Up early so took time for breakfast and coffee before getting on the road.
It was a beautiful although sometimes hazy day. Traffic was better than expected so I should have made a reservation for the 4 pm ferry out of Horseshoe Bay. Got there at 3 to finally board the 6:20. Was the last one off aside from the car with the dead battery ahead of me. Finally made it as the sun was setting and made time for a quick visit with my dear friends before doing a very basic set up of my camp. Lots of time to finish tomorrow.
Rest area homeless campEek! I paid 154.9 at home
The best part of the ferry wait was going for dinner at Trolls. I remember it from my childhood when Dad would be doing dives in Whytecliff Marine Park
Woke up early again this morning due to the magpies outside my window. It’s not the worst way to wake up, but they could’ve given me another hour. After a lovely poached egg on sourdough breakfast from Rosie it was time to say goodbye to Michael and Shanna who were heading back to Coquitlam today. I do love them both and wish I could see them more often.
Rosie and I got ourselves ready and headed the hour plus drive to see my cousin Mark and his fiancé Elaine, who live on the north shore of the Shuswap in a lovely cabin style home. She had put out a delicious charcuterie spread for us. we had a glass of wine, a good visit and a tour of the house as well as preparation for their wedding at the end of the month.
It was really so sad to see the devastation that was caused by the wildfires last year. The village of Celista was especially hit. I was overwhelmed by the side of a single house standing while three or four on each side of it were gone completely down to the foundation.
I wonder if the spots will ever be rebuilt as there has to be some fear and perhaps a lack of insurance.
Rosie took me for a delicious dinner at Finz restaurant and we were both grateful after to get home to air conditioning
We spent the evening watching one of my favourite movies of all time that she had not seen and is about to expire on Netflix, the sapphires. I loved it for the third or fourth time now and then we began watching The man with 1000 kids. I’m not gonna lie. It’s slightly disturbing and terrifying in this world that you might have to ask someone for their DNA before proof of a negative HIV test.
I’m going to head to the island tomorrow; traffic and ferry’s are all I have to worry about. It has been amazing downtime surrounded by people who love me that I love deeply and now I’m heading off to even more of that. I am a lucky, lucky girl. 
I woke up early and had a nice breakfast with Rosie. I was restless as it was the first day of ‘down’ time. Uncle Bryan, Auntie Lynne, Michael, Shanna and I headed to our tour of the Llama Sanctuary in Tappen for 11 am. It was two hours of wonderful. The place is an incredible immigrant story. David and Lynne had moved from the UK to somewhere in northern BC and had learned of a Llama ranch which intrigued them. They were offered a llama that needed rehoming, and found their passion. David did 5 years of regular homeopathy study and then animal study to be the best caregivers for Llamas and Alpacas. I don’t think I have ever met to such lovely humans full of so much empathy. They run the place together 24/7. Currently there are 60 on the property. There is so much to tell, but really, all I can say is it was a perfect visit. We met Gemmy, the blind one and her best buddy, Eddie who guides her with sounds. We bought buckets of carrots and fed them, even by mouth! It turns out they really loved me and I got cuddles and nudges and responses from ones who even typically shy away from visitors. They have only recently gotten their charitable status and I want the whole world to support them.
I did support by purchasing a few treasures and then gave a donation to bring home Moonshadow
It was very hot and we were glad together back for some lunch and shade. Rosie, Lynne,Michael and I watched Ordinary People. That movie came out in 1980. It has stood the test of time very well. I remember being very emotional when I saw it the first time. I was dealing with far more than a teenager should have at that time and I find that I am now able to give myself grace. It was good to talk it out with Rosie and Michael afterwards.
I had made soup which was a good thing as dinner had peppers in it. After dinner we decided to play Outsmarted again and Roger kindly went to my house to get me the code that I needed so we could use the virtual board. I won
I am also feeling relaxed finally and think I will sleep well tonight.
I awoke at a decent time and relaxed over coffee before showering and packing the car. It was a beautiful day and I started with a quick stop at Ashlée’s to pick up her tent. We had a good chat and I remembered a couple things I had forgotten so returned home before fueling up and heading out. As I journeyed, i was grateful today have filled up in Cranbrook as it was the cheapest by far at only 154.9 per. L (dang why is my keyboard doing this)
Quick goodbye to Rae as well
I have no problem, wait what, I didn’t type that. It seems that my new case and keyboard has a life of its own. Bear with me.
I really enjoyed the drive even tbough I had many close calls with crazy driving people who just happened to have Alberta plates. One asshat even came screaming out of nowhere, tailgated me and flashed his lights and honked his horn as apparently I wasn’t going fast enough, passing in the passing lane. I actually flipped him the bird as he passed. 
I arrived at the family dwelling in Blind Bay in time for dinner which was amazing, and the company even more so. Michael and Shanna are up visiting from the coast to see his parents that live in their half of the house, and I am staying with Rosie on hers, although technically, us kids, are staying in the basement under both their sides.
The kids played Outsmarted on our phones using a Trivial Pursuit board as I had forgotten to throw in the board. Shanna won, it was fun.
Just as we were tucking in, I learned that we are going to a Llama and Alpaca rescue centre tomorrow. Yay!!!
I worked getting all payments and remittances done until it was time to go to Rotary Park to set up for Summer Sounds. for lunch it was Rotary time where our sponsored ambassador who won and her princess gave their winning speeches
I had to leave the park for my 4:15 appointment to get all my travel vaccines.
The evening was a bit chaotic until I figured out how to get the internet connected to the Square and train up the people running it. We did good on memberships and donations.
Brent Halliday played a set between sets of Rockinomix. It was a perfect evening and the 59/50 winner got 187.50 which wasn’t bad for first night. I was gifted a beautiful new harmonica which was so sweet. Our banner that I designed arrived today and made for a perfect backdrop.
All of these apply to today which began around 7:30 am with being woken out of a deep sleep by the phone ringing. Mom was in pain and hadn’t slept. Her knee was hurting. I reassured her I would be there and then had a breakdown before thinking to call 811. The nurse was fantastic and had me do a three way call with Mom as I had asked whether to take her to the clinic or ER. She said ER in case of blood clots/stroke. i jumped I. The shower and had a good cry, threw on clothes and headed to pick her up.
I can’t bring myself to go into detail, but we were a good 4 hours in the waiting room as they had no beds. All blood tests and consultations were in the public. She had an awesome practitioner though who requested an ultrasound on her right leg to finally establish that she has a Baker’s Cyst behind her right knee eye and likely behind her left as well. He said that no compression socks or diuretics are necessary so stop using/taking. I have had one so I was able to let her know it would be painful, likely burst and then, feel so good.
I was able to explain all this to the patient concierge Clayton at her home so they know not to send her to hospital over leg pain.
I missed a full day of work but was grateful to have my pedicure booked and it relaxed me after all that.
I came home and got the car loaded with supplies for tomorrow night, and washed all the water pumps before eating and setting in with Bourbon Barrel Red and AGT
I slept in a bit, puttered and then went to the office and did I ever get a lot done! I am listening to Geddy Lee narrate his biography. He has a calming voice and it is interesting.
I felt good when I got home so I weeded a bit in order to enjoy my Tiger Lilies that are starting to bloom. I also rehung some of my fairy lights before making some nachos and figuring out how to charge the new batter pack for my travel CPAP machine.
Step by step I am getting ready to leave.
I missed the Canada Day celebrations at the park, sigh.
I woke up to texts from an out of town client who was stressed about a banking issue. He needed info from me that was at my office, so I showered and headed there early. That was the best thing to do!
I solved his problem.
I got all of my MusicFest binders completed, emailed previews to all the Stage Managers and Tech Crews, completed the things I needed to do for Thursday night, the first of Summer Sounds, and even got 6 hours in on a file after taking care of payroll and payments for two others.
I took a break out in the sun at one point and saw someone walking towards me. We practically ran into each others arms and had the biggest hug. This was amazing all on it’s own as my friend Varghese is NOT a hugger. I was so happy to see him back in town. He moved away a few years ago and has recently been on my mind a lot. No surprise, he’s living here again. We had a great sidewalk chat and hope to get together for a good visit soon.
I worked until I felt it was a good stopping point and then came home to make some food, finished Acapulco Season 3 and have just been relaxing and started The Big Door Prize.
It is the first in so many days that I feel relaxed and not stressed about the things to come.
I woke up to texts from an out of town client who was stressed about a banking issue. He needed info from me that was at my office, so I showered and headed there early. That was the best thing to do!
I solved his problem.
I got all of my MusicFest binders completed, emailed previews to all the Stage Managers and Tech Crews, completed the things I needed to do for Thursday night, the first of Summer Sounds, and even got 6 hours in on a file after taking care of payroll and payments for two others.
I took a break out in the sun at one point and saw someone walking towards me. We practically ran into each others arms and had the biggest hug. This was amazing all on it’s own as my friend Varghese is NOT a hugger. I was so happy to see him back in town. He moved away a few years ago and has recently been on my mind a lot. No surprise, he’s living here again. We had a great sidewalk chat and hope to get together for a good visit soon.
I worked until I felt it was a good stopping point and then came home to make some food, finished Acapulco Season 3 and have just been relaxing and started The Big Door Prize.
It is the first in so many days that I feel relaxed and not stressed about the things to come.
This morning after very little sleep I awoke hours before my alarm and decided just to get up and at it. Good thing, as at just after 8, Mom called to say she hadn’t been feeling well that last couple days and did a test with the strips I got her for UTI. She said it was dark, and she was worried. The gift from above had already let me know she was suffering. I reached out to Rae-Anne to arrange bringing Granny to the Urgent Care Clinic, who are her Dr in lieu of a family Dr. I have sadness that it took so long, but I am glad as I spent over 7 hours working on one file today around a meeting with our Board President.
It turns out that it was not a great experience for either of them. This a little bit broke me. I am the one who advocates for her and I wasn’t there. The basically blew her off by telling her to drink more water, which she does, and gave a prescription for Antibiotics with the caution that she not take them unless her urine burns. I have told them repeatedly that this is not a symptom for her. I am unhappy with our medical system at the moment and will reach out to my ‘Family’ doctors to see if he will take her on. They even said she was to be on Blood Pressure meds but no one has tole us that, nor was I given a prescription.
Thank God for Rae-Anne being there to get all the info.
I finally left the office after 7 and came home to have a short visit with Tracey . Now I am going to have a special bevie and chill as I will work all weekend.
I enjoyed Rotary lunch where the Kin club gave a talk. It was interesting to learn about them. The original Kinsmen Club was started by a guy who was declined by Rotary as his father was a member and back then only one of each profession could be members. He and his dad were both plumbers, so, he started his own service club. I was also presented with the cheque for Fisher Peak to help us with Summer Sounds expenses
I managed to get a fair bit of work done and slip out to have my nails redone as I had broken one on Tuesday
I went to Encore just after 6:30 to find the place packed for the Friends Trivia night, except none of my team were there. Sarah Turk was there with her friend Carla and I joined them. We were in second for the first 5 rounds but ended up third. It was a lot of fun though and I am surprised how much of it I knew, even some that they didn’t! Kelly Frampton joined us whose Dad is on my strata board and it was nice chatting with her as she and my daughter Ashlée used to be close. I encouraged her to reach out again.
I stopped to drop off some papers and found Gene and his friend Lukas getting ready to go to a big adventure in Kelowna (Kamloops?) where they will do paramilitary games that includes a helicopter ride to the top of the mountain, pellet guns and camping. He is all grown up now.
Today was broken up by taking mom to hav her growth on her arm removed for biopsy. I pointed out the ‘Ugly Mole’ on her back and they chose to biopsy that one as well. I won’t share pictures
After work we all met at the Guedes house for spaghetti to say goodbye to the two exchange students and then Rae and I headed to Encore for the $20 music night. Two members of Shred Kelly opened for The Free Label and it was the best 20 I have spent in a very long time. The energy and performance was electric. Afterward the guys were thanking me for the energy that I brought to the place and even gave me a sticker for my car.
I posted to Ryan McMahons personal page that he was already on the Marquee for his show in September. He replied that the guy on the bottom right was super excited, so Rae staged a photo to reply
It was a great night, only wish more peeps had been there!
I was up early fretting about the vaccines I need for travel. I dropped my car at the dealership to get the decals and the bug deflector added. When I got dropped back at the office, I called the Travel Medicine Clinic to find that many that I got in 2013 may not be expired as some are good for much longer now. I made an appointment for July 4th to find out what I need and get ready for the trip.
I worked until it was time for Cindy’s going away party at the GroundFloor. I had a glass of Sangria and a bit of a visit before getting more work done and then getting picked up to get my car back.
I am so thrilled with how it came out. I did a couple errands, finished fixing a client’s file and then came home to spend a couple hours cleaning my cargo basket, reinstalling the Thule rails properly (thank God) and getting my whip all ready for travel. I love it so much. I even put a couple of stickers on that I got in Honda Centre to honour my hockey team, and some that Mark made me to carry Sackboy along on my journeys. Now it just needs a good wash to get the pollen and dust off.
BeforeAfterSackboy
I found my missing Loop while I was working on the car. It is a little worse for wear, probably ran over it with the truck on Sunday.
I finally settled in after making some air fryer perogies. Quick and filling
I had actually been very fragile earlier as I got a generic email that I didn’t get a part in the CCT season of shows. I wish I cared less, but I really wanted to be on stage with a couple of the ladies there. I feel like I am saying goodbye to theatre. It was such a large part of my whole life, that it is a type of mourning. I feel big change coming in my life though and it is time to let local theatre go. Sniff.
I expressed it to a friend as feeling ungrounded, unsure of who I am and, well, old.
And then I climbed a ladder and worked on my car and did not old things. I feel much better now.
Sidebar, I am enjoying Acapulco on Apple TV+. It is very charming.
The Edmonton Oilers lost 2-1 to the Florida Panthers in game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals. It was a hard played game and I am happy for the Florida fans that it happened on their home ice. It is a franchise first for them. Yes, it would be nice if a Canadian team had won, but it is only a game.
I received my security items that I ordered off Temu and they are actually very good quality. The app is well reviewed for the security camera and set up was easy, the picture is great and I love that it is motion activated as well. I also got a spare key keeper with a changeable code that is now secured to the house.
I got the funniest email that I have received in a long time.
I worked on my weather afghan, but think that I may have to start another on July 1st as it is already quite large.
It is a daily record of the high and low temperature at the weather station nearest to where I am that day. Ours is at the Cranbrook airport. The temperature is often higher at my house, but it makes it consistent to use the airport. The cold snap in January followed by the days in California, several days later, really stand out. For reference, yellow is 23-30.9 C and the Black and burgundy -16 to -31
Emmy slept 10 hours last night, but 6:15 still came early. We had a lovely morning playing together and giving her a spa treatment with a big bubble bath, her hair done and her nails painted. she played Wii while I made us a lovely salmon lunch. She devoured the salmon and wished there was more.
Roger dropped off the boys and traded me vehicles so we could use his truck to take away all the branches. Not too long later Emmy got picked up but not before she got to have some fun helping as well. Lukas was amazing as it was very windy and he got up there with the handsaw and I had the roped pull things down and we had to cut off a lot of branches from my tree in hope of saving it. We gathered all the branches with the help of Tracey even and loaded them into the truck and took them all to the yard section at the transfer station. My tree looks so sad now, but I have hope for it. I never could’ve gotten all that done without all the help either. There are still a few bear branches, but they are too high up and it was far too windy to risk Lukas reaching them.
After I dropped everyone off, I came home and puzzled for a little bit and then made my last Hello Fresh meal for the week so that it doesn’t go to waste and I’m glad I did because I wasn’t going to eat and it was delicious and now I have two meals for tomorrow as well
It is a great relief to have those chores done, including the laundry, etc., that I got done indoors today 
triumphgal 