by, but couldn’t get a picture in time. I would love to take it someday.

We did get a good price on gas in Salmon Arm and then just outside of town found that once again the BVD gas station had the lowest price. I wonder if because they have just taken over other stations they have their reduced prices on.

I hope everyone who is traveling, finds those stations along the way.

We made it back to town just in time for me to drop Lukas off, stop at my office to print out reports for the Strata Council meeting, have a very successful meeting, and then I returned to drop off his suitcase and suit bag, as well as the sculpture that I had brought from Mrs. B. I intended to have it at my house but for now at least it is at Rae-Anne’s as we will have it there for the gathering. I have decided that I am going to set up a table of Momentos of both moms because I am not able to be there if there is ever anything on Salt Spring for Mrs. B and I want to honour her as well.

I should’ve taken a picture of the other side as well. It was always one of my favourites so I’m glad that it was the one that Greg left for me. Unfortunately, it has been terribly scratched, but I’m hoping that Roger may be able to polish some of the scratches out of it. I just find the negative space so beautiful and I remember Mrs. B’s Cat loved curling up in it.

By the time I was there to drop things off I was pretty wound up with anxiety to just get home and empty the car and relax for a bit. I did manage to get things emptied and my suitcases unpacked and laundry is almost done so I can get to sleep as the doctor will be calling me at 8 AM for a follow up on the medication’s that I’ve been taking.

Unpacking made me laugh as between the two moms. I now have six bottles of vermouth so I have decided to also set up a martini bar at the gathering. I do want to see if I can find someone who will take pictures for us so that Ashlée doesn’t have to and can be in them as this will be the one time that Greg’s whole family and mine will all be together.

Lukas and I agree that we both need some time just alone as the whole process has been overwhelming. Sometimes good and sometimes not so good but I can tell you that I do know that I am loved and that I can choose who my family is.

I am enjoying the beverages that I picked up at the market on Salt Spring

August 25, 2026

We spent the morning setting up Jake’s business books. Be sure to check out their site http://www.thinkingdifferent.ca

Off we went heading east meeting a few traffic snarls and stopped in Chilliwack for gas and food. I waited at a light to turn into the Shell station which was 199.9, same as others we’d seen when I spotted the BVD across the street at 155.5! Score! Next was Chester’s Chicken for some delicious tenders and then back on the road.

We made it to Rosie’s around 5 and she treated us to a fabulous dinner at Finz. There drink special was the Jolene in honour of Dolly Parton who died today. She was such an inspiration, loved by all and will be missed.

Rosie and I sat on her deck solving all the world’s woes over a glass or three of wine and made plans for her coming to Cranbrook next week. Gosh I love her and wish we lived closer. She is the big sister I could have had.

Lukas and I are both looking forward to being home no matter how great a time we’ve had. Some great memories have been made and I am very impressed with the young man he is.

August 24, 2026

I did some payroll work this morning and replaced the car to fit everything in. Lukas was finally ready to go so we headed into town with the intention of grabbing food and treats at Embe. As I went to leave I broke my favourite flip flops so we stopped at Pharmasave to get a new pair. They are not the most comfortable but the only ones my size so they will do. $59 later we got out of Embe. It was ni e to see Morven and Leah. We also stopped at Country Grocer where Rob reimbursed me and gave us two fresh bags of chips. Was also great to see and hug Van.

We were fairly early in line and hung out in the sun soaking up the sun and sea air. The boat was a little late but we got loaded up in a hurry. Almost as soon as we found a seat I was approached by someone asking if I was Marnée. It was Darius, the bride’s stepmother. We had t seen each other in years and I can’t believe we missed each other at the wedding. We had an incredible visit as we crossed the gulf and promised to stay in touch. Lucky for us Simon was working and let us off as soon as able.

The drive in to Jake’s was slower than usual but it’s beautiful out and doesn’t cause me stress. Yumi came and we all walked over to Burgoo for a delicious meal and great visit. we came back home and jumped in Jake’s car to go to Earnest Ice Cream. The line was medium long and so worth it. I had a waffle cone with Whiskey Hazelnut and Toasted Marshmallow. Once we were done we drove Yumi home to Kits and took a scenic drive back through downtown. I love Vancouver day and night.

We are now settled on Jake’s couches for the night. I did enjoy pulling a piece of paper out of my work bag and teaching Jake how his typewriter works!

August 23, 2026

Up at a decent temperature me and Lukas joined me up at Greg and Kym’s for breakfast. There were quite a few hangovers and some still drunk folks. Kym let me look at a thumb drive of pictures and supporting list of things in the two sea cans that Sandi had supplied. It was very well done. I made a list of the things I was looking for to help with sorting and find a piece of history for each of my kids of their GramB. The tenants in the property were lovely and even brought the things from under the house that Lukas and I were able to fit in after we sorted as much as possible without having to remove furniture. I brought some wicker baskets and the Picasso Owl print that I have always loved, as well as the kelp metal sculpture that I can’t wait to put on my outside trellis. I remember it from spending time on Wise Island from 13 on. It was nice to tell the tenants the storied history of the property like why it was called Blue Bus Meadow, and Daisy Hill People Farm. I also brought some older pics from Donna’s upbringing to sort through and scan. We left the front by half of each sea cans organized as best we could. I spoke with Greg and Kym about me coming back at some point to help get them emptied as they are rentals. I still hope to find my Dad’s photo album and would love to have her set of everyday dishes that I love.

Back at the house it was time for a short visit and goodbye for now as we will see everyone at Mom’s gathering in a couple weeks. I enjoyed my conversations with Jude and Jeremiah and managed to get a pic with the groom and one of the bride in dress #3

We stopped at Mark and Mary Lynn’s to introduce Lukas and thank Mark for our seafood tower. It was amazing to see ML so happy and have more big hugs

I stopped at Country Grocer to grab a bottle of the Sweetwater Gin and heard my name. I turned to have a most beautiful moment with Katie, Donna’s long term nurse. We both felt the pain of the loss and it was important to have someone to share it with. She said Donna loved the flowers I had delivered for her birthday

Back at the cottage Sandy made a delicious meal and the four of us played many rounds of Flip 7. I am so glad I bought the game and look forward to playing at home.

August 23, 2026

This morning Lukas got to play contractor and Jim’s yard

We then went downtown to be treated by Mark Devereux to a seafood tower at shipstones after which we wandered the market and I bought a beautiful new necklace made by Terry Warby

We then took a tour of the north island and then came back for a break before dressing up for the wedding. I was extremely stressed and Lukas was so good when I explained that I would need to emotionally dump and he was free to comment if he felt I was off base.

The wedding itself was at Stillwater Distillery and their gin is to die for

We left and found a good parking spot and headed to enjoy the reception

There is just so much to say about this day. I’m so glad that I came and I’m so incredibly grateful that Lukas was there. He has just such an amazing young man who made friends and introduced himself and people will remember him. he definitely was my service person. I’m not sure I would’ve been so comfortable without him. I had some great visits with people that I knew that were there, made some new friends and had my emotional moment which caught me completely off guard when Aliah came and gave me a huge hug and thanked me for coming and told me how happy he was to be part of this family. That was the thing that made me cry. 

The lightning chased us away, but also the fact that I could still drive and I didn’t wanna have to leave my car there as we will be going for breakfast up there in the morning and then Greg is going to join us to go up and look through Donna’s cargo containers. He seemed fine that I go up by myself, but I don’t want to do that. I need to cover my self.

All in all, it was a very lovely day

August 22, 2026

How can I possibly explain the incredible feeling I get from spending this amount of time in a place that I lived for 15 years. It honestly feels like it does not matter that 16 years have gone by since then. Everywhere I am going for these last three days someone has taught me on the shoulder, called my name and we have fallen into each other’s arms. The hugs and love just keep coming.

This morning, I realized I did not have to sit in the cottage and work. I just need to go find a place that had Wi-Fi so of course I went and parked down at gasoline alley intending to go to the new to me country café or some such. As I stepped out of my car, though, I heard the sound of pool balls clinging and was instantly drawn into The Local as the last thing I ever expected to see there was a pool table. It turns out an old friend Barrie was there and he gave me the Wi-Fi password and I sat and worked for the next several hours as friends from the past came and went. This was my Local back in the day and although it is very different now there are still many who come there that I have known well.

After I got a fair amount of work done, and it was mid afternoon, I decided to go for a walk around gasoline alley in a note of all the amazing little stores that have popped up there, including the one that has taken the place of the restaurant that I had. The owner of Heart and Bone, Tammy was super interested in the fact that the place used to be mine and wanted to pick my brain. It was hard though because that was a long time ago and cost, etc. have changed. I was grateful to be able to take a picture though and send it to Jake.

When I was done wandering around, I returned to The Local only to find Chris and Sharla there. We had such a good catch up and reminiscence and find out how everyone is doing. Chris honestly is and always will be my soulmate. We had a partying of ways and he found another person, but our inner children are still best friends. I could feel that in our catch-up today and at the end, both of us and her as well had tears in our eyes.

I suddenly realized that I had to get back to the house as Sandy was making a family dinner of Yorkshire pudding and roast beef. She had brought Lukas back on the ferry today so we had a nice dinner and then I brought Lukas downtown to see the music vibe going on as every day people was playing at the treehouse which included my old boyfriend, Dave and Tom Hooper of course. I gave Lukas a tour around and again was overcome with the number of people tapping me on the shoulder and wrapping me and hugs. I was so happy to be able to introduce Lukas as he is now basically the age Jake was when we moved away from here.

We also went for a drive up to Vesuvius and I was able to show him some of the places that I have lived and played before we came back to the house and the four of us played different car games which were so much fun. We did stop at Chris and Sharla‘s so I could show Lukas the house that Chris And I built with our buddy Dave. he was very impressed and Chris definitely wanted us to come in and visit but I didn’t want to intrude and we also wanted to get back for a game night. 

I did have some odd conversations with Greg today via text and apparently I can have access to the storage containers after 9:30 on Sunday morning and I will make sure that either one of them is with me or that Lukas films the whole thing as I do not want to ever be accused of taking anything I shouldn’t have. I do know that there is one piece of sculpture and potentially some art from the walls. Never mind my dad’s photo album that they will have to find. I’m sure in all of the unpacking. I will have to be fine with not being there to see the rest of it. 

Sorry, my use of grammar and parsing is lacking, but I have had a very long incredible day and maybe a little bit of red wine. All I can reaffirm is that I am very grateful for this family by marriage. Jim and Sandy are extraordinary hosts and are in no hurry to have us gone, as a matter fact Jim made sure to tell me that I was not to leave any gift cards for thank you on the counter or anything else. They were just happy to have me here.

I am so grateful that Lukas is here and he tried on his suit to make sure everything would be good for tomorrow. He is excited to go to the wedding as well. I am a very lucky Nana.

August 20, 2026

I don’t even know how to explain what a perfectly wonderful day I have had. I woke long before my alarm because of course I’m on mountain time so that was an extra hour of sleep anyway. I had a coffee and watched the news and played my game and then I headed up to Mark and Mary Lynn’s to work on his books. I spent about six hours or more there taking lovely little breaks to visit with my dear Mary Lynn. It has been a long time since we’ve had this kind of time available to spend together when I’m on island. I have missed her so and feel reconnected at the deepest level. Before I headed up to their place this morning, though I stopped at Embe bakery, as I had heard it was closing down. It was confirmed when I was in there that the last day is in two months. I am so grateful that I was there in time. Once upon a time, it was our spot to stop for coffee and a treat before heading to the job site when we were building houses. So many memories so grateful to have been there today. even Jake wants me to bring him some treats from there in case he doesn’t make it over before they close

I will be sure to take Lukas as well on Sunday before we leave

I was so very grateful to get Mark’s books. Finished to a point where I can just fine tune back at the office. Once I was done, I met him down at Moby‘s where he had kindly bought me a gift card to use towards dinner, which I then used towards some delicious wings and a drink while I visited with him and welcomed all the hugs from random people from my past.

I then came back to the house just to relax for a little bit and leave my computer, etc., before heading back into the village to find the place packed compared to last night. I still didn’t listened to the band that was playing, which was Billie Woods and others as I was glancing around I saw my cousin Terry and his wife, Reneigh and they pointed out that their son Troy was playing drums! That was so cool that one of the people I’ve known for a very long time on the island had my distant cousin as a drummer. I ran into Trish Nobile and it was so good to catch up as it felt like we have been friends forever and keep running into each other at music events.

Next, I headed over to Shipstone’s as I knew that Tom Hooper was going to be playing and I had promised Russ I would show up. We had some funny interactions and Thom was just adorable when he saw that I was there. I admit that it was worth coming all this way just to have him say I love you, Marnée as he was heading up to the stage. We sat and had a great talk afterwards and are making a plan to have him and Kevin from grapes of wrath, play Cranbrook I would like to produce that show.

I want it back over to the treehouse to catch a couple songs and again hear my name called from the darkness and it was Wendy and we had the greatest most wonderful long hug and then she pointed me in the direction of Bruce Everett who I was looking for for more hugs and then finally Kathleen Horsdal Valdy s wife who I could not leave the island without seeing

And then I wandered back to my car for the lovely drive back to the Buckley cottage where I am staying on Long Harbour Road. I was feeling all the feels. I was feeling loved and hugged and fulfilled and I don’t know why it’s so hard for me to understand that I have left my mark where I have lived, that I am remembered. because really that is my goal, that I will have left a positive mark on people’s lives, that when I am gone, there will be an energy that will carry on. Today, I felt that, that the mission was accomplished, that my absence would be noticed and that is the greatest gift because that is what my depression tries to take away from me.

August 19, 2026

I woke up at a decent time made some coffee clocked in and made some payments before heading up to Mark and Mary Lynn’s to work on his books. I was so incredibly grateful that ML was there and had time to visit and we had so many good hugs. She was one of my besties when I lived on Salt Spring 16 years ago and we have had some adventures since I moved, but as always things taper off and life gets busy so this was a very special day and I am looking forward to tomorrow to see her again.

I made very good headway on Mark’s books and worked until five at which point I took a drive up to Greg and Kym’s. Kym was there and Maya and while we were talking Kyle drove up. It was so incredibly great to see him. It has been years. I feel like the last time I saw him he was a teenager and now he’s definitely a man. We had a short visit I did offer to come and help but Kym seem to think she had everything under control although she seemed to be in panic mode lol the main concern right now of course is that it is supposed to rain and it is an outdoor wedding and there are big tents but fitting 250 people under them could be interesting for the reception

When I left there, I decided to take a drive up to see exactly where the wedding was gonna be so I knew how far away it was and then I wound my way up the mountain to Mrs. B’s house and the shop. I took a couple pictures and sat in the feelings. I miss her.

I then drove back through town and passed the house that Jake and I owned. It is very overgrown and I can’t believe how big the trees are around the corner where you used to be able to see through to the neighbouring farm.

Once back at the cottage, I poured myself a baby and headed over for a fantastic gals night with Kristi and Sandy. I was able to download download a little bit of the feels that I have and Sandy really put things into perspective that should I decide to I will be challenging the Will not suing my brother. That is a huge difference that he may not perceive, but I can certainly live with.

It was so great to hang out with a friend from the old days and a family member by marriage whom has now become a good friend. I look forward to spending more time with her in the future.

After Kristi left, Sandy and I had a good FaceTime with her daughter Haylee and my grandson Lukas who are very much enjoying exploring the city together they went to the PNE today and had fun on the ride, etc. I suggested they google free things to do in Vancouver for tomorrow. That’s what Jake and I used to do and we found all kinds of fun things.

When I was passing through town earlier, I happen to notice Valdy looking like he was getting ready to play at the treehouse so I parked and walked over he had disappeared, but a guy came out from the stage and said ‘Marnee!’ and it was John Hebert. I was honestly stunned that he remembered me. I told him that I would try to get back later.

I did head down to be there for about 830 and just sat on the rocks outside the treehouse and enjoy the music of Mark, John and Valdy

After it wound up, I wandered along the dock and spotted Russ. He is just such a lovely human and recognize me right away and we had a couple of good hugs and a good talking and he invited me to come back tomorrow as Tom Hooper will be playing. And then noted that Billie Woods will be playing at the trios right next-door so I could see both of them in the same evening so I will be sure to be there.

I really do miss the music scene on Salt Spring but I wonder if many of them are getting paid as it seemed like Valdy and the boys were playing for tips

I wandered back over to thank John and Valdy only to hear, ‘is that Marnée?’

I literally turned and said oh my God you’re still alive. It was rotten Ronnie. Back in the day I was one of Ronnie’s girls. It made me laugh to think of it, standing there talking to him now, and the woman with him possibly his girlfriend asked how we knew each other. I mentioned all the ways from back at the horrible house to motorcycles and playing ball and playing darts and pool and him towing my rolled over car from down the cliff where he thought I had died. It really was just amazing to run into him again after all these years as I had stood there watching the music and realized that I lived here for 15 years, but I’ve now been gone for 16. I feel like the universe sent me exactly the people that I needed to see that brought me joy back then and are not Facebook people who I can keep in touch with but ones who matter and who I have history with.

It really was a wonderful evening. I’m glad I came after all.

August 19, 2026

Rosie made us the traditional poached eggs n toast and we hugged all around and hit the road around 10

I wore my colourful compression socks from Kerstin

We stopped for gas in Kamloops and headed down the ‘Coq’. The smoke was very thick, spooky even near Merrit

Stopped for expensive Marble Slab ice cream in Hope where I fan girled a little

The drive through the valley was lovely and I dropped Lukas at his cousin Haylee’s around 3

That left me enough time to get to Lace Embrace Atelier Inc. it’s a corset museum near Jake’s that I discovered when I last stayed with him. I explained what era the play was and was assisted to find the perfect Victorian fit. I also picked up a wide belt. I was stunned to find how comforting it was to be snugged up. It was an investment, around the same as a pair of Fluevogs now, but I have enough of those. I felt my character developing just by adding that clothing detail

I learned that my car knows when there is a traffic cam as I was heading down Knight street towards the ferry terminal

I was very early at the terminal so I chatted with Mark, discussed motorcycle brands with other travellers, and played my game after having a bite to eat

Once on board I was intrigued by the Salish Eagle as I have neither been on that class before and it was off to be below deck. I studied my script and then bought a Lego style BC Ferry and set to building it while I watched an episode of Homeland

It was the milk run but eventually we made it to Long Harbour and Sandy was waiting. It is so great to see her. I think the last time may have been for Travis’s funeral. the cottage is perfect and I am settled in.

August 17, 2026

Had a good morning accomplishing some work then Rosie and I went to the store before coming home to go through a few boxes of photos and treasures they’d brought from Moms. I love Rosie’s new car. It’s an updated version of mine

There were some amazing things from her time as Snow Fiesta Princess and even her uniform from CGIT, Canadian Girls in Training which I will take to the archives in Kimberley.

One whole box was labeled as belonging to her Dad and it was incredibly interesting. There were many old poetry books including one from the 1800s. I never knew that Grandad Frank was such a well read poetry lover. There were pins and medals and paperwork from his time in the US and Canadian Air Force. My favourite find was a pair of his and his wife, Peggy’s glasses

There were some unidentified pics and I found this one to be especially intriguing

After a delicious dinner, Rosie, Lukas and I watched The Last House which was simply bizarre

It has been very nice to just hang out and spend time with loved ones.

August 16, 2026

I was up before my alarm, ready and loaded up by 10 to go pick up Lukas and head out

We drove through A&W for breakfast and hit the road. along the way we had great conversations, listened to a weird audible book about movies and made a plan to stop for some fun. Along the way Lukas needed a pit stop and this one made me laugh

I did not have to wait that long

We decided to go do the coaster and aerial ‘gym’. It was so much fun! I did most of the things right up to the top level and then stepped out for the stop from the top.

Next was the coaster and I chose 1 and he took 2. It was so delightful that I would have gone again if we’d had time.

We made our way to Blind Bay and had a delicious Greek dinner à la Rosie. It was nice to catch up with Uncle Bryan and Auntie Lynne outside of a hospital room.

It feels good to be here.

August 15, 2026

Honestly, most of the day was watching Homeland and continuing to sort and purge, and I have a lot now to go to the thrift store and for shredding, but I can’t get rid of any of it before I leave tomorrow, so it doesn’t look as tidy in here as I would like it too, but I am leaps and bounds above what it was before.

It was very nice to start the morning with my ABC Zoom not everyone was there. I missed my Linda from the UK, but it was nice to see Nigel’s face. Other than that, it was the usual suspects minus Carol Ann. It’s interesting to watch the effect. 13 years has had on us from when we met. Most of us are greyer. I’m a whole lot chunkier. We are more or less engaged, depending on the lifestyle that we have now. I do love them so. I will be happy to see them again individually or as a group. They have been a blessing in my life. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to snap a picture before Mike & Colleen both had to go, but they were there too.

August 14, 2026

The day was pretty chill as I relaxed a bit in the morning and then went into the office and finished some payroll and file work and answered email in preparation for being gone. Then finally I came home and grabbed bags of ice for drinks and headed out to the Perreault cabin at Moyie. It’s about 40-45 minutes away and very private on the lake. I brought Rayann a little Halara kit for summer, a scrunchie, flip-flops and a bag. I really like the set up that they have now that Crozier‘s brought a screened tent to keep the bugs away and the wind and the gentle rain.

We had good visits as the grades are here and Tanner came and the Crozier kids and mates, less Andrew

Dinner was amazing after our very long boat ride through the narrows and into the other part of Moyie Lake. We even stopped where there are some hieroglyphics of some type. I laughed that it looks like someone is counting the days and ‘now there are only four left. The other two were eaten by the bear.’

Dinner was delicious as always but this time I found the meat incredibly satisfying and delicious and I wanted to just keep eating it. I think I am craving iron.

The goodbyes were especially hard for the ladies. They are all close and the greys live in Billings, Montana now so it’s too far for quick visits. I didn’t enjoy braiding Chevelle’s hair.

It was nice to get home just as dusk was settling in and I took a nice walk around my yard and make sure everything is good for going away. Now I am going to have an enhanced beverage and get a good nights sleep before the big adventure. 

August 13, 2026

I very much enjoyed this morning’s soak as it was rainy and cool

I enjoyed sitting with Sven and Stu at Rotary lunch. Stu’s coworker, the member who deals with police dogs was our speaker and she even brought Police Dog in Training, Ammo for a visit

I stopped at the engraver after to arrange the modification of our president’s plaque

I was so happy that my SHEIN order arrived, that I got almost all the payroll done, and that Ashley is done. I don’t think she loved that I saw through the facade and expected more.

I went to the EdFest meeting and was glad to have so much support to get things done. Jarod was particularly helpful!

Next it was off to Encore where I may have had my favourite pizza ever, The Baked Potato Pie. I had a great visit with Fred who was there in Jesse’s absence. Poor Jesse lost two dogs yesterday. Brett and I were ‘Just the two of Us’ and we came in second by 2.5 points to a team of 11!

August 12, 2026

I woke up to Facebook jail pending. It seems my post of a receipt was deemed violent. I had to do a little test to acknowledge that it wouldn’t happen again. With all the crap that slides by…

I met with three KCT employees in the morning to decide about hospitality for EdFest

Next it was off to the Rotary Board meeting at Heidout. I was glad that others saw that we shouldn’t have to pay for our lunches in exchange for what we do.

From there I drove Leanne to meet at Denham Ford for the Food for the Hungry fundraiser where Aven was in the dunk tank. Good for us for fire season but bad for the fundraiser, it actually rained.

I did get a lot of work done, reset Moms phone and handed it off to Lukas, signed my health and POA docs, and am readying for my trip.

After work I hoped to meet up with Tammy, but she could not arrange it. I did have good visits at the F&B for wing night. On my way home, across from the school I spotted two youngish girls approaching two good sized bucks in their front yard. I stopped and rolled down my window and in my nice voice suggested they may want to move away. Immediately, a man, presumably their father, whom I hadn’t seen on the porch came down and demanded that I mind my own business and move along. I apologized for not seeing him and said it takes a village and I wouldn’t want to see them hurt. He repeated his demand. I was stunned and wish the best for those girls as there are a lot of reports around town of deer attacks.

August 11, 2026

It seems my allergy is actually wood smoke. I remember in ‘95 when I moved to Salt Spring Island and beginning in October I found myself regularly at the hospital on oxygen. It was determined that the smoke from many starting up their wood stoves was causing me lung issues. I used a puffer those first few months. Today a client invited me to join them for mini golf and around the 13th hole I began to feel poorly. After we were done I was enjoy shaved ice when I started to feel phlegm building and had to head back to the office. Once indoors I felt my breathing start to calm. I ended up staying until 8 or so working and was able to come home and have a visit with Tracey in her yard.

During the day, while I was working, I sat on hold for an hour with Service Canada to find out where Mom’s death benefit was and how to pay back the overpayment of OAS. I did get home to find the cheque in my mail in spite of the incorrect address provided by the funeral home. I love this city!!

My Halara order arrived today and now I have comfy travel clothes.

August 10, 2026

So many fun things today

I made my will online and had it witnessed and registered

We had mimosas at the office with fresh squeezed orange juice as a farewell to Ashley who is leaving us this week to care for her sister with Cancer in Alberta

After work I went to the Heidout as I have a gift card and worked on my character before rehearsal. I had the soup and salad and Beeramisu which was delicious. I would never have guessed that a dill pickle salmon soup would be such a good combo. I suspect it may have been a hard sell though

Rehearsal was basically me watching the others get their scene ready for the Abbott awards when I am away, a first costume fitting, and getting the script broken down into units. The last cast member to arrive showed up today but was very argumentative about everything and I don’t think that will last long.

After rehearsal I stopped to drop off stuff at Rae’s and got great hugs from Addison, Vanessa and Chevrolet who are up from the states. So good to see them and looking forward to hanging out for Rae’s birthday. She and I went for a walk trying to solve the world’s problems. We did not succeed, but I sure love those walk and talks.

August 9, 2026

Is winding.

It was a good day of sorting and setting aside pics etc for Moms gathering and other people.

This was one of my faves, my cousin, Andrea