triumphgal

August 4, 2024

Nothing much to report, spent 9 hours at a client today working together to get his 2023 yearend prepped. I’m pooped.

August 2, 2024

Today was a lot. I got up early as a client said she had to phone me before 9:15. She didn’t so I got in the shower and off to the office to later find that she had responded to an email instead. I worked my tail off and then headed to pick up party supplies before coming home to get dressed.

I hosted a party for Rae-Anne’s 40th that is coming up. I bought an adult birthday party in a train car at the history centre. There were 13 of us and a good time was had. Jeff and Dee-Anne brought an incredible cake and wee shrimp cocktails that were a big hit. I supplied special beer, some snacks and games. The 30 second mystery game as well as You’re Getting Old were perfect for the occasion. Unfortunately Rae had a migrant she stuck out for two hours. The pictures were worth it.

It was stupid hot today and I put the first scratch in my car with my backpack, sigh

Mark and I played two games of Outsmarted and I won for the second and third time. One of them was our high score.

August 1, 2024

I stepped out this morning to find a beautiful creature dead on my sidewalk. roger said it was an ermine. I suspect it was done in by the raccoons as Missy was in all night. I felt so sad for it, hard to explain why. I did reach out on Facebook Cranbrook page without the picture. A woman involved in pet rescue replied and I private messaged her the pic. This was her response

It was a busy day as always. Andrew helped me set up a new email software which worked great to bring in all my mail and folders but made my computer not want to do anything as it was ‘full’. I had to clear out a lot of past things. Ashley, the new GroundFloor manager joined me as guest at Rotary lunch. She is just a lovely personality and will be an asset.

After working for the afternoon, I headed down to Rotary to emcee and manage the booths. It was a lovely evening with Three Bar Line Dance Troop, Anie Radish, and Oracle Jones. we awarded Dawson with a shirt as he is a very loyal fan. He was so happy!

July 31, 2024

Last night a little surprise happened as I was getting ready to turn in and heard something in the ramp to the cat door. I found it to be a family of raccoons. This morning I found that they had had a party.

This was once again a very full day and I made all my filings. Tomorrow will be full of things I had to push off. I am glad I succeeded. I am also glad that I made dinner last night so I could come home and relax. Yes, I did treat myself to a bowl of double chocolate ice cream and a Blackberry Crown Royal.

July 30, 2024

I figured out a bunch of stats that made me let go of two clients today. They always bring me their stuff last minute. I am done with that, no matter how much I care about out them as humans.

Average month = 84.5 hours

June 99.5

July with two weeks off = 84 with one day to go

Came home and made dinner

Played two games of Outsmarted with Mark. We each won 1 and had fun as I had my friend, Rhonda, buy nummy chocolate and drop it off to him today.

July 30, 2024

I worked over 11 billable hours and even took time out to grab Lukas from work, get gas and pop into Walmart who sadly didn’t have the colour yarn I need to keep crocheting.

‘The ministry of ungentlemanly warfare’ was still on my mind, having watched it the night before. On Prime, check it out

July 28, 2024

I had a decent sleep, got some chores done and then headed to the office. Left around eight after giving my mom a call and finding out that there was a Covid exposure in her room so they are basically quarantined just when she was getting able to walk the halls for Physio. Very disappointing. I dropped off her sandals for better traction walking and picked up her MRI report which has a whole lot of things that I have to look up to understand. But for now, I am glad that I made the base for a shepherds pie this morning before I left as it is now after nine and I am just boiling the potatoes so that I can have dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow

Marc and I played Outsmarted last night and one of the things that came up was that the Hyundai logo is supposed to be a handshake. I couldn’t see it until he sent me a picture

July 28, 2024

I had a decent sleep, got some chores done and then headed to the office. Left around eight after giving my mom a call and finding out that there was a Covid exposure in her room so they are basically quarantined just when she was getting able to walk the halls for Physio. Very disappointing. I dropped off her sandals for better traction walking and picked up her MRI report which has a whole lot of things that I have to look up to understand. But for now, I am glad that I made the base for a shepherds pie this morning before I left as it is now after nine and I am just boiling the potatoes so that I can have dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow

Marc and I played Outsmarted last night and one of the things that came up was that the Hyundai logo is supposed to be a handshake. I couldn’t see it until he sent me a picture

July 27, 2024

Set my alarm so I could connect with my ABC peeps. Not going to lie, the blush is off the rose. I somewhat look forward to these moments. There are some that I still feel connected to and others that are fading. It is always good to hear voices to go with faces. I do hope to get to Michigan folks in the near future. That would be the last of the group that I haven’t visited in their own state/country.

Following the zoom, I headed to the office and broke the back of a big file.

Once I got home, I reached out to Minto play Outsmarted, which he always beats me at, but we have fun.

July 26, 2024

7 hours on one file, a visit to Mom who is doing much better but in for another week or two, home to enjoy my over grown blossoming yard, dinner and now I am sitting watching Big Brother with a big bowl of popcorn and a glass of wine. I also started my new temp blanket from July 1 onwards

July 25, 2024

My baby boy is 30 today. I do love him so.

Work, Rotary lunch, work, Rotary Park for Summer Sounds. The Anadil Belly Dance kicked off, followed by Trena, and then Shred Kelly. There were 7-800 people there and everyone had a great time.

I am a zombie

The wildfire map is scary

July 24, 2024

Started the day with a gift in my mailbox from Emmy. I love it

I put a ridiculous amount of time in today on client work and then spent 3 hours on Fisher Peak website, membership, and money updates. I left the office after 10. Thankfully Mom is in good hands, they’ve got her up walking a bit and did an x-ray to find out why her right arm isn’t working properly. Turns out she’s got bad arthritis in that shoulder. Nice to hear her in better spirits.

July 23, 2024

There is really nothing to report. Mom sounds much better and she understands that I can’t make it there today. I did have to start the day with a manicure (broken nail) and errands.

I worked solid until after 7:30 and then called it done.

I am tired and need to be rested to concentrate.

July 22, 2024

I set my alarm but fell asleep again. I needed it so wasn’t stressed. Got through my email although I can’t figure out why my work email won’t send or receive since July 4th into my outlook. Jake, Sawyer and Emmy picked me up for a visit with Mom before going for lunch.

I worked my butt off, attended the Board meeting and went for eats with Steve and Ferdy. While I was there I was getting texts for help from a client so I stopped them at 8:45 and got shit done! He was shocked and happy and I didn’t have to add it to tomorrow’s list. I was home by just after 10. This is going to be a heavy work week.

July 20, 2024

I was awoken at 8:39 from a very deep sleep by a call from Mom that they were taking her to the hospital. It seems that she hadn’t been able to get out of bed on her own when they came to give her a shower. It was a very long day of test and wait and no info

Finally, after ecg and chest x-ray, they decided to admit her. This was a blessing, as were the third floor nurses and the wonderful Dr Ang. He is determined to get to the root of her leg swelling and why it is also hot.

I missed Deanne’s 70th birthday party but after gathering things at Mom’s apartment, I stopped for cake and a bevie and a good visit.

I am so very tired and drained after 9 hours at the hospital

I forgot that Ash had sent me pics of the t-shirt presentation. They make me smile

I didn’t even know that a performer had strapped himself in when he road on back of my cart.

My tough puzzle when I left (actually it was nearly done) and thanks to Missy, when I returned

July 19, 2024

I woke up early, had coffee and a good visit with Wendy, processed out loud the loss of a mutual friend and headed out. I left her a flamingo and stress star to share with her grand daughter Georgia which left me with one of each for me. Perfect! First stop was at a liquor store to buy birthday gifts for Deanne and Roger, and pick up Blackberry Crown for me Westbank and Kelowna have massively grown since I last was there, many years ago. First stop after that was a rest stop and then Rock Creek for gas. It was sad and amazing to see where the wildfires had destroyed acres and acres but left farms standing. I’m sure that’s a tribute to the crews.

Next stop was on the outskirts to take a call from Moms care worker and I authorized three times a day and Physio. Good thing I pulled over to take the call as only one minute after, the reception was gone for miles. I continue to listen to Patrick Stewart narrated his biography. The next stop was at the art gallery in Grand Forks. There was an amazing display, and I even got to hug a crocheted tree. I loved the bike stands at the library across the street

The last stretch was broken up by a stop at my favourite fruit and veg spot in Creston. I was told there are no peaches or nectarines in Creston u less they came in from Georgia! I bought a massive bag of peas, some baby carrots and potatoes, and some Rainier Cherries.

I stopped to see Mom when I got into town and a little it read her the riot act as she hasn’t journaled her food, water intake and activity since July 1st. She has to care more about her health than I do. Apparently her bottom plate has been stuck in her mouth for the whole time I’ve been gone and she hasn’t reached out for help. I asked at the front when I left and apparently there was a dental assist on shift who was able to go up and get it out. That’s a relief. I got the impression that Mom wants me to come see her every day again. I will try, but…

I was happy to get an email from Donna’s caregiver that they found my Dads wedding ring that had gone missing as it had gone with the laundry. it is now safely locked up.

I stopped at Encore for the patio opening party and it was so lovely to get the big Cheers welcome, Maddi started off the ‘Marnée!’

I had some food and beverages before coming home to a cat who clearly missed me and a nice visit with Tracey. It was sad to not be able to see Fisher Peak due to the smoke, but my angel, Kelly let me know she got me home safe when a dragonfly landed on the edge of my windshield

Now I am enjoyable sip of blackberry crown

I am so thrilled that Michael McGovern is wearing this crew shirt at Hebcelt Fest back home in Scotland

It was truly good to escape and fill my cup. Marnée Magic was in full swing for me and I really needed it.

July 19, 2024

I woke up to a peaceful morning at Jake’s. He had to run off to work so I made myself a coffee, got ready and headed to see Jackie We had a great visit, I think she is a bit more bored than she has been but we had many good laughs, hand squeezes and hugs. I really miss hearing her firm commands and corrections, lol, but am so happy to still be able to ask questions that she can answer.

I made a plan to stop for lunch with Julie at the golf course she works at and then head to West Kelowna to stay with Colin and Wendy. Much to my surprise, the crew that Jules alluded to being there was Bruce McBeath, Mike Gosse and Dominic, a Queensborough kid like me. The welcome was overwhelming, many great stories were told and maybe too many hugs after, lol. I felt bad that I didn’t have a deep visit with Julie as the boys were hogging the conversations. we had a great visit and posed some before and after shots. I teared up a bit when Dom and I got talking about David Bellham. He was Dom’s best friend and my first love who died of a brain tumour at 17.

I stopped in Chilliwack for cheap gas and headed for West Kelowna. It is such a beautiful route and I am sure I haven’t been in Westbank since the Ride For Sight in the ‘80sI got a very warm reception from Colin and Wendy and e en got to interact with Miss Georgia. She is a soon to be 4 cutie. Visits were great, dinner was amazing and I accidentally spilled the last glass of expensive wine from Lucinda Williams. It was delicious.

I love these people so much, am blessed to call them friends for nearly 30 years! Today has truly been a walk down a happy memory lane!

I feel like the universe is unveiling the love and admiration that has always been around me that I was unable to see. Bruce said that they all thought I was so strong, that they never knew ew I was hurting and Dom gave me his number, telling me to call if I was ever in need again.

I wish I could go back and tell that teenage me just how loved that I was.

July 18, 2024

I spent the morning washing my car, doing laundry, taking care of a few clients, changing the bed and visiting with Kym. At one point I went t up to the shop with Greg to bring down his flat deck for him. We stopped at guys working on the roadside clearing and 3 of the 4 were friends, Amos, Jay and Ole. I’m not going to lie, my heart was full finding them so happy to see me. Ole said he had been wondering recently how I was doing. It really is nice to know I had a space in their lives that was meaningful.

I packed up and said my goodbye to go visit my step-mom, Donna whom I call Mrs B. She has progressive Alzheimer’s and is in Extended Care at Lady Minto She didn’t know me at first but recognized my voice and mannerisms as definitely being a Bellavance. I laughed when I realized she was wearing a signed Donnie McDougall t-shirt. He was a guitar player for The Guess Who and a friend whom I haven’t seen for a while. I was surprised and cheered the fact that they get happy hour everyday at 3. She enjoys her Scotch and soda. Most of the time we talked about her time as a teacher. She is a brilliant woman and often mentioned that she forgets now, yet quoted Robert Frost. There was one line that kept alluding her so I wrote it on a paper as well as a small family tree from Dad on down.

I took time to speak with Katie who is her worker and has also been an acquaintance of mine for years. I asked her to let me know ow if there was anything I could send or do and she did say some newer comfy clothes and pictures. Mrs B did ask me for the picture of us that I took the last time I was there. Kym has a picture book I the works and will add some of my family as well. We had good laughs and although she often asked my name, how old I was and where I lived, there were sharp moments. I told her that she was my WSM and she immediately responded, “Wicked Step Mother!” I think we both gasped when we calculated that she had known me for nearly 50 years.

I left and headed for the 6 ferry out of Fulford Harbour to Schwarts bay. I was very early so had time for a bowl of soup and a glass of Garry Oaks Pinot Gris. I invited a lady to sit with me who was over for a meditation retreat and was catching a bite on the way. She was sweet and grateful for the seat out of the sun.

Once I was on the second boat to Tsawwassen, which I had to barely sit in line for, I had the fish and chips I had taken out I confess that the wine and the company were the best part of that experience. It was a beautiful crossing and always thrilling for the tourists when the whales breached in Active Pass

I found this online that spoke to my thoughts about talking out my feelings about Lee and how he thought it should be bygones

I enjoyed the drive to Jake’s and found a spot to park right out front. it is a lovely neighborhood near to where we used to live in Vancouver. It is an older building though and very hot

Mom called while I was on the boat. She is very stressed from the heat. I may have to make room for her at my place but that is going to be complicated. I asked Rae if Will could go visit her for a couple hours in the afternoons and put cool cloths on her legs and make sure ahead of time is getting enough water.

Had a great catchup with Jake about the tech show he was at in Tai Pei and the trip to Japan that followed. I am happy for him and am glad he is coming up next weekend for his 30th birthday.

July 17, 2024

I was woken by a client call at 7:15 or so. I wasn’t grumpy exactly, yeah I was grumpy.

I headed up to the production trailer to do my payroll for today

Next was getting my camp undone and packing up my stuff. This took about an hour and a half in the blazing son. I was done in and needed a shower. I went to start the car and the battery was dead. I sat dejectedly in the car seat wondering how long BCAA would take when I noticed there was a button, never used, on the left lower – saying 12 V batt reset, so I pushed it.

There was an odd sound, and then I tried the push button ignition to find that it came to life. How cool is that, that my car boosted itself.

After making my rounds to say goodbye, I headed for Crofton, which has the ferry that goes to Vesuvius Bay on Salt Spring Island

I laughed when I parked in line at the terminal at exactly 4:20

First stop was to train my friend/client on his books and then he took me out for dinner at Cassette Diner & Dive Bar which used to be a Shell Station. The food, drinks and company were all fabulous

After Mark took off I decided to do a slow loop through the village and I heard a voice that I recognized. I parked and went with video rolling to see Tom Hooper on the wee Shipstone’s dockside stage where I used to host. After chatting with friends I ran into, I went in and casually stood by so as not to interrupt Tom on his break talking to someone. He glanced over at one point, did a serious double take and leapt off his stool to give me a huge hug, introducing me as a dear friend d that he hadn’t seen in a decade. More hugs were had after a quick update on things Grapes of Wrath and it was time for him to get back on stage.

I wandered and soaked up the sea before heading up to my brothers. It was great to see family in their own environments. We had a nice visit and then I fell asleep blogging lol