My car was still holding a puddle this morning so I left it parked in the sun and cracked the windows. It was dry by the time I got home and I put all the bits back together.
In between paid work and getting home, I met with The President, of a board, that is, to put together the budget for the 2022 year end. It went well and I believe we have a good strategic plan for if things go sideways again with the pandemic. The numbers are doubling up with all the travelers and now the border is opening…
Next, I met Maureen for Live music at the FireHall Kitchen & Tap. Her son Angus is in a band that was playing; Connor Foote and the hands. It was great company, great music and great food and beverages. Maureen left to enjoy her evening and we were joined by Will and then Roger. The smoke is really getting thick though and my eyes are sore. It was a nice respite and I shall now buckle down until I complete all my July work. I did remember to pick up the new radios for the theatre as well. Can’t wait to give them a try.
It was such a dark and overcast day, even had a wee bit of rain. Just enough that I decided I probably shouldn’t ride my bike to Elkford tonight. The roads tend to get slicker after a long dry spell. I feel that except for my job which I super concentrated on, there were so many small mistakes in the day. I even took the wrong cheque book with me to buy the radios for the theatre. I will have to go back tomorrow and it set me back in time to get away. The good thing was that this time I did not take the wrong turn. I played the radio and set the cruise control and headed for Elkford with intention to hit up Sparwood on the way back. It did rain a little as I neared my destination. I was glad for my aching body that I chose the comfort of the car. The mission I was on was to purchase 3 very specific brands of cigarettes and send photos and the prices in. They will send me a label to ship them back to the office. I had the list written down like I was shopping for friends on a smoke run and the store clerks were both very helpful and nice. I missed the cheap gas in Elko, 8 cents a litre cheaper than Cranbrook’s because there was a truck on my tail and I hadn’t seen the price on the way up so I could signal and slow down. I tend to be a very courteous driver and when I see a good opportunity for someone to pass me, I start pulling over towards the shoulder, It really surprises me that no one waves thank you anymore. The more annoying thing though is when they pass and then slow down in front of me. I stay constantly on cruise at least 10Km over the limit. I do not like touching my brakes after being passed. There was a cool thing in Elkford that I had to stop and check out.
I stopped in Fernie and found a funny bottle of whisky for Roger’s birthday which I dropped off after picking up some Edo sushi for dinner.
I got home, grateful that the deer are not getting through my makeshift gate. I remembered to check what the clunk was in the cargo area earlier to discover that I forgot about the 11 Litre open water bottle and it had tipped over and filled the space where my spare tire is stored. I removed every thing, scooped out as much as possible and toweled out the rest. I then left the windows down a bit and everything airing out. By the time I was done it was so late and I was really hungry. I am pretty tired of this day… I am also sad at the utter realization of how far Emmy will be moving away when Danika moves to Elkford to be with Malcolm.
I worked hard to get an important file done and then accepted an urgent job to go to Sparwood and Elkford. I came home and changed, tried to see how to hook up my new speedo cable, did not manage to, geared up and headed out…. It was ridiculously hot. I had stopped to pick up a unicorn purse that I won a bid for to give to Emmy. On the road I got but the heat was getting to me and I get very confused at a certain intersection at the best of times. Seems like I did this time as well. I started thinking about the fire in the distance that we could see from town, and where my friend lives, if she would be affected… and then I realized I had just passed Canal Flats… suddenly it kicked into my brain that I was heading to where we take the coal to on the trains and I wanted to be going to where we got it from, where we loaded the trains. Yes, I had gone an hour in the wrong direction by then and I was unsure how much gas I had used as I am used to using my odometer as my gas gauge. I had last filled up in Erickson the other night and now had to get back to a station. By the time I pulled up to the pumps I figure by the map app that I went about 250 Km. That is more than I have ever gone on a tank. I chose my usual $20 max and for the first time ever the pump stopped and it wasn’t full at almost 14 Litres. I thank the Fuel Gods for getting me there, I may have been a skeleton on the side of the road, had I run out. I did get to pause long enough to take a picture of the fire. At the Ft Steele Gas station I had a delicious ice cream cone and sat in the shade for a bit before deciding that I was not carrying on to complete my mission. Tomorrow is another day.
THE OFFENDER
After I got home and watered everything, I discovered an ant infestation in the house. They had a trail from the kitchen to the furnace vent under the living-room window. I made sure my cat stayed outside and put out AntBGone. Wow it sure does work fast!! Argh I spoke too soon, it seemed like they were disappearing… I will have to see what the morning brings.
I used my erroneous Hello Fresh meal by adding couscous and cucumbers in place of the missing mushrooms and the beans which were not great. It turned out pretty delicious.
My friend Julie posted a site that showed the wildfire threatening Osoyoos and Oliver. I followed Hwy 3 and the wrong turn I took earlier to find the Bill Nye Mountain fire above Wasa. It really is something.
Once again I am grateful for my Air Conditioning, even if my Hydro bill has been much higher… wait, why? It is natural gas, or maybe it is a lot electric as well… I don’t know, it’s still cheap comfort.
I heard from the sleep clinic today. He had told me it would take 6-8 weeks for results but it only took two. I have severe sleep apnea with oxygen somethingerother issues. They had an opening for me to come back next week but I chose August 3rd so I can get all I need to get done first with out being too tired. I have to bring my mask and hose to be hooked up so they can find the correct pressure to help. My breathing is a little laboured tonight but I suspect it is due to riding through the smoke and heat. At one point I had to pull over as the smoke made my eye water which made my mascara run and burn. Tomorrow I won’t wear any. I’d best get some sleep, it’s going to be a long day.
I was sooooo tired today but not sore so that was amazing. I did find myself at one point typing 322222222 before my head bobbed awake at my desk. Of course this all made me review everything more closely and round down on my time. I just kept it in my mind that I just had to make it to 12:45 and then I would be walking over to my hair appointment. Ireland, who usually does my brows and pits has started in the salon across the hall and they specialize in colour so I thought I would give her opportunity to learn. I know she will be supervised by the specialist so I feel comfortable with taking the chance. She is a lovely young lady and I am safe in her hands. When she was done, I knew she was not happy with the results and so she wouldn’t let me pay and scheduled me to come back on Thursday morning to ‘fix’ it and pay then. Once I got home and in my jammies and actually saw it in my mirrors and light, I am fine with it and would rather she just give me a discount than spend more time on it this time. We can do more fun things with it next time. I will let her know that when I go for my brow wax tomorrow and pay her.
I had arranged to stop at Sean’s to sort and pick up some old LPs to use as garden edging. He offered me an Empress gin and then we were in the garage when I got a call that I was supposed to be at a theatre meeting
Turns out I need to scour my email tomorrow and find out why I didn’t receive the one about the meeting tonight for the board nomination committee. I raced over and we had a good discussion. It is important to choose the right potential board members. I really admire Amy and Sheila and Jenn and know we are all coming with our best intentions. I look forward to contacting the two people on my list.
Once I got home I responded to a request to stay from a person with a small dog but I am not sure that is a good idea for Missy and this is her home too. I had to decline. I also dealt with a few Board responsibilities, had delicious leftovers, watered as always and said goodnight to the day. I will try not to dream about the stick bug I found all the way over by the kitchen sink this morning……
My adventure friend, Diane invited me to go Kayaking today. I couldn’t wait. It has been at least 15 years since I have done so and that was in Ganges Harbour off Salt Spring Island. I was getting ready to leave and she had mentioned needing another strap so I haded to the shed to get one to bring. I twisted. My ankle off the edge of the concrete paver and fell forward scraping my knee like a 10 year old falling off my bike. I jammed two fingers pretty hard as well. I got myself together, applied some bag balm and headed over to her place.
We loaded up and tied down the kayaks. She has it down to a science and has two step ladders for being able to reach. The Thule rack system is really superb. And then we were off to St Mary Lake just this side of Kimberley. It was a lovely drive up and I don’t even remember ever being there before although I have to have been there back in the 80s when we lived near and camped a lot. The decision was that if we got up there and the smoke from Bill Nye Mtn fire was too bad, we would turn around and head out to Moyie. It turned out that there were very few people at one in the afternoon and the sky was clear and beautiful. We found a good place to park and set to readying to go out, with a cooler of snacks and all.
I was unnerved by the first time I had to step in as I was unsure what my leg would do. Diane is very patient assisting. Once I settled in it all came back to me and I was so happy to be there. The day was just perfect. For the first long time it was calm and we even stopped out in the middle and had a snack and I cracked the one cold one I brought along. We set a goal to head to the farthest point down the lake which you can see marked by the blue arrow in the first lake picture above. About 3/4 of the way, the wind started picking up and we did some serious work to get ahead. We made it though and that felt good. There was no place to get out safely though as it was all silt and Diane sunk in when she stepped out. We hung out for a bit enjoying the area before carrying on along the shore to our right.
Looking back to where we had come from.
We puttered our way back, stopping on a rocky shore point to stand up in the shallow water and stretch. I was actually surprised how good I felt. My knee wasn’t bothered and my hip only throbbed a little when seated. Diane has expensive very lightweight paddles and they are great! No sore hands or blisters in spite of the distance covered. Once we got back to shore I was shocked to turn around and see how much smoke had rolled in. As I walked up with both hands full I suddenly felt a bite that resemble a hot ember feeling. I have no idea what it was but only an ice pack on it helped at all. We sat and had a wee picnic before loading the boats and were joined by a little cutie.
On the road out we stopped at the fresh water pipe coming ou of the side of the mountain and filled our bottles. There was a MASSIVE rock in the trees across from it. It had to have rolled down the hill long before all the trees grew up. I almost feel guilty getting drinking water straight out of the side of a mountain when so many go without clean drinking water.
When we got further down the road and I got reception, there was a text from Rae that the front tire had blown on Roger’s truck while going downhill on the highway with the whole family onboard. He handled it well and they were all fine. I remember that happening when I was with my brother in his truck, it is sooooo loud and frightening. I am so grateful they are all ok.
Once I got home, I spent time watering my garden, and cleaning my pool which was full of caterpillar poop as they are eating the leaves off the willow high up over the pool. I cleaned as much as I could and them shocked it and put a chemical to deal with organic materials. I want it to be good for the clients booked next weekend. I then came in and took an antihistamine as the bite is spreading and sore, had a shower and made some delicious dinner. I have been considering going to the hospital as it is getting worse. I may got to bed and see how it is in the morning.
The day started with Laundry and maintaining my water softener system before heading to get a mani-pedi. I stopped at Culligan on the way and picked up an 11 and a 15 L bottle of water to use later. It was a glorious hour and a half and I love my new nails that match my volunteer t-shirt.
Picked up a few more things and headed to Rotary Park. It was so much fun and there were around 500 people which was amazing. We got about 66 new members and a bunch of donations. Those really matter for us to get grants and keep putting on free concerts in the park all summer. We do the Summer Sounds until the end of August and then on Sept 10 and 11 put on Peak Music Festival. Tonight’s performers were the Confluentials with our own Board Member, Barry Coulter followed by Baker Street Blues from Nelson. In between, Maureen and I were the information entertainment. It was a lot of fun. We bantered well off each other. I look forward to coming up with new Schtick each week and am glad she asked. I helped out around the booth and then was the water girl. I put the card I bought to good use and it seemed very popular bringing clean cold water to the crowd. I used disinfectant wipes in between people and wore my mask while doing it. Don’t want to take any chances in the last four days before my two weeks are up. I did hug a couple people though.. The music was so good and the crowd was so freaking well behaved!! Great fun was had and all is right with the world. It is amazing that in spite of no liquor license and thus no beer garden, no food trucks, but a snack lady, and the music stopped just after 9 instead of at 10… it was a juge success!!
Jean-Ann and Joe Debreceni
Missy was not all that impressed with being in all evening. She did miss me and kept coming in for a swipe against my legs.
At work and at the payroll. It is a never ending story. I was thrilled when Stacey arrived for the cash for Crab swap. This is what 157.50 of Dungeness Crab from Haida Gwaii looks like. I can not wait to enjoy it. I will have to pause my Hello Fresh for a week as I plan to just eat crab. Once I thaw it there will be no wasting.
I headed out to pick up a screen that I bought second hand for outdoor movie nights. From their location I could really see the fire that is kicked up in the mountains. On the way back to the office I took opportunity to stop for bloodwork and hit up Canadian Tire for a cool wagon and a pump for big bottles to use at Summer Sounds. I hope to introduce the ViMF water crew idea here. I know how much I love when they come round and offer to fill my water bottle.
After I finally finished everything I needed to get completed today, I came home and switched into Motorcycle clothes and boots and headed to Creston. Now I love road trips, jump in the car, crank the AC and the tunes and enjoy the ever changing scenery. But I really love a motorcycle road trip. I can’t go as long, I think due to my leg pain issue, but I sure do love it. I mean you can FEEL the scenery, enjoy it at a whole different level. Every smell and site, occasional taste even is vibrant and enjoyable. Even gross diesel truck smells make me feel alive. The only problem is that it is barely comfortable to ride at the moment due to the heat. I wore my jacket just connected by the zipper at the bottom and my jeans and Blundstones and summer gloves but it was still uncomfortable. The ride home was cooler as I left Cranbrook at 6:22, left Creston at 7:23 and arrived in the driveway at 9:33. The hour time change makes the timing of things so odd. I did stop at the Fas Gas and Rocky, the manager was awesome! He has only been in Creston for 4 months and he was really delightful. He told me that the gas was much cheaper today to treat his customers because he had run out of gas for a couple days and he wanted to keep them happy. Who does that!!! I highly recommend stopping there, in Erickson, just outside Creston. I didn’t even realize it is a general store with liquor and all.
While I was there a guy with his young kid in a big tuck hauling a trailer load of hay, was patiently waiting for me to move my bike. I apologized and he said it was ok, he was admiring my bike and to please have a safe ride. Honestly, people can be so nice. I saw quite a few bikes on the road and I can tell you the only part I didn’t like was the grooved pavement. They are doing a rather long stretch of repaying. I was blessed by the fact that I didn’t know and only had one 3 minute stop in the shade on the way there. It is a bit uncomfortable for me to be riding without a speedometer though so I may make time to replace the cable on the weekend. When there were so few cars going in my direction it was hard to go with the flow of traffic and I have to get used to the feel of my bike again after not riding much for a long time.
I pulled over to take one more picture before turning toward home. It’s not looking good.
Construction is continuing, still not blocked in though, so that is a plus. I am excited as it is hair cut and colour day! I slept ok and am experiencing a bit of soreness in my leg. I was told the shot could take a few days to work though.
I was sad to learn first thing that my appointment needed to be moved to Monday as she was sick in the night. I do appreciate it but am disappointed. I worked hard and got a lot done but am still having trouble focusing. I came home and started making supper as Rae and I made a plan to go see Black Widow AT THE THEATRE!! I was so excited to have my steak and mushrooms but in the bag were two onions instead of mushrooms and garlic. That was disappointing as well. I made the Mediterranean Turkey instead. Big, big, big mistake there. I got terrible heartburn, gas and discomfort while in the movie. We had the super big comfie chairs at least so I could move around.
I did really enjoy the movie. There was hardly anyone there and it was very energetic. I didn’t love all of it but overall was impressed. It had many Star Warslike moments, from the outfits to the bad guy. Glad to have seen it on the big screen. Afterwards we went for a drink at The Firehall as we noticed there was live music as we were driving by. Unfortunately it was over 15 minutes after we got there but it was nice to sit on the patio and catch up.
Danika sent me a text that made me laugh. There are several songs I sing bits of with Emmy. One of them is Boom Shakalaka
This is what Danika sent me for a chuckle
I enjoyed being out tonight but I have been thinking that the last 16 months have shown me that the more time I spent alone, the more I learned how happy I am alone. I am pretty good company. This past week has been a lot and I need to be sure to book time alone. I received a bunch more Airbnb bookings this summer. I need to build in breaks and make sure I get my bathroom done before winter.
I was, for no particular reason, looking at the items on the back of my toilet this morning when I realized there was one thing missing. Ironically it is the item that belongs there the most and adds humour to the whole collection. I think it was actually on my mind because it was my friend for over 40 years, birthday a while ago and I posted a picture from 1979 on his profile. I love this picture as I was 16 and had a Bond Girl Figure. I just didn’t realize it then. I also realize that I still stand like that, very action figure, lol. I posted it again for my kid brother, Greg today. He is 55!
When I went out to water this morning I found 4 more blueberries ripened. It is the little plant that just keeps giving. Pretty great for it’s first year.
I arrived at work with intention to get lots done before my Dr appointment at 9:50. I put my key in the lock and the whole tumbler turned and it wouldn’t open. They called the locksmith and unfortunately it didn’t get opened before I had to leave. I went to my appt to find that I should double up on my nerve pain meds, go for blood work, get referred for an MRI and get a shot in my knee. I went and got the prescription filled for the shot, dropped puzzles for the friends of the library to sell and then headed back to work. I was able to get an appointment with the duty Dr to get the shot at 4. I also need and MRI for my gut growth so I asked if they could do it the same day. She said to ask when they call to book.
Back at the office I once again didn’t get as much paid work done as I would have liked but I did get a lot of volunteer items out of the way. I headed to the Dr and received the shot in my knee. It was so odd feeling, awkward to walk on at first. It didn’t seem to take too long before the freezing wore off though and tonight I am able to sit with my feet up for the first time in a long time. I tried to make it to get blood work but missed it so I will try again in the morning. I came home for a rest and cool down before heading to Rotary Park for a Board meeting for Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society. We needed to make all the plans for Saturday when we launch Summer Sounds for the season. Music in the park every Saturday night is back!!! It was so nice to meet in person for the first time in a very long time. Afterward, Maureen and I went to the Firehall and enjoyed wine and split fish and chips which were very good. It was so nice to visit and relax!!
I took the long way to work this morning. It is only 4 minutes but I took over 15 on my bike. The temperature was perfect and I just had to do a loop around town. I made a plan to go do a mystery shop in Creston on Friday night so I will ride there for sure. I had an appointment with my beautician today and made a plan to have her do a cut and fun colour for me on Thursday. It was lovely to work with Fridays video of MusicFest playing in the background. An hour and 28 in was the interview I did. It turned out great! I left work at a reasonable time and just came home to make some dinner and relax. I was definitely peopled out and so tired still.
It was nice to have my Mom overnight. It is just a shame that it was a Monday and I had to head in to get peoples payroll done. I was happy to accomplish something for a client that hadn’t happened for the last three years. It is the satisfying part of the job to get to do a happy dance. I met with my friend Matt who spent time with me working out the needs for gear for the Tech booth. We have a grant and I need to get the items ready for when the theatre is finished being renovated. It felt good to make a plan and a list and reach out to three different local businesses for different parts of the list. I always want to spread the love around and keep things ‘in the family’. After that I picked up my Mom and we headed out to Meadowbrook on the outskirts of Kimberley where a bunch of her family live and share a meal with more extended family. We really are a lot of fun when we get together. I left Mom there as she and Rosie are heading back to Blind Bay tomorrow and then Mom will head home soon after to Surrey. It was a short visit with her this time and I worry as she has allowed Covid to age her terribly. I think she has spent far too much time sitting and now hobbles along with her cane in spite of having two new hips. I admit to lecturing her to get out walking more.
I received two more bookings for August and was super impressed with one of them as she explained her whole trip and her safety plan and about being vaccinated. I really appreciate that. I think I will add to my profile that I am fully done as well so they will know before booking.
They are really making headway on the infrastructure changes that are coming along with the development next door. The only concern is that there is now only one entry into our park and it may be gone soon as well. They did warn us that there may be periods where we will not be able to go in and out. I hope we get warning before that becomes reality.
So, my cat.. she has a very distinctive meow, much like a Siamese. When she wants out, she lets me know with certainty. We have a routine though and it amuses me. I stand at the door with my hand on the knob and say, ‘say please’ to which she immediately lets out a tiny short meow in a completely different voice. Cats are so dang smart they are kind of scary, lol.
I am not sure if it is all the peopling the last few days or still the side effects of the shot but I am pretty much dragging butt.
The women left at a decent time without much fanfare and I washed and reset the trailer. Emmy and I really did have a lovely time today. After breakfast she coloured the unicorn and I spray painted the horn. I coloured her braids purple which she let me know was only ok because it would wash out, or her Mom wouldn’t like it. She chose lunch at McDonalds for the toy and was thrilled to get the girl bunny from Space Jam. There was much great conversation between the two of us and I had a very good chuckle at one point. I had made arrangements with a local woman to go try on some Fluevogs so I told Emmy over lunch that I had to go to try on shoes next. We drove up and parked in front of the house and I hear from the back seat “so we are just going to some random person’s house to try on shoes?” They sadly did not fit so off to the Dollarstore for party supplies we went. I planned to have a swack of family over for a bbq as Rosie, my mom and as it happened, uncle Bryan, were all visiting. It was all planned and I was looking forward to it when I realized it was my daughter’s step-mom’s birthday tomorrow so I slipped into birthday party mode. Rae ordered a DQ cake and Emmy and I went for supplies. She became the party planner and we got all pink things with a princess theme. It was so funny in the store as it seems Emmy has not been in a big store since Covid. Everything she saw was ‘AMAZING’ or “AWESOME”!! It was highly entertaining to watch her take it all in. I dropped her off and got home to get things ready and then Danika brought her back later, after a birthday party for a friend. Mom and Rosie, Donna, Rae and Roger and boys. Ashlée, Bill and Deanne, Emmy and then Uncle Lawrence and Uncle Bryan made for a great deal of good conversation, good summer eats (Donna’s homemade pickles!) and a lot of splashing in the pool. I love our big family events and it has been far too long. That was the best three hours!! After cleaning up the yard and watering the garden, I moved indoors to tidy up while playing Vancouver Island MusicFest. So much, soooo good. It had the vibe of the Sunday night at Fest. Colin Linden and guests including Chip Esten, who played Deacon on Nashville, were just fabulous and as I write I am listening to the cool styles of William Prince. I absolutely throw aside any doubts I had about continuing on. If they will have me (they will), I will be back next year and every year after until I can no longer.
I got my x-ray results today through the health portal and it says nothing wrong but if patient continues to have symptoms, perhaps an MRI. Good grief. It will be interesting to hear what the Dr has to say. The Physiotherapist feels it is my lower spine having issues. We shall see. Mom is tucked in here and that is nice but I will admit to lecturing her as she has two new hips and is hobbling along because she doesn’t keep moving.
Slept until almost 10 which was shocking, clearly needed it. Poor Mike had been up for a long time trying to get his bike going. Seems it may need a new starter solenoid. I got dressed and pushed him down the road here trying to get it started but it didn’t catch and my hip and leg said no more. I spotted my dear friend Matt. He is a farmer who works a property over so I asked if he could help. Fortunately it started and Mike was on his way to the Kawasaki shop to seek help so he didn’t have to rely on the kindness of strangers whenever he stopped for gas.
I spent the next several hours working on the change over for the next guests, cleaning bathroom, washing sheets and blanket and towels, finishing weeding garden and cleaning the pool. Emmy arrived around 2 and we had, as she put it, a really great day. I had saved things for her to do around the house: put magnetic picture frames up on the fridge (great fun trying to recognize people in them), plant forget me nots (her fingers are perfect poke hole size for the seeds) and sticking googlie eyes around the yard (collected from a prank at the workspace). We took time out to care for the Stick Bugs and she was very brave to have one crawl up her arm.
We played a very long time in the pool and she was the canon ball queen. I can’t believe she was actually swimming trying to spot the toy sharks on the bottom.
The whole time I had my very good quality sound dock and iPad playing day 2 of Vancouver Island Music Fest. It has been soooo great and wonderful to see my friends in their interviews as well. It was on in the background and when Emmy heard Willow, she came running over to watch and then started dancing. Such a cutie patootie.
My airbnb guests arrived while I was making dinner and Emmy went out to greet them. She had a meltdown inside when I wouldn’t let her go outside to play as I knew she wanted to go see them and I wanted to give them space as they were not expecting a child on site. I let her cry for a while after sending her to her bed to calm down. I then went in and swept her into my arms for a cuddle as we practiced smelling the flowers and blowing out the candles. I saw that on “Manifest” and determined to try it next time someone was stressed out. The breathing exercise worked perfectly. She came and sat down to dinner which she immediately said she didn’t like because it was all piled together and that she liked soya sauce not my sauce. I put some soya sauce on a bit of it and then watched her devour it. I am glad she liked the veggie meat.
I read to her and she went to sleep almost immediately. We are both tired from our day and I am aching. Not doing well walking or sitting. I am about to take a pain killer and nerve med and go to bed but I don’t want to as there is still an hour and 45 of music Fest left tonight. At least I most recently saw and met Tom Jackson here in Cranbrook who is the last performer tonight, so I am ok with missing him. Also it is going to be replayed so that I can catch the end. I may just go to sleep listening.
It really feels satisfying to have the yard this maintained. I will try to pick up the records from Sean, maybe tomorrow to get it all ready for family all coming for a BBQ tomorrow night. Inside is tidy too!!! Shocking!! (Ok, hard work actually)
I went to bed early so was up at a decent time and got on with all the things I needed to do in short order.
Lawn mowed. Combi-camp unwinterized. Linens washed and dried. Ruggable washed and dried. Inside: Den reorganized, beds readied for Mom and Emmy, floors cleaned, everything tidied, Bathroom scoured and sanitized.
All things for the Airbnb were completed and then I realized it was 5 and I need to jump in the shower. Of course, while I was in there my guest arrived but he just grabbed a spot in the shade and relaxed until I came out. Mike Young turned out to be a 60 year old nice man who retired from CP but contracts back to them as a signalman. He lives in Medicine Hat and has a lovely wife and two daughters. It was so great to chat about trains and bikes and travels before I had to head out to volunteer for Key City Theatre. The event tonight was the first one since November, I believe. It was the comedian, Mike Delamont and was at The Royal Alexandra which is a beautiful venue for this type of show. I actually laughed out loud a few times which is unusual for me. Afterward I stopped at the liquor store and then came home to water my garden before settling in to watch Vancouver Island MusicFest streaming. I made it in time to watch Leonard Sumner, and then the Island Blues with some sick talent. David Vest blows me away. Angel Forrest left it all on the stage and our own Doug Cox who I am honoured to call friend just amazed me. I have not had the pleasure to see him perform like that before and he is really something.
I couldn’t bring myself to get to work until 10 or so. I was too tired and my joints ache. My shoulder above the jab is hot and aches. I worked at getting things off the list, things that could wait until next week so I can be sure I will be good to go to MusicFest next year without worry. I stopped at Safeway on the way home to get lettuce for the Stickbugs and picked up a bunch of things using my gift card. I had some dinner and sewed the last cushion as I have another booking tomorrow night. Seems I have a niche. This is a guy on a bike as well. I have been trying to close some of the days but the calendar isn’t working right now. I am going to invite the family over for a bbq on Sunday as Mom will be staying here Sunday and Monday night. I am riding the couch watching Season 3 of Breaking Bad. I am surprised I am enjoying it so much with all the bloodshed. No great stories, just chronicles of a sleepy head tonight. I am glad I booked my day clear tomorrow. At least my arm is feeling better and the antihistamine worked to take away the tape reaction.
Last night was quite the experience. The 24 year old technician was delightful and we had a few good laughs as he was wiring me up. When I first saw the harness and wires on the bed, I thought, that’s not too bad. But then he pulled out a whole nest more. I was wired all over my head, face, lower legs, arms, chest and an oximeter on my middle finger. Dead sexy that’s a big 10-4.
I had a fairly good sleep anyway as I was so exhausted. He did have to wake me up at 0530 which was not my favourite, and after I was all unhooked and changed I had to fill out a questionnaire. Unfortunately results take 6-8 weeks. He did say to use my machine again and the only thing he would tell me was that yes I did snore, when I asked. I still had nasty goop stuck everywhere so I came home to shower up, check on Missy and was at work before 0730. My Hollyhocks are so beautiful.
I am tired enough that I had to really concentrate on one thing at a time today. I left at 2 to head to the vaccination clinic as I heard I could walk in without an appointment. My scheduled one isn’t until the 18th so I was grateful there was no lineup and I got it done. 2nd Pfizer for the win! I felt like doing the Viagra little blue pill dance from the commercials, I was so happy when it was done.
I came home intending to have a nap but hung the holder I bought yesterday and got a bit organized around here before sitting on the couch to relax. I really love my colour changing lights! I can change the colours, speed and intensity.
Before having a nap I reached out to Rae to see if we were doing dinner out tonight. There was a big miscommunication as I thought she said she had Emmy and they were all coming over for a swim. What I thought was that she was coming right away but she was at work until 5. I got hangry and tired and the sky opened up while I was waiting for them.
Gene made crap dinner for the kids and then I made Hoisin Glazed Pork Meatballs for Rae and I. Unfortunately I Couldn’t concentrate and there was a lot going on. It took all the way until she had to eat and run to get Emmy home to her Mom and bed. Emmy and Sawyer had fun in the pool as the sky had cleared before they left. At least dinner was delicious.
I sewed two more cushion covers, one to go. I am having a reaction under my chin and on my chest to the tape and or goop used to hold the wires on. I have taken and antihistamine but am a bit burning and sore. Fortunately nothing at my shot site. Like last time I can’t even tell I got it. Will see how tomorrow goes.
I am still obsessing a bit about the fact that I got my ultrasound results today and it is recommended I get an MRI because of the size of the mass. I will discuss it with my Dr. next Wednesday. So may things going on…
In half an hour I leave for the sleep clinic. I have done all I need to to prepare but now need to go dry this thick mop of hair that they need to put electrodes in and water my plants before I go. Just wanted to check in and let you know I will be back with a full report tomorrow night. As for today, I worked hard, stopped having caffeine after noon and didn’t have any alcohol. My dinner out with Stacey to Mr. Mikes led to eating some surprise Carmen Peppers in the Aioli sauce on the appetizer even though I mentioned I was allergic to them so they held them off my main course. My guts don’t love me at the moment but it is early yet so I hope my pill kicks in.I am drinking lots of water with lime and am remaining calm. My obsessive self was not assisted by the Dr. office calling to have me actually come in next Wednesday about my knee….. I was hoping a phone call would do but she must have seen something in the x-ray. I will play ostrich and put it out of my head for now. Gas prices are ridiculous, 1.499/L or around $6 a gallon!!! That’s almost the cost of milk for goodness sakes and we all know Canada has outrageous dairy prices!
I was not thrilled to find I had forgotten the water was going to be shut off for local hydrant replacement and didn’t get in the shower before hand. I was checking out my very first blueberry (blissfully ate it) when I realized the pool had had a mishap overnight and a bunch of water had dumped out. I suspect an animal jumped on the edge.
Did all the morning chores, taking out the garbage etc and then headed to work for Monday payroll and remittances. It was a bit of a frustrating day so when my Grandson Gene messaged that he had the money to buy my iPhone I used the virtual assistant to try to purchase a phone so that I could give mine to him. She was not very helpful and simply sent me to the ‘retail’ store which doesn’t actually exist here yet. There was not convincing her of that so at the end of my day I went to Shaw. As I suspected, the actual retail centre isn’t opening until July 30th in the Mall. They were helpful to get a SIM card activated and bring his phone on to my much cheaper plan though. I went to the Guedes house and spent almost two hours trying to get Gene’s phone backed up and then planned to use his for mine until then. Unfortunately his doesn’t take calls so then we had a plan to borrow Lukas’s until I could get mine but after all that we discovered his is not unlocked… sigh. So we had to quickly put my SIM card back in mine as I can’t do without it. By then I was racing to my meeting
I really enjoyed meeting at Jenn’s house with Beth as the play selection committee, We had like a mini book club, discussing the scripts we read and questioning the criteria for choosing a season. It was nice to sit around and be proactive. Toward the end we were just chatting about musicals and the original music in one of the shows when Beth mentioned one of her favourite shows of all time. She couldn’t remember the name of it but that it was put on at a college Theatre school in Vancouver. Jenn mentioned Studio something and I said ‘Studio 58’. yes she said that is the one, they put on an amazing production of Midsummer Nights Dream, with unbelievable original music. By this point I was stunned and asked if it was in 1981… and then I pulled out my phone and started skipping through my albums to find a picture. I showed it to her and we had a good laugh when she said ‘yes, that’s the one’ and I said ‘and that’s me!’ She had seen my favourite show I have ever been in, 40 YEARS AGO and it has stuck with her. She mentioned the opening scene perfectly. Now that is the magic of the arts, to leave a brain scar to carry for life. It seriously made me so happy. Oh did I mention Colin Mochrie went to that school too. It was a glorious time for theatre and a growing movie industry in BC. I have seen so many of my friends from school in TV and movies and some have even been to Cranbrook in shows including Jill Daum seen as Titania in these photos. That’s me as Mustard Seed wearing a shower curtain and straddling the back of her bike. I went on to do so much theatre in a few cities in BC, had a great time as and extra and have been on a few theatre boards. I do feel like it is time to direct again though.
Stopped to sort out phones again, arrived home to make some dinner but went for a walk with the Neighbour Tracey to check out the new development. It is crazy how much is going on and difficult to see the final scope of the roadwork. Did finally get dinner made and it was so delicious which will make a great lunch tomorrow as well .
I didn’t sleep very well without my machine. Two more nights to go. I suspect I will sleep well tonight as I am so tired and am worn out from going up and down a ladder to get things done. I removed a cabinet that was attached to the wall and it took a lot to do that. I wanted it to fit in a specific place in the den/guest room but it is two inches too big. I will rethink the plan but by the time I got it there I was so tired and still had to reorganize the stuff into all the cabinets I had emptied and make dinner. Dinner was tasty but not likely one I would order again.
triumphgal 