Today I managed to get my lawn cleared of all the blown down branches and get the lawn mowed for the first time in a long time. I had to borrow my neighbour’s lawnmower for the last of mine when I think I flooded mine and it wouldn’t start. I was losing momentum and needed to get it done. It is a relief. I have not spent the time looking after my yard and gardens that I have in the past. I just had time to shower and dress to head and pick up Rae-Anne. We went and had lovely pedicures and manicures together for her birthday treat. It was great to visit and catch up. We went back to her place for a short while and then headed to The Heidout for dinner. While there, we played one of the games I got her, .59 Seconds. It was fun and easy to learn. We split all our meal.. deep fried pickles, Schnitzel and Tiramisu. It was all so delicious and it was nice to spend time with her. By 7:47 we were both tired out and I made my way home with expectation that I won’t stay up very long.
I feel that today was pretty productive in spite of my weariness.
The best part of it was that yesterday I had reached out to Emmy and then her mom let me know that Emmy and Gwen were going to be in Cranbrook at their Grandma’s for the weekend. I went there at 6 and we played Barbies until after 7. The most fun was that she had made a shop that the Kens ran, a shop for misfits. None of the clothes or shoes could match. I suggested that I close my eyes and she give me clothes and accessories to dress while eyes were shut. She loved the result (I put a jacket on as pants, purposefully) and that was our new game, taking turns. It was a lot of fun and I got a kiss from Gwen when I left, and many big hugs from Emmy.
The worst part of the day was letting my cousin know that I was going on the cruise with her Mom as Auntie Trish said it was ok to tell her. I assumed they had talked. Turns out Andrea had been lied to by her Mom for some reason. She was told about the cruise but was told she was going with no one. Andrea was super aggressive and rude, saying it all was shady as fuck. I finally had to tell her I was no longer going to talk about it and have basically ghosted the conversation. Why can’t people just be honest!!!!!
Up earlier than usual to get things done and be at the Notary for 9 to sign the papers that officially make me Mom’s Power of Representative and Power of Attorney. It is bitter sweet as it will make things officially easier, but also carries big responsibility to care for the woman who took me on at only 22 years old when I was under 2. It is the least I can do under the circumstances. I went to the office and took care of some personal things and was working on a file when Rae messaged me through Slack to ask if I could come to Arby’s right away and help cover lunch. I was all dressed in pink, but when you get called in it is ok to wear what you are wearing. I threw on an apron and a hat and my work shoes and enjoyed working the drive-thru. It has been a long time since I worked but I managed to be helpful. I actually enjoyed it. Which is good as I am scheduled for two longer shifts next week.
Back to the office to get more done before heading to the Chiropractor at 3. Kevin Roberge is very touchy in his methods but it works well for me. He loosened me up again and I will see him next week as well. I am going to try to sleep with a pillow under my knees tonight to see if it helps. Back to the office to finish a file before heading down to the park to pick up the cooler and go get ice from Arby’s for the water and pop. Then it was back down to emcee for Amy Nelson Band and Marshall Dylan Band. They were both very well received and it was a great crowd on a lovely evening in the park. I was able to have some good visits with people I haven’t seen in a while, was thrilled with how polite and well loved Sawyer is as the water boy, and generally just had a good time.
Amy Nelson Jason, Justin and Grace ClelandMarshall Dylan
My back did not like however I slept last night. It took a few hours to make it work properly. It probably didn’t help to sit at a desk for most of the day but I did get a lot done. I am trying to get ahead of all the work for the next couple months what with trips in both September and October. Auntie Trish reached out this morning to apologize for last night. I hope she is pleasantly surprised when the medallions I ordered us arrive at her house. It will be interesting to see how they work with the app for the cruise. I left the office just before a 4 pm meeting at Key City about EdFest. It was pretty productive and I am glad I was there as no other FPPAS board members were. Coming home, I relaxed and then made some dinner. It was delicious. I left out the green pepper but used the chipotle seasoning and am feeling a little gaseous but overall not too bad. I took Tracey to the Barbie movie as her birthday is on Friday. She ran back out to the car to see if my loops were in the console but they weren’t. There were many girls in this audience and I worried it would be overwhelming to my senses. She mentioned to the ticket taker what she had gone out for and was offered a headset with volume control for me. They worked perfectly, blocking out the surrounding noises and letting me listen at my comfort level. I wish I had known sooner that this was a thing! I enjoyed the movie and thought it was very well imagined.
Lots of work, with a trip to pick up Mom’s pills and then go meet with her and the health intake lady. It took nearly an hour and a decision to get extra help. We narrowed it down to what will be the most useful and get her up moving around more. She seemed better today. I will try to get back to have a good visit soon. Back to the office to meet with Genex and discuss, along with Matt, what we hope for in our new Society website. It was very productive. I finally headed home and received an uncomfortable message from my Aunt. Seems she got someplace weird in her head and wondered if I am taking advantage of her and if she could take someone else on the cruise. Although my feelings were hurt I did offer to find out if I could be replaced without penalty. She didn’t take my call to check on her but reached out again to say she didn’t mean it and wants to go with me only. I am sure she doesn’t remember that I let her lead the whole thing, not even reminding her the next morning that she had asked me the night before. She got up and said , Let’s get booking it !
I am mostly sad that anyone thinks that I would take advantage of anyone. We are good now and the trip is still on.. for now.
Up and at the day with a whole lot of fogginess. I wonder if I should have just continued not taking my pain meds as the weariness must be from adjusting to them again. A whole lot of payroll, a few errands done and I was back home having some gyoza and watermelon. I seem to be ravenous and that is making me nervous for maintaining my weight loss. Tracey and I went for a walk down the block and back just before dusk. That is when it is cool enough. Missy isn’t quite sure about the furniture move but she has claimed my old spot on the couch as I now am comfy in my big chair.
I slept in a bit, then took a long epsom salt and bath bomb bath while I watched the end of Little fires everywhere. I was most disappointed that there is only one season but I enjoyed it. The rest of the day was puttering at some chores, watching shows and reorganizing my living room. I would have had to get up too early to beat the hear and mow the lawn. It is nearly 10 pm and still 24 out, and that’s 10 degrees lower than earlier. I like the new layout in the living room as I can sit in my big chair now to watch and play.
I slept in a bit, still feeling rundown but not as much. I relaxed and had a coffee and breakfast and then got making my Hello Fresh meal to take and share with Mom for lunch. We had a short visit and I helped her paying bills, etc. I am a little concerned as she is seeming run down and not as agile as when I left. I will have to check in on her more often the next while. From there I headed to a clients shop to help him fix a receivable issue and do some training. 3.5 hours later I headed home to sit in my AC for a bit before heading to Rhonda and Gordon’s for a BBQ and game night with another couple. They were lovely and easy to visit with. We played my new game and it was pretty straight forward to learn and fun. By 10:20 I bid my adieu as I am still pretty peopled out. It was a long awaited visit with these dear friends.
I am still adjusting to my meds whose side effect is drowsiness. I did make it to the office at a decent time though after taking care of Mom’s appointments and follow ups. I worked so hard and so intently that my brain is nearly fried. The large file I had left to last turned out to be a nightmare as the new person in the office had scanned everything she came across in a haphazard fashion and there were papers from 2020 up to current in no order. It was brain sucking. I had to do what I could with it and file the GST, with intent to fix the file along with the owner before putting in for his corporate yearend. While I was in the middle of it another client called, at 3:45 on Friday with a new system she wanted advice on so I can add tips to the payroll on Monday. When I expressed that I didn’t really have time today, she said she was going on holidays on Monday and wanted to meet this weekend. I have already given up my Saturday afternoon for another client who is very grateful and am determined to catch up on rest on Sunday. I also promised mom and a friend that I would see them on Saturday. She was not happy and when I carefully expressed that her company has grown so much that I feel it is beyond my scope as was determined when I took her on and that she may want to move to an in-house bookkeeper, she told me I hurt her feelings. She did not like that I mentioned that at this time. I told her I was sorry that her feelings were hurt but that there was nothing I could do today. It all left me with a sick feeling as I am not good at not being everything to everyone. She will get over it and I did tell her I would not leave her hanging but in reality we have a contract that says that I have to give one month’s notice to end it. I will have to think it over. Government filings for my long term clients will always be my priority over tips in a retail establishment. I got home after 9 and am done… no alarm tomorrow, thank God.
I let myself sleep a bit longer this morning and worked my tail off before heading to the chiropractor where we are, as he puts it, working like molasses to get my spine and neck back to a happy pain free place. Next I was back to the office until it was time to head down to the park to emcee for the final summer sounds of July. It was a good crowd and there were many people who stopped to give positive feedback. Four Deer Run and The Parsons entertained us well. It was nice to just be the emcee and money person for the night. My back is feeling the pain of walking on uneven ground most of the night but it was worth it.
Four Deer RunMurray HaywardThe ParsonsGordon, Jelena, Rhonda
I awoke and called Jake to leave him a happy birthday message. Hard to believe my baby is 29. It was a good long and productive day at the office. I am still weary, but I took the time to print out a message from a performer whom I have known for about 15 years from Salt Spring. I finally headed home, exhausted to find the wind must have been strong today as there was carnage in my yard. The pergola over my jeep, which was tied to the fence blew away and left a mess behind. Amazingly, there is not a new scratch of any kind on the jeep. Will, my 11 year old grandson and his friend Ethan offered to come help me. I went to pick them up and my 13 year old, Lukas was making dinner and fed me. The boys and I with the help of my neighbour moved it to a safer location where I temporarily screwed it down and tied it to the front trellis. The pergola is a little worse for wear but should still keep the weather off the jeep for the summer. I will have to make a plan to get a proper carport for it. I dropped the boys off and was back home by 9, so much for my relaxing evening on the couch!
I woke up barely able to get out of bed, showered and dressed. My lower back was one tight knot. I called my Chiropractor office and they were able to squeeze me in at 5:15. The first stop of the day was at my pharmacy to pick up prescriptions I had put in before I left town. After getting a lot done at the office I headed to my appointment to learn that running out of my Gabapentin, a nerve pain drug had likely caused my issue. Kevin manipulated me into shape and let me know that that was not a drug to cold turkey from. I feel so much better and look forward to my follow up appointment later this week.
After the appointment I raced home to make my dinner and lunch for tomorrow as my Hello Fresh order, the first one in a long time, had arrived. I took dinner with me to my Board meeting and was glad to avoid the Hangry stage. The meeting was missing several members and the 4 of us that were there managed to get a lot done, decisions passed etc, in only an hour. Matt, Steve and I then headed to Encore for a visit. It was hard to accept Matt’s resignation tonight. He has been a valuable asset but I am impressed with his boundaries, and his commitment to see things through to the end of this Summer Sounds season.
It was great to visit and talk music and things. I hope he takes me up on my offer to bring his family and have some fun bowling. As we were leaving, I noticed a well dressed chap at the bar and snuck a picture as it was unusual to see here. While I was settling up, I struck up a conversation and told him I blog and try to collect photos of interesting things I see, that tonight he was one of them. I showed him the picture and he was so thrilled. It seems that he has a Russian blogger friend who he had asked to be his stylist and today he had gone an bought a suit. The fact that I noticed and told him how great he looked made him so happy and he posed for another pic for me. I told him that he had to tell her that she was right and that he looked like a well dressed man. Beau will remember this moment, as I will. It is good to compliment people, you never know when it is just what they needed.
I feel like I had a decent enough sleep but still awoke groggy. I rested on the couch with my coffee and then set off to do some chores. I took out my recycling to a yellow bin, dropped off my refundables at the SPCA, popped into Home Depot to get lag bolts to permanently install my jeeps garage so it doesn’t take flight, and found out the pharmacy is closed Sundays now so I will go tomorrow to get mine and Mom’s prescriptions. I also had a nice, albeit short, visit to catch up with Mom. She is concerned by what she perceives as missing items from her storage and said she is losing sleep over it. I realized after I got home that I think they are in her apartment store room. I will look for them when I bring her prescriptions. We also signed her up for bed changing and laundry service as she is unable and I am not able to commit to that. It is so hot today that I was unable to do much more. I woke with a sore back for some reason and have a headache so I am staying in now (it is 35 C at 6:45pm), ever so grateful for AC. I made a dinner of chicken Satay and Edamame. I feel like going to bed and it isn’t even 7. At least I managed to send out an email to thank the crew and ask for feedback.
I slept sort of well, realizing this morning that I have not been sleeping under my weighted blanket so I made sure to put it on my bed for tonight, as tomorrow, I don’t have to set an alarm!!
I got myself ready and then went out to wash the Willys and prepare for the car show. The registration said from 11-2 so I showed up just after noon to find the place already full with around 200 cars by my guess. I was very well received pulling into the back row and a few more vehicles arrived after me. It was extremely hot with no natural shade nor water stations. I was grateful for the people who welcomed me to share their shady spots and the great conversations we had. I loved the children who made their Dad’s remember my number to vote for me. There were a few things I would do differently but over all Kenny Bridge put on a great event. I messaged Tracey to come down and we went to the beer garden to join her friends, one of whom, Ray, I had worked with at BC Assessment and we all had a great time. It was a very long day in the sun and dust but there were so many impressive cars and I was glad I was there.
I awoke too early, probably from all the lists running through my head. Also, the itchy rash that developed on my arms and legs yesterday is making my lose my mind, so I took an epsom salt bath in order to be ready for the cable guy’s arrival. he was to come between 8 and 10 sometime. I was needing to get to the office, but when he arrived at 9:45, I was grateful that we discussed the options and he connected two new wireless digital boxes and got me them as a free upgrade for the trouble. While he was working, I puttered unloading the car, doing 3 loads of laundry and watering my plants. Then it was off to the office. I slowly worked through my email and texts, making sure I hadn’t missed anything and made a triage list for all the things that need doing before the end of the month. At 2:15 I headed to pick up a parcel at Shoppers that was not sent to my work address and was thrilled to find some new board and card games that I had gotten on sale. I look forward to trying them out with the family. Next was a very quick and inexpensive fix to my broken off upper molar which will last as is or be replaced with another when I choose to afford it. Back to the office I went as it was approaching time to be out at the Perreault cabin for Roger’s 40th birthday camp out weekend. I prepared all my documents and sent them to my mortgage broker as I need to renew by mid August. Once that was done, it was a quick stop at home to take an antihistamine as recommended by my favourite pharmacist to hopefully make the itch be gone. It did help, thankfully. I enjoyed the drive out to the cabin and didn’t get lost this time (the balloon markers helped). Dinner was delicious brisket buns and salad. Jeff Crozier did a great job of it and the dessert. There around 22 of us and I was fading fast. I did manage to stay long enough to see Roger’s sister, Margot and husband with two of their daughters, arrive from Olympia Washington to surprise him. Tanner needed a ride out to her car and I was very tired so it was time to go. I am barely able to keep my eyes open so off to dream world I shall go. Much to accomplish tomorrow and I am peopled out.
HollyhocksThe garden took over while I was awayPère and LukasNikki, Fred and JeffRae, Tanner and Ashlée Dee and RogerTried Pano on my phone held differentlyBirthday boy with the custom label I put on a bottle for him.
Had an okay sleep. After a nice coffee together Auntie Trish reminded me of her proposal last night to take me on an Alaskan cruise with her in September. It took us way longer than it should have to book as it didn’t like that we were from two different countries and we had to finally call to book it. We are both excited to be going round trip out of Seattle for 8 days but I ended up getting away 2 hours later than I had hoped.
RoryHer computer is weird
The journey home was lengthier than usual due to heavy traffic at the start and lots of construction along the way. I nearly jumped out of my skin when an emergency alert rang on my phone and watch along a particularly dark winding stretch of road
Started to get very tired nearing the border and the guard told me to drive carefully. Missy is very happy to see me, my garden has grown over the sidewalk and I am very grateful to go to bed without having to unload the car tonight.
Give an H, give me an O, give me an M, give me an E!!!
I set my alarm but woke up before it and began to get myself ready to catch the ferry off Salt Spring Island. I had said my goodbye’s last night but was so happy to have a quick visit with my eldest niece, Alexa before I left. There had been a communication error last night and I thought Maya must have been working so I didn’t get to see her. Sad for both of us. I managed to arrive at the boat and be on with the last three cars squeezed in behind me. Once again I experienced the oddness of not knowing anyone one the boat. There was a time in my years on SSI that all would gather and chat for the crossing
AlexaI love this plant
Once on the other side, I bought a coffee and snack and got busy on my big union payroll while I had good internet
Pretty great office
Once on the boat I settled in a work space and it took me the most of the hour and a half crossing to get it done as, even tethered to my phone, the internet kept dropping. I was glad to finally push send and be done for the week
Ferry office
My first stop was for gas as I was running on fumes. Gas is more expensive in Richmond as it is all full service, so I got enough to get me over the line. I forgot that trains still run in Richmond and I didn’t take pics as I was mesmerized by the graffiti and the sign as I grew up on Lulu Island, most of it on a houseboat. Weird how trains became my thing
And then! I surprised my dear friend Jackie in her long term care home where I found her colouring in a swearsy book. I had brought her a puzzle of the leg lamp from her favourite seasonal movie and we had a good long visit. I still have to admit that it is amazing to be able to communicate with her so well being that she can’t talk since her brain aneurysm. We laughed and I chatted while she responded appropriately and we caught up on person a year after I saw her last. It is so much easier than FaceTime
From there I headed to the border which I thought would be easy as I had recently renewed my Nexus card… seems I didn’t activate it correctly and was flagged and hauled in. I was given a tongue in cheek stern warning and sent in my way (phew!)
The reason I was heading to the states was for a wellness check on my Auntie Trish. She is my Dad’s sister and sole remainder of her generation. I have always adored her, often been compared to her, and couldn’t wait to surprise her. And omg, I sure did. We have spent the whole afternoon and evening getting to know each other’s history on a way deeper level and there have been years and hugs and promises that I will be her person ‘when the time comes’. Her only daughter runs a farm in Alberta and I have also promised her that I will be the one. Auntie Trish and I have strong genes and a kindred spirit. We are making a plan to travel together. She may not love that I post this pic without makeup but my 81 year old auntie is beautiful to me… and she is sending me home with shoes!
I am now tucked in, happy in the love of family that is truly unconditional
I will remember to place all the info here, I promise. I am so tired. I cannot keep my eyes open, but suffice to say I have had a lovely day
Updated on 07-30-23:
It as warm in the morning and I had lots to pack up. The site is nearly torn down already. It is quite amazing. I took the time to pack everything, keeping in mind that I would be crossing the border the next day. Once everything was done and I’d had a shower, I made my rounds to say goodbye. The bulk of people were gone already but I had a good hug with Cresslynn and Jean.
The first stop down island was a slight detour but so worth it to stop, first at my friends shop which is a combination bakery, locksmith and book shop in Lake Cowichan. They have done such a great job with it, it is truly a testament to their personalities and skills. I did also pop over to their extremely charming house for a tour and a quick visit with Jenny as Erin was at the shop. I hope to return for a longer visit and potential stay over.
It was a little bit of a rush to the Crofton Terminal but I made the ferry easily. It was nice to walk around and smell the ocean. It was strange to not recognize a single person, even crew on the boat.
While the boat was approaching Vesuvius, I received a text from Mark that he would meet me at Moby’s. It was so good to see him, and we had a good sit at the bar for a couple bevies. I did see my friend René there as well and got a big hug. I admit that I was very disappointed that Mary Lynn didn’t come down as well. I miss her.
Before even heading to my brothers place, I stopped to visit Donna. She is my step-mother, my Dad’s widow and she has been in Long Term care for a long time now. I send her letters or cards occasionally but this would be my first visit and I did not know what to expect, whether she would even know me and want to visit. She did recognize me, we chatted and then went for a walk. A guy was leaving out a back gate and held it for us so off we went on a good long walk. She was very careful with her placement of feet, keeping to mostly even ground, told me she couldn’t hold on to anything as she could balance better on her own. We looked at plants, she was able to pet and play with two dogs out for a walk with their owners and she stood and stared at the ocean in the distance for some time. All the while, she asked me questions, spouted poetry and song, and seemed very in the moment. I think that it helped that Ashlée had been there the day before. At one point she asked if I had a man in my life. When I said no, that I was happy alone, her response was 100% Donna; Well, Marnée, it’s about time. She mentioned that she had gaps in her brain and I asked her how she knew. I think she knows when words look odd, she asked me twice how old I was and how old she was. She also asked after my Mom and was happy to hear that we are all in Cranbrook together now. I finally guided her back towards the front doors of the hospital where we met a stunned nurse coming back from dinner. She looked very uncomfortable that we were outside and asked how we got the code to get out. It was then that I realized that Sandy, Donna’s representative had made it so Donna wasn’t to go out. This breaks my heart. I shared with the nurses all about our walk and communication. It was hard to say good-bye to Mrs B (the name I have always called her) but we did get a lovely selfie together. I don’t believe she belongs there, in a ward with 3 others. She could be in assisted living or be in her home with a live in helper. I don’t know how Sandy got POA along the way but she won’t communicate to us the reason for her choices in Donna’s care. I do know that if that is my last memory of time spent with Mrs.B, I will always remember the day I inadvertently kidnapped her.
I made it up to Kym and Greg’s and dropped off my stuff just in time for us all to head down to Moby’s for good food and Trivia night. I did get a big hug from Billy Jack. He was a dear friend when I lived there. Our table tied for second for the trivia game and I got to keep the mug and put both our gift card from winning and mine from Christmas against the bill. It was a nice visit but I am definitely peopled out, especially after my visit earlier. Greg and Kym were blown away when I told them how it went. Apparently they haven’t even been able to take her out for dinner, one of her greatest pleasures. I fell into bed exhausted and happy to have spent time with my bro and family
