I started my day making the smoothie recommended by the handsome man in Safeway. I used rice milk, banana, avocado and apple. It was actually delicious and just the right texture as well! The rain has really made my Double Knock Out rose bush and my sunflowers flourish.
I had originally planned to get my kids help to move my yard items around but now it is raining off and on again every half an hour so I am going to wait until after the last of the rentals. I had been asked to go out to the Ranch to see my Jeep and make a restoration plan so I took the opportunity. I wanted to ride my bike but the weather was too cool and sketchy. I was so impressed with the diagnosis so far. They made a list and Lance was very honest and sincere in being sure they only ever do what I want and will afford. After all the explanations and review I decided to go for it. I am going to try to get the parts needed and they will do the labour and bill me. It won’t be cheap but I want to get all the mechanical and electrical done and then I will find a knowledgeable paint and body guy to make one of the original colour combos. The one I really like is the dark navy blue with yellow rims. I have told them not to rush and that this can be a winter project. There are many things involved in this deal that can work out for all of us. Time will tell. It was great to get advice on a trailer and have someone understand my attachment to the vehicle. Now I start saving.
A big difference at Lake Kookanusa since I was last there.
During the Autumn after my Father Gene died, a friend held a Scotch tasting party at his Art Gallery. I went to honour my Dad who loved the wretched stuff. On that night I discovered that I just didn’t like the cheap stuff and have toasted his memory with it ever since. Now, 17 years later, I raise a glass to that friend, Matt Steffich, on the night of his celebration of life on Salt Spring Island. Wish I were there. Slàinte!
I spent time covering the combi-camp to ensure no more rain soaks through and the made up the bed for tomorrow night’s guest. I am grateful to Lance for giving me boxes of medical grade gloves. I am going to donate some to the theatre for cleaning and keep some for cleaning here. I think it looks ok, not trashy at all, lol. At least it will be dry.
After my face swelled up last night and I took an antihistamine before bed, I could not wake up fully all day. It was really hard to get up with Emmy. I had my shower just in time for the ABC Zoom session. It was so great to see everyone. Emmy played with all the Tickle Trunk toys until Sawyer arrived and then they had fun playing ukulele and singing together. I made them a pretty spicy sub and they both ate a lot.
We just made it to the theatre and then had to stand in the Atom App line for way too long to get the large popcorn to share. Then we got in the theatre and couldn’t find our seats in the darkness. A manager helped and we had missed the very beginning of the movie which was super annoying. More to me than the kids, for sure. Turns out it was a really great movie. The only odd part for me was Adam Levine singing the theme song, Good Mood. He is a little too sexy driven for a kids show, oh, wait, he has kids now… that makes sense.
Dropped them each off at home, had a yard chat with Rae and then headed to the office to try to get the theatre books done. It was just before 9 when I hit up Safeway for ice cream and salad for dinner. I had the left over fish on my salad and that was good, then I cleaned the Huckleberries and had some over ice-cream. So delicious.
Need to just get some sleep now. Will head out to check out my jeep and make a plan tomorrow afternoon.
Rae showed me a beautiful picture of Ashlée and my step-mother Donna whom I call Mrs. B. I am so happy she got to see her. I look forward to talking with her when she gets back.
My friend, a really good guy died a week ago and I learned it today on Facebook through an online obituary. I am overwhelmed once again, am grateful that his family responded to my message and that I was able to express how much he meant and will be missed. All this while I was trying to write a message to send along for Matt’s memorial on Sunday. It was likely the straw to break this camels back. I was so glad I asked to have Emmy overnight. I left work early because I kept feeling like I was going to throw up so I picked up some bear spray…. Well, it’s actually officially pepper spray and I am allergic to it. I don’t know why this never occurred to me before. After that I stopped at home to drop everything out of my car that was unnecessary and went to pick up Emmy’s overnight bag and car seat from Danika. She was kind and gave me a good hug. I got a message from Di that she was at my house. I told her I would meet her at hers. I practically collapsed in her arms, sobbing over all the losses. I am so bereft at the losses in the last 18 months of people I would see semi regularly to great joy and now haven’t seen since 2019 and they are gone. It of course reminds me that I have been blessed with great relationships, friends of all sorts but sometimes I think it would be easier to be a loner. I left Di and went to pick up Emmy from Daycare and headed to Marysville to pick up cousin Donna. We headed up to Whiteboar Lake with intent to pick huckleberries. It was much rougher than last time after all the rain. A truck coming down was super nice and chatted about the road and the rules around meeting someone on a narrow road like that. Person going up backs down… much easier than backing up hill. That is what I think is logical anyway. We picked a bunch of berries and took some great pictures and then headed back as we were all starving. Emmy is quite the little chatterbox. When we finally hit reception again, my phone blew up!! There were many messages from Ash, some from Rae and Di and Maureen. I was worried what had gone on. It was no surprise that the Provincial Health Order has dropped with restrictions going in tomorrow so wear masks indoors, limit gatherings, etc. I am so in mourning mode and trying to be positively engrossed in spending time with Emmy that I just read it all quickly, responded quickly and moved on. I am still following the step before for the most part anyway so it doesn’t change much for me, but I am sad about Summer Sounds and Peak Music Fest which are now cancelled. At least I haven’t paid the deposits to the artists yet, sigh.
Emmy and I joined Campbells for our last visit for at least a month to come and she was such a good girl. Even with staying up late she was well behaved and when we got home, fell asleep almost instantly. I am going to miss her terribly. I bought tickets to take her and Sawyer to the Paw Patrol Movie tomorrow. I hope it doesn’t get cancelled by the order. We will wear masks and hope for the best. I did ok getting through this day, I look forward to our ABC Zoom tomorrow and I will allow myself to feel all the feels tonight to begin letting go.
The glacier had disappeared a great deal since the last time due to the heat and the hard rain.
August 2nd 2021August 20th 2021
Sean predicted my hydro would go up because of the heat and my new AC, well he was right.. 91%!
I am pretty sure I won’t be taking my planned 3 night adventure. These are side by side maps, one of my trip and one from the BC Wildfire Map. Pretty much the same route and they are asking for no non-essential travel. Still going to hold out hope but…
Stacey came in and brought me the horn and wiper blade I need for the Jeep. I left at a good time from work and stopped at Napa auto parts where the young man serving me showed me a picture of his Willys (truck that is). We bonded over wiper blades, lol. Came out with a new horn and blade rubber on order. The new horn isn’t nearly as sexy but it was made in the USA while the other was made in Italy 😉
Next I headed to Andres Electronics to see the actual size of large TVs that are quoted for the theatre. As I was pulling in, I saw the Emergency flashing lights at the far end of the Strip (the highway through town). I knew then it was The Rolling Barrage coming into town. I had wanted to ride with them but didn’t have enough advance notice and I wanted to go to the BBQ behind the Legion but it was too much like walking into the High School Cafeteria for me so I was just planning to go home and skip it all. I don’t have self confidence right now. I parked and ran to the boulevard, started a video and pointed to the road in a ‘Rubber Down’ salute. I was so grateful for the responses! What a way to fill my tank.
Just after they passed I got a call from Danika that she and Emmy were at my place to drop off the material for the rainbow pillow I promised to crochet for the nursery. They were going to go to the BBQ after!! I said I would meet them there. I raced home, changed out of my dress and jewelry and geared up to jump on the bike. We all got there at the same time and enjoyed a lovely dinner of pulled pork sandwiches made by my co-worker’s husband and a friend. It was ridiculously good. The company was great and the Kimberley Pipe Band was playing. Emmy did find the pipes too loud but she loved the meal. I posted about it and my dear friend Dan let me know a guy he went to High School with started the whole thing. I was able to meet him, Scott Casey. What an amazing thing he created.
I am still feeling over whelmed by issues in my body so I came home at a decent time. That was good as I was able to text with Ashlée to help me be part of the celebration of life on Sunday for my friend Matt Steffich. He was the first person on Salt Spring Island to invite me to his home, to welcome me to a very cliquey place, with literally, open arms. I knew him for most of 25 years, he even played my going away party when I left Salt Spring Island. He dropped dead of a heart attach in his art gallery and the world lost a great deal. I checked flights and the only ones I could make work would have allowed me less that 24 hours there with great complications to make it happen and would have cost well over $500. I just can’t and it breaks my heart.
Thoughts are swirling but snitches hover. I can not speak my truth, express my feelings, lest someone take offense to my own emotions. There is a lot of verbiage out there about letting other people deal with their shit and just owning your own, about feeling all the feels and expressing it to let it go… but really, I am muzzled because I now have a ’platform’ and a voice. I sometimes wish I had kept this blog a big old secret so that I could say what ever I want to strangers without risk of the gauntlet of judgement from some people I know. Maybe this is reaching out to Sebastian, an avid reader from far away who only knows me through what he learns here. Maybe I want him to know how much it matters that he follows along in spite of the fact there is no one in his circle to gossip about me to. My expression is rarely ever to shame anyone, it is a venue for me to express and let go. I have friends that I love and trust, besties, who read between the lines and check in on me. I don’t want to worry them. I am not suicidal and I know I have value on this planet but I am fed up. People don’t realize the harm they can do by shunning, cutting off communication, actively ignoring or leaving someone out. It is so simple to just be kind and inclusive.
Proof that I still see value in being here is that I see joy when it presents its self.
I received photos of my Willys being worked on and lots of questions and comments. I am excited about that, especially after the recent scare!
I made a scrumptious dinner with a perfect amount for my lunch container left over
Went for a walk with my Neighbour after dinner and inspected the crazy road levels and access problems. I forgot to take pictures as I was enjoying the exercise and the company. It was so great to get to hang the AirBnB linen on the line today
I remembered to check my furnace filter and was not horribly surprised how gross it was, and that was from the air in my place. No wonder I have to dust and clean so much. My tent trailer is very dirty from the air.
My friend sent me a lovely picture of the glass of wine she was enjoying so I returned the favour with this….
I had a terrible sleep last night worrying that the tent trailer would leak but found this morning that it didn’t! I guess the spray sealer I used last week did the trick because it really pounded down. There was heavy rain and thunder much of the night. I only hope some of the fires were put out… oh wait yes, the fire near my jeep has had the Alert rescinded!!!! Yay!
The disturbances, of course left me less than rested. I worked on my volunteer stuff for most of the day, taking time to run out and have my nails done, mail my old internet router back, buy a new corn broom and spray paint for the fire pit I bought. I did manage to get a few hours billable time in but feel confidently ready for the rest of our music season so it was worth taking the time. At one point, while trying to do payroll and society things at the same time I included the wrong Steve in an email. Fortunately my client is awesome and deleted it right away, letting me know. I HATE those kind of mistakes. Fortunately there was no sensitive information shared. I must say I love the display at the mall!
I got a couple more bookings tonight and think I will make it to Superhost soon, in spite of the two star rating for accuracy from the American couple earlier this month. I have had 5 stars across the board since 2017, sigh.
I had quite the experience at Safeway and learned that I am a social dork now!! I used to be good at the flirt game but for the 2nd time since I have moved back to Cranbrook I have been engaged by a handsome charming man and basically just lost my shit… yep, this time it was over produce and all my senses immediately responded to the fine specimen of man trying to engage me in conversation. The problem was I was so caught off guard that I could barely gather myself to respond and rather than offer my number or even just my name, I told him he was making me blush under my mask and bolted to the dairy aisle. I mean he couldn’t have made it more clear that he was interested when we were discussing his smoothie recipe and he asked if I was going to get enough ingredients to make one for my husband. I said, I only needed enough for one and his response was that he couldn’t believe I didn’t have anyone to appreciate my beauty. He really liked my nails. IKNOWIKNOW, it’s cheesy, but also sweet and it made me feel good so I am just going to soak in the joy and continue kicking myself for not nailing down that opportunity. I shall hope that I run into him again and this time I will not let the opportunity pass.
I was at Safeway to pick up fish so I could use the last of my Hello Fresh which was missing it. It was late and I was having a good visit with Dylan so I asked him to join for dinner. Turns out we are both smart Aries people and there was great dinner conversation. He, like Carol before him make up for the one or two somewhat less than experiences. After dinner we got a good collection of stick bugs for him to take home. They were racing to get out the moment we opened the cage so the ones that made it out are now in his cage to take home. He is pretty sure his 12 year old daughter is going to love them. I am glad to be passing some of them on. Funny souvenir to go home with!
This morning I found out there is a Plumbob mountain fire that is west of Lake Koocanusa. The area is on alert… and that is where my 46 Willys Jeep is awaiting its restorative work. I find it super awkward as I don’t want to rush out and take it away until they tell me it is time to but it is also stressful to think of losing it. I shall have to be patient. Where my cursor is in the picture is pretty much where the Jeep is.
I left the office in time to get home and make dinner before my Board Meeting at 7. We met at the Ground Floor to discuss how well Summer Sounds has been going and plan for Peak Music Fest in September. It was a good, informative meeting and I had to get us to wrap it up as my guest arrived from Calgary and was waiting in the parking lot. Dylan turned out to be a nice guy who appreciates my Star Wars collection and will be happy to take some Stickbugs home with him!
I realized today that I hadn’t received the information to connect me to the app for my car yet so I called the dealership and my guy wasn’t there so I was given his cell and told it was Bluelink. I called Joey but he was out of town and said he could check into it when he got back. He wasn’t sure I was supposed to have it. I googled it, found the site to register and got it working. I like that it notifies my if my doors are unlocked, for example and I can lock without having to go out and aim at it. There are other features, like summer and winter options for remote starting. Nice perk.
Today was the day in 2017 that my cousin Kelly was taken from us. Her husband killed her and then himself. Friends and family have a group in messenger and we raise glasses together.
It is pounding rain which is good but i am worried the tent will leak after all the dry
My guest was gone when I woke up and she left everything nice. It was lovely to have someone so respectful. It’s not that others weren’t it’s just that she is the first one to wear a mask and leave everything almost as if she wasn’t here. We both left each other great reviews, she loved my fairy garden lights. I stripped the bed and cleaned before throwing everything in the wash. I hate having to use the dryer but it is still so Smokey. I had a coffee and watched Grace and Frankie new episodes. I do enjoy this show. The cast is full of characters. I remembered I had a bag still in the car from yesterday at superstore which included new crab forks for 84 cents and a cute top on sale for Emmy.
I got a call from Rae that there were issues with Gene’s reception on the phone on my plan and that I might find the same problem so I got dressed and went for a drive while I was talking to her. I was only a few minutes out of town when the call dropped. I turned around and headed back to the Shaw store in the mall where I was grateful the original salesman was working. He had promised me a $150 credit on my internet for the hassle last time and it hadn’t shown up. After a couple hours, Gene and my phones were both on a better plan, Lukas was also on my bill, Will got his first phone purchased and I have an even better internet plan. Lukas videoed Will opening his phone and he couldn’t believe his eyes. He was so surprised. Sawyer cried because he didn’t get one but it is more for connection as Gene and Lukas will both be in the middle school next year leaving Will and Sawyer in elementary. It was also just a $79 Razor not an iPhone like his big brother’s hand me downs. I did end up getting the credit as well which helps with all the cost of the new phone.
After that was all solved, I grabbed Chinese food from the Mall and headed to the office as I was now running behind on getting the society books caught up for tomorrow’s meeting. We didn’t have a meeting needing reports in July so I had twice as much to do. I need to stay more on top of it during our busy season. I will have to make sure to come home and make dinner before the meeting so as to avoid the Hangry Marnée. Was coming to an end of the work when I noticed it was getting dark! That hasn’t happened in a while. I got home, made up the tent trailer and vacuumed the space to be ready for the guest for the next two nights. After watering the garden, I made a quick meal and hooked up the new Modem which took a while to reconnect to. I am still having issues with my watch connecting to my phone since Shaw doesn’t have a system for watches yet. Technology, am I right?!
I sound all full of First World problems but it means a lot for me to be easily connected for work from anywhere I choose to be. It is still much cheaper than I had before. I am slowly reeling in the extra expenses for add-ons in my life. I need to be able to afford to be on the road if I did just close up my place for a while. I may need to start training Missy to a leash…. And a kennel and car rides…
I was still having issues breathing when I woke up but I got outside and mowed, trimmed trees and weeded. The heat and smoke got to me so I came in and got laundry done, showered and watched Season 7, Episode 1 of Grace and Frankie before jumping in the shower and getting ready to head out. I went to Superstore and picked up a Caesar salad and a few other items. I dropped off the salad at Guedes house, headed into the office to run payroll for a client and then went off to Cranbrook St Liquor Store where they kindly donated ice. Got to Rotary Park to set up for Summer Sounds; everyone was so helpful and we pulled together an amazing night. I headed up to Rae’s for birthday turkey and a quick visit. She walked me back down just in time to go on stage and make announcements and then sent Lukas down with extremely delicious cake. It was a really fun night of good music from The Parsons and SplitShift. Gene and Sawyer showed up to check it out. I got them to be the water boys and Sawyer kept making tips. He used the money to buy a large shaved ice. As he was walking towards me he dropped it upside down on the grass. He calmly bent down and picked it all up, walked over to me and said “Oh Nana, I was really enjoying that!” Pretty together and calm for a 6 year old. One of my volunteers and her husband saw it happen and promptly came over to give him the $6 it cost. He was so gracious and thankful and when he came back with the new one he asked if that was the donation box and put $2 in it. What a sweetie. They really are good boys, I am proud of the kids for the job they have done raising them.
The morning glories are so beautiful, it is a shame they are invasive and quick growing.
This is the first time I have seen the warning bar on the weather app.
I wonder what will be the fix for our road out that is so much higher than the new roadbed…. I just look forward to less dust, detour and noise!
This morning began with me cleaning all areas my guest will be in for the next two days. The smoke is still bad and I feel sorry for her being in a triathlon tomorrow. At least the lake will be warm. Today really challenged my brain but cleared a lot of things off the month list so that I feel I will be able to take the time off to take my wee holiday. Di was busy at lunch so Sean grabbed Zoë and drove through DQ. $10 well spent to get to stay at my desk and see the young Campbell. I keep having issues with having gotten a new phone when it comes to my authentication apps. That held me up at work and I was worried I would be late for my guest but just as I was jumping into the car to head home she called that she was running late, so that helped. Carol is a very nice woman in her early 60s who is in buff shape. We had a great long talk about her knee replacement. That is not something I want to go through. I went for my MRI on my right knee tonight. It was only 20 minutes but laid on my back for that long not moving at all caused a stress reaction. I had trouble monitoring my breathing which was becoming increasingly shallow and nearly kicked in a panic attack. I couldn’t wait to get dressed and get outside to breathe cool air without a mask. Joke was on me of course as the smoke is still thick. I am still having trouble swallowing and breathing in deep as it hurts my throat. I must admit to being a little concerned as the pelvic one in two weeks takes longer and I am headfirst in, apparently. Oh well at least the results come quickly he said and I hope to have answers soon.
I think that Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are just the cutest couple. I love their humour and longevity of relationship and would love to meet them. I think they would just be awesome as friends.
I was so excited to receive my parcel from Georgia, a talented lady in Bella Bella!! Gorgeous hand made earrings! And beautiful packaging with a Great Bear Rainforest sticker I saved
I met with Basem from Andrés electronics today at the Studio to get his opinion on the best sized TV to put in the space for renters to cast to and for our shows to broadcast to. I am really enjoying being able to spend a grant amongst many small vendors in town.
When I went to leave work on my bike, the smoke had socked in since lunch when I met Basem. It is very thick and low and the temperatures are high. I feel bad for my guest tomorrow night who is coming to compete in the Wasa Triathalon. I got her space all ready tonight and am busy thinking about the future. If I am really going to make plans to travel there are several options:
My Mom comes and is able to keep Missy but not the Airbnb space
My Daughter rents from me and can do both
I close up the Airbnb, find a home for Missy, hire a landscaper and hit the road
Sell it all, put what I must keep in storage, stay with Rae when I come back to town and hit the road…
I know the organizations I volunteer for won’t be happy for any of those choices but that is why I won’t make any decision for one more year so I have fulfilled my obligations. It is hard to resign from volunteering because I feel that is the legacy I leave. I have to believe that it is my purpose, to serve. I can’t believe that there is no reason for me to be here. My own mother lived just long enough to get me started in this life, I owe my life and hers to some betterment of society. I know people see me as self centered and egotistical but really at the root of it all is my obligation to my Mom. I do everything I do to honour her and my sister. For some reason, I was not with them that day thus I survived, I must leave some kind of legacy. I don’t know what it is except my children and grandchildren but I will not put that burden on them. I will give when I can and try not to be a burden but live my best life. God, I am maudlin tonight but I think that in the next year I will have to make some big choices that will not make everyone happy… but that won’t be the first time.
This morning first thing I saw a post from a friend about a roller skate key being necessary for fun back in the day which meant I had to post a pic of my key of course!
Ready for fun
On the way to work there was an extremely long truck attempting to make a tight corner. I noticed on my walk this evening that he broke the culvert when he did it.
Much was accomplished although I am really aware of the brain injury effects kicking in as I must be too tired/stressed. I am having trouble pulling words out of my brain. And names are all jumbled. I will gave to get rested. Keri and I had Subway and I am grateful that she went to get it or I may not have eaten at all what with the paid and volunteer work I was engrossed in. I received my newest Hello Fresh order and was sad that the fish was missing from one of my meals. Good thing I can easily replace it out of my freezer and they gave me a credit. I spent time, after my leftover dinner, spraying the tent trailer with canvas sealer. I hope it helps but I can really see where the material is starting to split, probably from not being closed for a couple years even if it was covered in the winter. I will have to decide what I am going to do down the line. I came in and cracked the Polish Beer in my fridge and sat on the couch with chips. I posted on my Facebook ‘whenever I think I need a man in my life, I’ll just take a swig of my beer and eat some more chips and I’m good. I am joking but I seem to fill both male and female traditional roles in my life.
Tracey from next door and I went for a long walk to explore the new construction and snoop the neighbourhood lol. We did find lots of things to follow up on and wonder at the slope of the soon to be paved road and run off. There were stretches of new sidewalk with breaks and chunks out of them unfortunately.
It is a massive development when you get near it! We snooped into the back acreage of the Neighbour with the old Park model trailer that I would love to see someone restore
We then sat in the backyard and had a cider and visited, which was very nice.
I am very glad I didn’t say fuckedy, fuck, fuckers when I wanted to yesterday because today was full of blessings!! I awoke to an appointment on the morning of the 27th for my second MRI and have decided to go visit my cousins, one in Tulameen and one in Blind Bay after, making a big circle. While on the treadmill I said goodbye to Walter White as Breaking Bad came to an end for me. Guess it’s El Camino tomorrow morning. I got lots done and then went for Sushi at Sakura with a new friend for lunch. Introduced her to warm saki, which really only goes best with fresh sushi, especially tempura. When I got back to the office my phone let me know that I had an achievement on Fitbit! I have walked the length of Africa which took me a while but I keep plugging at it. I got a lot done in the afternoon, accepted a booking for next week via Airbnb and then came home to glorious skies.
I just saw a McDonalds commercial with the song Steal My Fries. it took me a minute to realize it is the concept that we can eat together again that is worth having someone steal your fries. Well played Mickey D, well played.
My Hello Fresh at first disappointed as once again it was missing mushrooms, but truth be told, it is now one of my faves, even with the substitute zucchini. Already looking forward to tomorrow’s portion.
After dinner I saw that a friend was selling an outdoor fireplace and mine had recently rusted out so I inquired after it saying I had to arrange pick up. A complete stranger offered to deliver it for a case of beer, a friend joked that my Tucson could carry things and then the woman selling it said her husband would deliver it!! I also sent money to buy a tomato plant from her and then when they got here with a huge plant she gave me the plant money back! We were in a play together a few years ago and it was so good to see her and learn about the house sitting gigs they do travelling around the world. Her husband even took away my old one and the box from my shed!! Amazing.
Rae sent me a photo of what her eagle eye spotted, a leftover from Saturday night. The irony once the boundary was gone.
Today a most fantastic parcel arrived from a small bookseller. I only recently discovered a dear friend from the neighbourhood I grew up in had illustrated a book about the area. I can’t wait to read it and already adore the cover. It is also an autographed copy and the wee x on the map, I put there to show where the house boat I grew up in was, at the foot of jardine street. I feel so pleased to have called Charlene Kamachi a friend and hope she is well.
And that is only what I can remember about this really great day!
After I hit post this showed up!!! Icing on the cake!
This morning I awoke after a good comfortable sleep without even the fan on above me. It is clear why! 7-34 range in one week! 44.6F to 93.2F! That is a huge range. My garden and my cat won’t know what to do with themselves…
The rest of my day had moments when I wish I was more like Andrei on 90 Day Happily Ever After. He just calls a bitch when he sees one. There is such a part of me that wishes over the last couple months instead of shoving stuff down, I could have brought myself to call a bitch, a bitch and clear the air. I hate passive aggressive shit and it feels like I am surrounded by it right now. I think it is funny that one of the people who could have had the most reason to stay away from me is actually the one I am feeling closer to every day. I truly have to trust that she is being earnest with me. If I find out that is not true I will move back home in an instant to work as I feel that she is ‘grounding’ me there for now. i did have a great moment when I went to Hometown for Hunger at Denham Ford and ran into Sandy A who has agreed to be the stage manager for the show I am producing called The Aliens. I told her to read the script and confirm but we checked we were both fully vaxxed and had a good hug. She was the woman I recruited to be SM for the show that I quit producing while I was standing at Stonehenge on Friday the 13th of Sept 2019. I am eternally grateful that she trusts me enough to work with me again. Simple things are great blessings.
I replanned the layout of my yard today. I need Rae and the Fam to come and help me move things like one of those tile games to get it to the right spots. There were very negative and positive moments today. I heard from Tanner but it still seemed out of character. I am glad not to worry about him any longer. I have found someone who would like to apprentice under me for a major client that will be problematic to move completely online as I cut their cheques and all. That would be so great!
Lukas sleeps in now! So that was a great start to a Sunday. We both got up and had some cereal and played Little Big Planet 2. After we got to a certain point we headed outside to start building my shed in a box. First there was a lot of pruning of the lilac bushes and raking the ground. He was an incredible help. I then taught him the fine art of laying out all the pieces before beginning the build and how to use a ratchet. We got the whole frame together just before the rain started. I will have to level out the ground before we put the cover on. It is intended to be a storage garage for my 1946 Willys CJ2A and is in a place in the yard that will have a locked entrance so it will be safe from weather and theft. Lukas was so sweet. He thanked me for having him overnight and when I told him I was sorry it was more work than fun, he said it was good to spend time together. We had good talks about last night as well. He felt the Little Jazz Orchestra was really good but not for so long and that the Handsome Devils were more fun and upbeat.
It rained hard today and that was such a blessing. I hope there is good news of fewer fires now. My grass seems to have gotten greener already. I took a photo this morning comparing the beauty of the rose and the rain.
I am still worried about Tanner as I have had no contact from him at all. It feels so unlike him and I reached out to our mutual good friend again. She also is concerned. We both hope to hear something soon. I couldn’t bear to hear something has happened to him.
Dinner was very delicious tonight. I would make this one again!
It is 11 degrees outside and 21 in and yet my AC kept kicking in so I opened doors and windows. It is interesting to check the stats for the year so far on this site. I understand the numbers can be skewed as it doesn’t register all hits but where they are coming from is very interesting to me.
I was not impressed that my super senses overruled and set my alarm last night so it went off at 6:30 am. Better safe than sorry I guess. I was next awakened when my new neighbor and new friend Tracey texted that they were going to the transfer station and could take my stuff. We figured out that we both pay for garbage pickup and don’t use it enough so plan to split the cost and share it going forward. I did chores and got myself ready to meet Rae, Gene and Lukas at Arby’s for lunch before taking Lukas to get the water we needed for Summer Sounds from Culligan. We were at the park for 3 pm to help any way we could since I knew there was a shortage of volunteers tonight. I was happy my friend Tanner had volunteered so we were going early to introduce him to the team. The problem is that he didn’t show up at all, in spite of me messaging and offering to pick him up. I am a little freaked out as I don’t know his habits and there is some bad shit going around in Cranbrook currently. I plan to MOM him tomorrow if I don’t get a Facebook message, I will call his cell. It would break me…. Ironically there was a sudden appearance of police, fire trucks and ambulances tonight at the park as they had received a 911 call from a male overdosing in a bathroom at the park. There was no one, thankfully. But they rushed off to find the next location it may have been. There was also a fire in one of the food trucks which was thankfully controlled immediately thanks to the two young ladies running it. Sure could have been a disaster all around.
I received an odd review from the people I spoke of last night. They were kind and only said my place was hard to find which is because of the construction next door and the dug up roads and the fact I sent them a map but they did not get cell coverage in this country. I will respond to the review with that info, that the detour is temporary.
Lukas is here overnight and I have to admit that he is one of my most interesting Grandsons. I sometimes have to focus him but also, every one just loves him. I am so happy that he is enjoying helping out and I hope some day to bring him to Vancouver Island Music Fest to work with me.
Some photos from the last two days: the kayak in the middle is the one I want… the mug came free with my vodka, Missy is just the best, Blue skies!, my SUV lights up the door handles when I near!
I spent an hour and a half chatting with my cousin Debbi this morning. That filled my tank! We are making a plan for me to go to their cabin in Tulameen at the end of the month. The only problem for me is that she will just have returned from Germany where her man is working and I have to be sure I will still be ok to have my MRI if I am in contact with her…
I really just want to buy a Kayak and go exploring……. Did I mention that my friend who is a manager at Subaru says I got a good purchase with my Hyundai and is happy for me? We had a good laugh that their demographic is the grey haired set…
I will admit straight up that I stopped at the liquor store and bought several options. Tonight I am enjoying Vanilla Crown Royal on the rocks. It has been an interesting 24 hours. My guests from last night left an icky feeling with me. They admitted this morning that they have never even been near a trailer park before and that they were shocked when they arrived, had a big fight and nearly drove away and got a hotel. She then proceeded to tell me that I should make it more clear so that people can decide from home and not be shocked when they get here. I am still waiting for the review from them although she admitted that if she had made it last night it would have been all negative (JUDGEY) I was left feeling very triggered and less than, all day. She did keep saying that I am very creative and I am going to take that as a positive but seriously I am pissed. They made me feel like a lower caste and it is not sitting well with me. I should have known when the fancy Mercedes pulled up. What they don’t know is I have owned two Mercedes in my life and have shaken hands with Queen Elizabeth, who are they to look down on me! I really can’t type much more because my heart has been hurt. I did however speak to clients about becoming paperless and checked out kayak options… step by step to true freedom.
After over 9 hours sleep my alarm still woke me out of a deep sleep. I made up the camper in advance of the guests arriving tonight. While I was making the bed there was a big noise and everything moved. I stopped and listened but nothing so I carried on. Then it happened again and I realized Missy was on the roof. Of course she needed to get down as soon as possible or my ceiling canvas was going to be like a sieve next time it rains. I am going to get some spray canvas sealer, just in case and to be sure it doesn’t leak during the upcoming rains.
I had a busy day of meeting with clients. I made the first one cry as we have actually become good friends and we cried together over a story from the past. I did get excited showing her my new ride though. The second one is a new client after today. She will do her own books but I will transition her to online and give training and assistance. I really like her company. The afternoon was spent on catching up with a few things and then it was time to head home. Before I left though, I drew a map for my guests to find me with the Neighbourhood torn up. I basically did a kids drawing of the area with little arrows and drawings. They did find their way eventually. Later than they thought but I knew they forgot I am in mountain time. Turns out they had to show proof of testing at the border and then were given tests to complete and send in. Seems a little lax… I feel safe with them here and they will be leaving in the morning.
It was a tough night as the pressure was adjusted while I tried to sleep. The irony of finally falling into a deep sleep only to be woken up at 5:30 is sad. I came home and got on the treadmill, showered up and headed to the office. The lack of sleep causes me to feel woozy, like after a big night. Several times during the day I wished my appointment had been on a Friday night. I did work very diligently to not make mistakes, well it was harder to do so than usual. Finally got the must do list done and was home in my jammies having leftovers by 5 pm. I am glad it rained so I didn’t even have to go water the garden. I decided I would think tonight whether to block out the remaining dates on my Airbnb as the Covid numbers are going up fast again in BC and apparently there is an outbreak at a nursing home here in Cranbrook. Then I was asked for a booking for tomorrow night. I have the bedding ready, just have to make it, so I said yes and now it looks like they are coming from Seattle to Calgary. I suppose that could make them the safest if they had to have a test at the border. I wish there was more communication before saying yes. I am going to have to revisit this for the summer. And get sleep….
triumphgal 