Today started with messages to the special people in my life who were celebrating birthdays including my Mom who turned 80 today. I the picked up Diane and we headed off on another round of Mystery shopping. Today’s route took me all the way to Golden and then I hit up 5 gas stations on the way back. They were for 3 different companies and it was interesting how similar and yet how different each was. The weather was ever changing, including rain so hard I couldn’t hear myself think and wind. There were deer and mountain sheep and goats and osprey and geese and bear warnings although none were seen. Diane, who is very gifted in the kitchen, made us delicious food. I felt spoiled! Glad there are leftovers for tomorrow. The new round about in Radium is something else. Traffic was heavy as the Trans Canada is rerouted at the moment. I don’t like to be Provincial and judgy but the only vehicles that raced up to ride my ass and then pass me in not always the best part didn’t have front license plates… they are mandated in BC..
On the way up to Golden we passed a smoldering semi trailer in a rest stop but there was no opportunity to stop and gawk so we watched for it on our way south, hours later. There were still active flames and no one around! I guess no one is worried about forest fires. Pulled over to take pics to discover it was full of canned cat food, Friskies and Fancy Feast. There must have been some big flames as it was melted.
In Canal Flats we stopped at the store front for J2 Ranch to buy meat. Diane had bought there before and I decided to give the Wagyu Beef and the Bison a try. The lady was delightful and stayed over hours to serve us as well as racing up to the ranch to pick up some more ground for Diane and meeting us at a pull out. Love love love small towns.
All in all a lovely but tiring day as I don’t drive big highway distances much anymore and I don’t spend time with people that much and I had to act to do my job all day while remembering so many details. That is a lot for this old brain, lol.
Today was pretty awesome, I got a lot done, had a great visit with Stacey when she brought her info to drop off and I sent her home with trial bevies I bottled. We made a plan to bottle together at the end of May. She took home the bottles I got free from the you brew and will soak them to get the labels off. I will then go there and we will sanitize them together. The weather was spectacular today, showing 25 when I left the office before 4.
I went to the theatre to put on the stage lighting for the dance group. We played with some colours and got the stage ready for the young dancers to have their performances recorded. I feel sorry for them as they usually get to have a crazy loud crowd and so much attention for year end. I realized this would be the last time anyone would be using the booth as it is currently. On Saturday we will begin stripping it for renovations. I took a bunch of pictures as it is where memories have been made but I also can’t wait for the new command centre. Thanks to a grant from Columbia Basin Trust we will be getting some new equipment as well.
While I was there I got a text from my newest client that she was leaving Fernie and could she drop off her paperwork. As we had not met together yet, I offered to meet her when she got to town. It was perfect timing for me to drive thru Wendy’s for a salad and enjoy it at the GroundFloor while I waited. Laurie and I ended up having a lovely long chat about many things including the people we both know. I am so happy to be part of team EON.
Came home for a while and watered my outdoor plants which were showing signs of being out in the hot dry sun today. Pretty impressed with how many are already coming back from last year. I will have to get my lawnmower fixed soon! The grass is getting too long already. I can’t wait for my gazebo to arrive. Was working on my puzzle which I was ready to give up on due to the fact more than one piece could fit in the same spot when I got a text that they were done at the theatre. I hopped in the car and went to shut it all down.. for the last time, that way. You see part of the uniqueness of our system is the fact we have ‘Frankenstein’ switches to throw to turn on and off the power supply. All of that is being removed and replaced in this redo. It was not without a moment of pause that I threw the switches for the last time. It is a silly thing to get emotional about, change is definitely good but theatres have a certain cachet, a sense of history and continuity in a community. I am proud to be a part of it all and am excited to design and set up the new booth. Soon I will get to go shopping for gear!!
I arrived home to spot a big fat bumble bee on my new lavender plant! So grateful for bee keepers.
Finished the damnable puzzle, with or without all pieces in the right place!
I know there are many people who recognize today as Cinqo de Mayo but it is also something much more serious and important – a Day to remember Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women. Red dresses were hung in honour. Something must continue to be done to prevent the terrible losses.
I spent 4 hours with the bookkeeper for a file I am taking over. It was truly enjoyable as she is as fun as she is smart. I was stressed about taking this one on but I can do it, one step at a time. The only problem was, I didn’t have breakfast and we weren’t done until nearly 3 when I could finally grab some food. My brain was beginning to check out by then. I had some leftover wonton and got back to work for a while. The others in my wing headed for a bevie on a patio together but I decided to pass as it is not my bubble group and I had much to do.
I picked up several cases of used wine bottles from Bill at Grapes and Suds. I need to soak the labels off them and sanitize them ready for bottling my next batches of hard lemonades. It was nice of him to let me have them. Will be a bit of work but free!
Got home at a decent time, made something to eat and attempted to finish the puzzle I am working on but honestly, it is so frustrating that I may decide to pack it in. Too many pieces fit this same and the details are so similar… if it causes stress, it needs to go…
I don’t know what caused it but I was up and done on the treadmill, showered and ready to head out by 8:15 which meant I was waiting to turn left to work when I saw my grandsons walking towards me. I pulled through the intersection and over to the curb by them. I grabbed my light saber shaped bbq tongs and leapt out of the car saying: “may the fourth be with you!” There was much glee and I took pics of and with them and their friend Aiden. Lukas was afraid they were going to be late and Sawyer wanted a ride the remaining 4ish blocks. It completely made my day as I embraced Star Wars Day. I was wearing my Star Wars shirt and lanyard and enjoying all the posts of my friends on Facebook. The Hearnden’s were especially entertaining as usual but I am envious of the fact they have been to the Star Wars experience in Disney World.
I was thrilled to get to have a good long visit with Ferdy Belland today. He is one of three owners restoring the Armond Theatre here in Cranbrook from a 1950s movie theatre to a decent sized performance venue, keeping the heritage aspects including the neon signs out front and the large Pepsi logo painted on the outside concrete wall. He was one of the original Board that created Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society and I needed him to sign over authorization for CRA for me. It was a 5 minute chore that ended up in and hour and a half, getting to know you. I only knew he is the Bass player for Bif Naked, his wife owns the local awesome bookstore, Huckleberry Books, and that he and she acted in the last play I worked. Now we both know much more about each other and our shared passions in this city. I finally had to kick him out so I could get some work done and go pick up a book I had ordered that had arrived at Cole’s in the mall. I have been looking forward to it as it was written by Max Baca, the soul of Los Texmaniacs. As soon as I learned of it, I ordered it and look forward, not only to reading it, but having him sign it when next we meet! While I was at the mall I ordered Wonton and had to wait 15 minutes as they make it fresh so I wandered in to The Source and had to buy the last remaining Chewie BopIt game that was there on sale. How could I resist?!
I enjoyed other moments of the day, like ordering a gift for my Mom and my dear friend and having them sent direct, enjoying the knowledge that I counted myself in on the 2021 Census, meeting with Maureen to clarify income streams for FPPAS, seeing TRAINS and being welcomed home by my cat who appears to watch for me to get home and then follows me like a puppy to go get the mail. All in all a glorious 4th!
Got up and exercised, took out all the garbage and got Sean’s birthday present ready. He is 50 today and the ladies he manages went all out. I think my favourite was the cake made of depends. They even got a second cake when the first one was too plain and not what they ordered. I got him a music quiz game and a mini record player, that actually played. I stopped for cake but I wished I hadn’t as my stomach reacted to it. Other than that I worked on payroll and remittances for most of the day.
I love my wee rose and it seems to love my window sill. it has 9 buds/flowers at the moment.
Came home at a decent time and pretty much ignored my phone. Made a little dinner, worked on my puzzle and watched my 90 day friends. Feel a little stuffy so I made a wee pot of tea and it was a package I have had for a while but just finally tried. The smell alone was heavenly. Off to bed, peopled out, tomorrow is another day.
I still find it slightly shocking that someone born in the seventies is 50……
Bill Gates is apparently on the market… I could do with a sugar daddy…
I did some chores over the course of the day, and finished the puzzle Ashlée leant me that I had given her for her birthday. I twas 90s icons and fun to do. Just as I was finishing Rae asked if today would be a good day to get my dining table back from them. I have been using the one that used to be Jackie’s but it isn’t very solidly put together and I do not want to glue it if I am going to refinish it or return it to Reid.
I decided it was still cool enough to go out and mow the lawn. I got all ready and then the mower wouldn’t start. The pull cord wouldn’t budge even a little bit so I will need to take it to the mower guy. Now that I was out enjoying the day I decided to start siding the shed. I spent time digging away from the side of it and planning then screwed two screws in to be holders and got the first piece in place. Fortunately I have a scoring blade in order to snap the hardi plank and the previous owner had left a bucket of screws that won’t rust. I still need to get some tin to keep animals out from under the shed and to create a rain lip at the top but it is coming along. It sure was a good deal to buy the material from a friend who is a contractor. I will have to go pick up the shingles he has for me as well so I can do the roof. I have been fortunate that it hasn’t leaked thus far!
I found it interesting how quickly a situation can be misunderstood. After I got the first piece up, I texted Rae a picture and asked if someone in their household could come hold the other ends so I could finish. Ashlée replied that she could come do it and would bring the table. We brought it in and then she seemed in a hurry to go and hadn’t understood I would need her for a bit. She helped me with 4 boards and then said she had to go and get Roger’s truck back. I was left feeling disappointed that she couldn’t have helped me with the one last one but I managed to get it on anyway. As I was hanging my clothes on the line I was mulling the fact that I have so many kids and grandkids and yet still end up doing things solo that are easier and faster with two. I then received a text from Ash that she had just made it in time to the drive-by baby shower she was going to. We had a good talk about that being the detail she had left out. If I had known she had plans at a set time I would have done things differently and not been sad.
Awoke to a text from a client which followed not long after by one from Diane R who wanted to know what time I wanted to leave to drive to Elkford for Mystery Shopping. She kindly agreed to join me in the adventure today and offered to make chicken wraps for lunch to bring along. That was the icing on the cake! I did my morning chores, showered and headed to the office to print the paperwork I needed before picking her up. We had a lovely drive up to Elkford, the furthest point I needed to get to today and then worked our way back down with stops in Starwood, Fernie and Jaffray, 6 jobs in total. It was nice to have company and it is so strange that we are so opposite in many ways and yet can adventure well together. We were just relaxed and enjoyed the journey, noticing elk and big horn sheep and geese and gophers along the way. I was blessed by meeting and appraising many wonderful and friendly Service people at all the gas stations. Once again Small Town BC rocks.
Incidentally, the lunch Diane prepared was way better than any take out we could have bought along the way!!!! I came home and watched The Leftovers as I finished my puzzle. The opening credit pictures move me every time. I also ate my smarties which came in a new strange shaped box. It bugged me.
Today was amazingly calm and I was able to take care of a lot of things off the list that were ultimately for next month. Everything that needed to be filed by today was done a couple days ago and today was gravy. I was able to spend time on volunteer work to get further along catching up the past. I had this moment when I suddenly realized I was now Jackie. I have moved to next level in my career, there is an innate sense of what feels right or wrong, what should be investigated further, and just what I know to be true. It feels good! I am being asked more and more to address things that are process and procedure related. Sometimes it seems obvious, other times involve research and discussion. In either case I appreciate being asked. At 3:30, my clients that work in the building were invited to join me for a mug of sparkling Rosé. It was the last of my Angel wines from the states. I chilled it all day and popped the cork to celebrate the end of my first tax season as a sole-proprietor, all on my own.
I came home after doing my billing for the month and made a curried chicken pizza and poured a Hendricks and Tonic. I do love that gin, because it is delicious but also because I was introduced to it when I took a hot air balloon ride in their sponsored balloon at the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. I felt so sad for my girls, they were on the way here to bring me treats to celebrate when the truck in front of them hit a dog that ran out in front of it. Apparently it was quite gruesome and the person who hit it was a young lady who is the daughter of Rae’s close friend. I do believe we are where we are supposed to be and that the young lay was supported because there were witnesses that vouched she could not have avoided it. Rae dropped off a care package of a puzzle to do, a pretzel made by a friend, more of Gene’s homemade Oreo and reusable straws that can go int eh dishwasher and have soft tops so my teeth don’t get annoyed. So thoughtful.
All in all, it has been a good day and it is the 6 month mark for my own business 100% of the time. I am succeeding at life. Remind me of that when I need it please!!!
Some days fly by with many different adventures but none that may be interesting to anyone else. I was at a meeting with a city council member, a city employee and two fellow volunteers to speak about the future of Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society. It was a good example of social distanced meeting issues as it was cool and windy out. After an hour I was feeling it. Got some work done but also spent a lot of time sorting my own stuff. Went to the theatre to set up lights for a dance group of kids filming their routines for a competition. While they were doing their thing I went to Safeway and bought a nice steak and Roger cooked it up beautifully so I could join the whole lot of them over dinner outside. Rae and Roger introduced me to a new game they play on Steam and it was great fun. I hope to play it with Mark since we can’t play Little Big Planet in person anymore. It is called ‘It Takes Two”. Went back to the theatre to shut everything down and then came home to a cat that is acting like I have been gone for days. She had pushed the front blind aside and was meowing at me when I got out of the car. I let her out and she walked me to the mail box and back. I sure can’t figure out why some days are like that. Discovered my neighbor likes puzzles and swapped one. I started it tonight, it’s another Van Gogh.
On April 12th I registered for the vaccine and at 9:38 pm tonight I got a text to go online and book my appointment. The first one available is the morning of May 13th, one month and one day from original registration, but only 2 weeks away!! I can not begin to tell you how excited and relieved I am! I feel as though a big weight has been lifted off. This whole day was such an improvement over the past few. I completed everything for other people that had to be done and filed this month and there are still two days left! That left me time to work on getting subsidy applications filed for several companies which always makes people happy. I had signed up for an ED talk from the Cranbrook History Centre about 4 historical buildings in town, and it was very interesting and informative. I did know all the people involved and it was nice to support them as well. The four buildings were our community theatre building, the fire hall, the Armond Theatre and the old residential school. Peter, Fred, Ferdie and Janice all represented their projects very well. I transitioned from it straight into watching a live stream of Liam Docherty. His guitar skills are ridiculous. Seriously, look him up, his age and talent will amaze you. It was also lovely to recognize all the names rolling by on the credits. I do miss my MusicFest clan and it helps to support the things they do. Missy seemed to really enjoy his playing as well.
I finished the biggest puzzle I have done yet 27×35”!
How do I let go of the overwhelming sense of loss that cripples me this time of year. When my Dad died May the 8th became sad. I was lost in remembery that day of all I had and all I lost. As the years go by I think of him fondly and some days wish he could see me now. In March of 2019 my closest friend and mentor had a brain aneurysm, and on my birthday, Good Friday, that year, I was able to fly down to be with her in ICU. She was able to write some things, communicated with gestures and sounds and even said I love you. I last saw her in December of 2019 in her extended care home in Vancouver. We were still able to communicate with gestures and sounds. She was on the wait list for speech therapy and there was still hope. Leap forward to April 2021 and we have FaceTimed as possible although she hasn’t answered the last few times. I send postcards and notes regularly to let her know I love her but I have such stress trying to keep the chat going now virtually. She is cheery and seems to respond with adamant sounds of positive or negative, stopping on occasion to wipe her drool which shows me she has little control of some things. Her speech has disappeared and I can only assume it is because there was no one to help her in a timely manner. She has COPD and lung cancer and yet breezed through Covid-19. Clearly she is supposed to be here. But why? Is it wrong and selfish to admit it may have been easier if she had succumbed? All I have is memories and today I picked up the phone to ask her a tax question… stupid overtaxed brain of mine, time warped to when she was my rock and I was hers. We were supposed to rock away our old age together! She wasn’t even going to replace her dog Shadow so that we could travel. I am carrying on and have spent so much time in sadness and tears and self pity today but I have to let it out in order to move forward. I think this next step of grief at the real loss of my dear Jackie is necessary. I am thankful for the ones in my life that reached out and helped me through today. (I don’t know how I made it through the fucking board meeting….)
I am guessing it is barometric and tiredness related but I have had a low grade, trying to be a migraine, headache for the better part of the last week. I was fortunate I could focus on just two files with little interruption today as my multi-tasker is offline. I got a call for assistance in the evening and had to just ask them to email me so I could look into it in the morning. I suppose that is fair anyway as it was 9 pm my time. I am working on a crazy puzzle right now that has Larger Size Pieces for East Grip. Finished size is 27 x 35” It is not difficult but large and enjoyable. It’s a library!!
Why yes, I did puzzle a lot of the day away as a matter of fact.. but I had help….
I went to the office to complete a few returns and finish my reports for the Tuesday night Board Meeting. Waiting outside my office was the Rubber Tree plant they were hoping I could bring back to life. I may have been mistaken for the Messiah!
Was getting cold and hungry when I realized it was after 8 so I came home and made dinner and continued watching my show as I did laundry and other chores. Can’t complain, it’s only me that has to live with my mess but I know me, that I have to keep ahead of it.
I am well into the second season of Manifest and have suddenly realized why the lead actress seems so familiar. I have know her since she was a baby!!! Melissa Roxburgh is the daughter of Cam and Shelley. Back in 1994 I was his Pastor’s assistant at Southside Community Church. If I remember correctly, Melissa was around three when Shelley and I were changing our babies together at their house and M said God gave me a brown one and them a white one. She wasn’t wrong but boy did we laugh at the lovely innocent comment. It is strange to see certain looks on her face in the show and see one of her parents in the expression as she is a perfect combination of the two of them. It is also interesting that this is the profession she ended up in as her father was pretty strict about the ways of the world back in the day.
Slept well , up and finished boxing and crating bottles. Met Diane C at the home brew and had a nice visit while we bottled my full batch of Pomegranate Wildberry and half batch of Hard Iced Tea Lemonade. I was grateful everyone there was wearing a mask. Except Bill, he never does but he owns the joint and we have to trust his cleanliness. I also put down two full batches ready May 22 to share with Stacey.
I went to Home Depot afterward to pick up the flooring and shower/tub fixtures for the bathroom renovation. Sean met me there and brought it home in his truck as he was out with the kids and dog. Was nice to see them. It was a strangely disjointed visit but good to see all the Campbells as we even saw Shea at work. After a lovely dinner repeat of last night I decided to use my foot and face masks and mini spa at home while I did puzzles of course.
I got back on the treadmill this morning as I was feeling a bit better. Stopped at the Honda Dealership to get my nuts torqued as the tires were rotated recently. Next stop was the pet store to see about food for Misty as they have a buy 12 get one free program. I was at the door at 9:01 and they open at 9. The lights were still off and the clerk had to go to her car to get a mask. I needed assistance but she got on the phone and 9 minutes later I decided just to get something at Safeway on the way home. It was an interesting day. I only worked on two clients all day which is unusual. I did file maintenance for a lovely lady and subsidy applications for a Society. Both were satisfying and I was able to stop to meet Stacey in the parking lot to receive a grocery bag full of frozen garlic beef sausages from their ranch. I shared with Ashlée and Bill when I saw them on the street later and made room in my freezer for the rest. I like sharing the bounty as I can’t have them over to eat them. I wasn’t as tired today and I feel like my guts weren’t as upset either. Maybe the remedies are working. I did have cereal with rice milk for breakfast and a delicious teriyaki chicken bowl from Hot Shot’s for lunch in celebration of Madison moving onto another job.
I laughed so hard to get a video from Biggin Hill, UK. Those Hearnden’s, God love em they do know how to make me smile. All it takes are supersized pigeons!!
There was lots of drama at the work space today as there was a leak, across the hall from my office, thank goodness. The plumber was working up in the rafters when I left. At one point, Carrie came to me with her cactus that was struggling to live and asked if I could help. Seems I am now the plant whisperer. I took the curled up struggling overwatered Poinsettia and it is growing all kinds of green now. I repotted the cactus and have it on my window sill. She said she is giving me a rubber tree plant as well from home. I hope I can revive it as I was just thinking this morning about how my mom used to baby hers with mayonnaise wipes etc.
I was craving a Teen burger from A&W so while I was at Safeway I picked up $1 off packages of shrimp, an avocado and a couple buns. I had burger patties in the freezer and threw them on my Foreman Grill. May a delicious California Burger.
Tomorrow is bottling day so I spent part of the evening getting ready. Then I started a new puzzle of course! It is big! I signed on and found it is an anniversary! Thanks for remembering WordPress!
Now I think I shall allow myself a special gummy and a good long night’s sleep.
Haha, I totally forgot the subject that was moving me to write. I have been catching up on my evening soaps, and am impressed by how some are handling all the tough subjects right now. Honest looks at Black Lives Matter and the devastation of Covid on businesses and families. I am learning a lot. In spite of sometimes being a bit lecturing I am impressed with the information and how things are handled. Even Chicago PD, the home of getting results at all costs is towing the line. Bad cops are no longer to be entertaining. Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19 are tackling BLM. I have a black son, I have experienced his racism first hand. I still have much to learn.
My middle child turned 34 today. People see her as my mini me and in many ways she is but I see characteristics in each of my children, good and bad. She got a healthy dose of each. I have really seen her come into her own this last few years. It was a challenging time with her marriage and all its drama. I watched her hold her tongue and make good choices and finally make the best one for her. She has so much still to accomplish and I am proud of her.
Last night my parcel from PhotoBook Canada was waiting for me when I got home and I was thrilled to take my canvas and hang it on my office wall today. Sack boy playing Pooh Sticks in the 100 Acre Wood. It reminds me of all the good things of that trip and just plain makes me smile. I can’t wait to use my new luggage tag either. i was surprised it was metal as I got it free for my birthday!
The day really was a blur with so much going on and the weather didn’t help as it snowed off and on and my office was freezing. Cindy and Keri got me a space heater, thankfully. I still wasn’t feeling a hundred percent today and had quite the coughing spell after work. Rather like I have Croupe
There must have been big wind as well because I had to run around the yard gathering all the cushions . It was AGM for the Society that puts on Vancouver Island MusicFest and as a coordinator in good standing I am a member. They are the fastest AGMs I have ever been to, about 15 minutes. Was nice to see Doug and Marcy, Sue, Deb, Laurie and other Board members. No time for chat though. Everyone was quite solemn. I was texting Marcy a few questions off screen. I told her I was glad I had moved closer to the kids since all this hit but it was a Sophie’s choice as I moved so far away from them and my other Comox Valley friends.
Finished another puzzle while I watched my shows and had chicken noodle soup for dinner. Feel a bit better. tomorrow is Friday!
I found the last piece after I took the picture. It was funny today when Danika sent me a picture of a puzzle piece that Emmy says is mine… not sure if it is or if she just equates me with puzzles now! This one was surprisingly challenging. I like when the pieces are all different shapes, it adds to the challenge
I was up and at it as usual, getting in my steps on the treadmill and readying Ashlée’s birthday present as the family decided to have dinner together outside tonight before the weather changes. Was all over the place with work, popped over to taste a hard lemonade iced tea I am hoping to bottle on Saturday along with my fruit wine. Started feeling unwell by afternoon and found myself falling asleep at my desk. My throat is a little sore and I can’t seem to shake the extreme tiredness. I went to the dinner but had to leave to come back to my desk for a Board meeting and was grateful as it was an excuse to depart. Today was tough as I had an unsuccessful phone call with a collection agent at the PST department for a client. The woman spoke to me as if I was in the wrong and evading from the get go. I patiently explained the situation and asked for assistance to solve it. She may have been having a tough day and I wouldn’t want her job but the way she spoke led me to hang up on an agent for the first time. That and the April workload that has me exhausted is probably why I feel under the weather. I hope that is all.
Oh dear
Although it was my daughter’s birthday dinner, it is in fact The Queen’s birthday to her. It must be so sad for her this year…
I love, love. Love that my newest corporate client waited until today to sign our contractor agreement. I am now the bookkeeper for a successful chain of cannabis shops and the owner and I had a good chuckle via emails today that this Salt Spring girl found the perfect fit with her on the greatest celebratory day for the industry.
My plants are sure loving my windowsill. It is the first time I have seen the delicate blooms on my spider plant and the rose that Viola gave me is very happy in the sun.
I enjoyed working on non-profit reports with Maureen this morning and then getting a lot done before it was time to meet with another client who gifted me with Sweet Gestures. So thoughtful and I am grateful to have the ability to choose the people I want to work for. I am building my empire with good and kind people. Once I got home I picked up my mail and there was nothing but good in there!! I received a sizable refund from ICBC from my car insurance which will go toward insuring my bike and a parcel stamped Royal Mail!
The contents of the envelope were fabulous. Those Hearnden’s know me very well. To support theatre and be gifted treasures is the best!! I learned that my Ashlée had suggested such a fundraiser over a year ago for our theatre but it was turned down ‘as none of this was going to last’. I still think we should do it! It’s not like I will never use my masks again when this is all over. I feel it is my new frontline protection while travelling, may as well be fancy! I received 3 in the mail that I had ordered from SoClean along with the replacement cartridge for my machine. They may be the best fitting ones yet as the stay away from my mouth.
I had recorded from PBS, the one hour documentary: The Real Prince Philip: A Royal Officer. I really enjoyed it in a poignant way, feeling even sadder for the loss in the lives of those closest to him. Something that stuck with me was that he did not respond to stories about his infidelities as “ To deny rumors was to take part in the rumoring” I think this is a line held fast by the serving Royals.
What an incredible day and I even got lots of work done! I woke up and decided to give myself a break from the treadmill to put hair makeup in. I was quite happy with the result and I even straightened it for the first time in a long time. Felt a little sassy in my tunic, tights and knee high, heeled boots. It was thick ice on the windshield and a small layer of snow but the day progressively got warmer and nicer. Sean showed up with a very nice card and a bottle of Moscato from Diane, and Viola popped in with a gorgeous pink rose bush which now lives on my window sill. Rae picked me up to take me for lunch in the mall parking lot where the Crepe Food truck was set up. We walked along Joseph Creek and even waved and chatted at her mother-in-law, Judy from her top floor apartment at the Senior’s Facility. Walked the lifts right off my boots! Got a couple more hours of work in before the ‘Co-work Crew’ invited me to the Flex space for ice-cream cake. Gave me just enough energy to get through the rest of the day and the immediate tasks at hand – fixing two companies payroll for them. Funniest moment was receiving a what’s App message or three from the Hearnden’s. Honestly, the one that went wrong at the beginning was the best of all. They make me laugh on the regular and fill my tank with love. I went to Shoppers to mail a gift to a friend in the US. I think she will get a kick out of it. I do love finding things that immediately make me think of someone. From there I ordered rolls from Sushi on the Strip. While I was waiting in my car, I received a most delightful message from Emmy. It is so incredibly delightful that I think my 4 year old Grand daughter might consider voice over work! This put me in a most excellent mood to arrive home to a bouquet of daisies and carnations which are two of my favourite, cake, bottle cozies and a crocheted Therapy Chicken named Fauna. Diana really has the gift of gifting.
Now I sit here enjoying my bit of 12 year Bowmore Scotch, musing on all the connections I have out there in the world, the number of people who would at the least feel a twinge of remembery if I were gone. It is good to remember that, when times are bleak, when the brainstorms want to convince me I have no value or purpose and no one would notice if I were gone. I KNOW this is not the truth, it is smoke and mirrors.. delusions of paltriness. And so I shall smile when a musician in Newfoundland, a server in Peru, an artist in Europe, a Triumph rider from the US, a migrant worker from New Zealand, a traveler from Australia, besties from the UK, family and friends from all points Canadian and American, and more, reach out with love and recognition that I walk this planet. What an incredible web of love! ROAR!!
triumphgal 