At some time after 4 am I began having a nightmare that the carbon monoxide detector was going off and everyone was running around d panicking. I realized there really was beeping happening and got up to find my weather station in the living room had a dead battery and I ripped it out and went back to bed only to wake up 4 hours later. I lazed around, had a good soak and got some errands done before meeting the ladies at their hotel. We all piled in my car and went through the car wash together before heading to Kimberley
First stop was Marysville Falls.
Ext was Cominco Gardens which have changed so much since I was last there
We parked in the Platzl parking lot and visited My Best Friend’s Closet, a high end consignment store before wandering in and out of all the stores I. The Platzl. It was nice to run into Rosie, Kevin and Becky. we decided to have lunch at Stonefire. It was very good and the gals spoiled me by picking up the tab
I picked up three sweet bowls, a nose glass, an olive spoon and some enhanced bevies.
We stopped for pics with Happy Hans
We headed back to Cranbrook and stopped at Heidout for dessert where they all kicked in for a generous gift card for Rae and Roger for feeding g and caring for them. So kind and thoughtful. I dropped them at their hotel to get Julie’s car and met them at Rae’s where I loaded up Tracey’s fire pit and propane tank to return. They said their goodbyes and poor Rae headed to bed, exhausted.
We all came back to my place e and played several rounds of Flip 7 which I’d bought on Salt Spring
It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
I sent my walking sticks home with Sherry for her Dad, Wally. I was glad that she figured they would work well for him.
I am so very grateful that they came. We were able to catch up on each other’s lives and they supported me with all the love. I am blessed
I am pretty beat. I did make it for breakfast and was so happy to see so many people back. The pancakes and egg casseroles etc were fab. It was lovely when Chris and Brian Taggart showed up. We all ate and visited and the weather held out ok.
Most of us walked down to the Saturday market and I bought some corn and fruit. It was nice to spend casual time together . It was a treat to see Tom Bungay playing as well
Once back at the house we decided to head out to Fort Steele. The four of us girls, Uncle Bryan & Auntie Lynne, Sarah and Michael all went. We spent several hours exploring and although my body was hurting, it was a special time.
It is Bryan and Lynne’s 56th anniversary today and they all had dinner plans early at The Old Bauernhaus Restaurant in Kimberley. Meanwhile back at the ranch, Roger was cooking up spaghetti and chicken for the troops. He and Rae and their boys and besties have really gone out of their way to make a beautiful venue and kept everyone nourished.
We filled a row at the theatre for the 6:30 showing of The Odyssey. I was glad I had my loops in as it was loud, but I really enjoyed it in spite of its artist diversion from the book
The gals dropped me off and I packed up the rest of the collection. I did bring any metal and stone ones left for my garden and have 6 to send to Mom’s cousin in Bellevue. It was pretty great to turn two totes and 3 boxes into just two small boxes to go to the hospital auxiliary thrift
My car is full of things to deal with tomorrow and I look forward to no alarm in the morning. I hope to take the gals to Kimberley tomorrow and then just play games or do something chill.
The whole event has been awesome, good bye is hard, but it all feels more like see you again soon to the friends and family that came.
How do I explain the day that I put my mom’s ashes in the ground?
I woke up before my alarm with an incredible anxiety stomach issue going on
The day started with breakfast at the Guedes house and then I ran a couple errands and hung around as long as I could before heading off to the cemetery
There was so much in between that I can’t even supply all the details because it is so much of a blur at the moment but what I do know is I arrived at the cemetery to find out that Mom‘s marker was not there and I was instantly angry and crying and people were arriving from all parts of the province, cousins and aunts and uncles and mom’s friends and I was there crying because the monument company had not come through as promised. I managed to get through what I wanted to say and had Greg put the urn into the ground and then we all just stood around and talked for a while before heading to Rae-Anne and Rogers. I love some of the group cemetery photos that Lucas took with my phone.
Bill took these and I am grateful
The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent at Rae-Anne and Rogers and was a complete blessing family photos were taken by Brian Clarkson, food was supplied by the Heid-out and music by Dave Prinn
I encouraged everyone to take a cat and a carnation and give them to random strangers. My heart melted when Sawyer and Emmy went door-to-door on the block and handed coronations to people who answer their doors in honour of their GG
There are no words to express how grateful I am to everyone who came everyone who honoured Mom and honestly my ability to get through it all when Dave started singing hallelujah I started to lose myself and cross the yard quickly to be hugged by Monica as the two of us were holding mom‘s hand while that song was playing and she passed
I am sad that some people have to leave right away tomorrow but so grateful for who is there and I can’t wait to see the group photos all in all. I know that mom would be happy with what I made happen for her.
One of the things in the morning was having a conversation with Greg and Kym while Jake and others were there saying that I was going to contest the will. my pain comes from things being held back and surprises so I didn’t want any for them and it came up naturally in conversation, so the ice has been broken, and I am going to carry forward
Brett was my guest at Rotary Lunch and the speaker was Keith Powell with support from Rae-Anne about all things CAMAL
I ran a bunch of errands including making a handout for the gathering and met Dave Prinn to confirm details for music. I came home and tidied my house before loading up my car and heading to Rae’s. The set up turned out perfect and the main table is full of cats and things that we hope people will take
I also set up a lovely display for Mrs B but forgot to take a picture. It was wonderful when everyone started arriving. Roger made us an incredible dinner with the assistance of Will and Simon. I truly cried when Sherry, Julie and Sue arrived There is nothing better for the soul than your besties from high school arriving to support you.
The ladies came to my place after and we sorted through Mom’s jewellery. It was fun and great conversations ensued. Julie gifted us with heat bags which may indicate what age we are!!
My cup is full and I look forward to tomorrow
One of the lovely parts of the day was an interaction with Ethan Askey, a musician friend who lives across the street from the event. He loaned us his propane fire table and have Tae and I a beautiful condolence card. He’s good people.
Today I worked my tush off in between appointmentsso that I wouldn’t have to go into the office again until Tuesday
I started the morning at the dentist, getting drilled out and prepped for my crown to replace the broken off one from years ago that I have not dealt with
At three, I was off to see Minh for a manicure and while I was there, I decided to have a pedicure as well because my back was hurting, and the massage chairs did the trick.
I stopped for a bite to eat and then it was off to rehearsal from 6:30 to 9:30. I admit, I am not especially happy with some of the choices that are being made for my costume, but they are to be discussed another time. I feel that the director is happy with the choices that I am making for my character, and I am glad to finally be on our feet and blocking because that I find helps me learn the lines the fastest.
Unfortunately, in a very short time, we have already lost two people in the cast and hope that this is it.
Jake Yumi and Emmy arrive tonight and I will see them tomorrow after Rotary. I have invited Brett as my guest because he is a potential member and I also hope to find more volunteers as two of them. I’ve dropped out for my parking crew at Gran Fondo
I do feel like I have a lot of balls in the air right now, but lists are helping me get through. I look forward to seeing my girlfriends arrive tomorrow and we’ll probably have to spend some time tidying my house although I know they won’t care, I will.
Today the world feels heavy what with all the bickering due to Trump deciding that Lake Ontario should be called Lake America and all the controversy that has caused, and the far more serious event of a glacier letting go in Nepal and the numbers of dead are nearing 1000.
I know it’s a little bit like being an ostrich, but I am choosing to focus on the very simple, joyful things in my immediate life. I receive the menu for Mom’s gathering today and is absolutely fantastic., confirmation that Kyle is coming with greg and family so now all of us will be together for the first time, my friend Julie has managed to find candy striped carnations for me, the weather is supposed to be better on Friday than expected, and the fire band was rescinded so we can even have a fire for people to settle around in the yard
It was a very busy workday, but I accomplished much, including rallying my team for the Gran Fondo parking crew. I hope to hear from them all soon with a positive response. Now, I just have to buckle down and organize the food for the hospitality at Ed Fest. There’s just so much going on at the same time that I was glad that I was not needed to give a talk at the Rotary assembly at the beginning of October. I need to concentrate on learning my lines and being the best Abigail Borden I can be. Tomorrow is our first full on rehearsal and I am looking forward to it.
I woke up at a decent time and lay in bed listening to world news when I suddenly leapt up remembering that I had to call the Safeway florist. I got the idea that I want candy stripe carnations for the gathering.
Can’t get them here now in time so I reached out to Julie who is checking with her connections at the coast.
I spent the day pouring through the boxes of Donna’s that I brought home. There are some beautiful pictures I will put out as well. I want to honour her and I know Mom would approve.
At 4 pm today I joined other Rotarians for pizza and bocce. The weather s definitely cooler but it was a nice time. My team was Sven, Norm and Robin. We lost the first round and won the second
Home again I finished sorting and have a decent amount to present. I also have a whole box for Greg which holds a lot of Bellavance Welding history
There was a sage brush in our road!
I hung the sculpture that Me. and Mrs B. had on the wall in their cabin that I fell in love with at 13 and I just love it there
I managed to sleep in for a change. I measured and weighed myself and started my new meds. People equate addiction with drugs as a rule, but it can be many things. I am working to control mine, but I need some assistance. The events and losses of 2026 do not help
Rae picked me up at noon and we headed out to Ft Steele so she could take pics for marketing. The special preview of the residential school display was well done. Disturbing, just as it should be.
We had a shared lunch and wandered some of the buildings before heading out just as a rain started.
Once home, I grabbed my car and headed to the office. I managed to get all my filings done so that I can concentrate on payroll on Monday
I also got Chat GPT to help me come up with a good schedule for the gathering. I then popped over to Safeway to find when the florist will be there as they may have waited too long to get the exact flowers I want.
This morning was predominantly spent at the bank of Montreal trying to cancel mom’s credit card. I ended up with an amazing teller who scanned the death certificate and the Will and took the card and then sat on the phone until she even finally got through so that we could make it happen. Who knew that would be the hardest thing to do.
I stayed at work until 645 when I realized if I didn’t hurry, I was going to miss the pharmacy which closed at seven. I did make it in time to get my prescriptions which was good and then I stopped to drop something off for Roger and Rae and they were just about to sit down to dinner and invited me to stay for an incredible meal that Roger had made of tender little venison steaks and truffle fries and I don’t know what kind of melted cheese and baguettes it was but I was so grateful to have enjoyed it all.
Next step was a meeting at 8 o’clock at fire hall with JCI. I love being involved with them in spite of the fact that they are a club that age is out at 40. Derek, Shane, Kars and I worked through the logistics of the Santa parade. They are a smart group of young men and I enjoy planning things with them and I’m grateful that they see my input as valuable.
While I was walking back to the park, I noticed that the new fence and lighting is coming along around the Cenotaph. It is beautiful and doesn’t look like it will be too distracting to events in the park.
Today has been strange as I consider all the losses in my personal life of late, including Mrs. B, Mom, auntie Pat, her son, Don, and my friend Marie from Shearwater.
Add on top of that the greater losses in the world of people that I admired very much or brought joy to my life, including Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, and Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus prime and my oh so favourite Eyore.
One can end up, swallowed by grief, but I find myself sometimes very edgy, sometimes emotional at the silliest things but mostly just grateful that I have had the experience of all of them in my lifetime.
One of the greatest conversations I had today was with Brian Clarkson, who was so gentle and kind and apologized for not knowing about me losing my mom and he asked after my daughter Ashlée and Bill who he calls Willie and he would be very grateful to come and take photos at mom‘s gathering and all he asked was that we make a donation to the Kimberly Cranbrook hospice society. That is right in line with all of my values and I was very happy and grateful for his gesture 
I love the small town connections that I have managed to gain in this city in the decade that I have been here
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!
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.
Lorne Fineday sculpture
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
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.
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!
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.
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
SawyerLiamPaul RoachAiden and Benson
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.
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.
TammyErnieTeddy
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.
Natalie PaseChris and Sharla
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.
TaraJill and MaryannKeishaDave CampbellAngela
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.
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.
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
Nova
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.
