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….
Went to work, got a lot done before going to drop off my filthy SUV at the dealership for it’s ‘leaving with a buyer’ detailiing and fuel filling. The low tire sensor was also giving a warning so they were going to fix it. Signed more things and paid my down payment and got shuttled back to work. I worked my tail off and still didn’t get all done I hoped too but I was obsessed with the fact I didn’t hear from them and wanted a bill of sale so I texted the finance guy and he came to pick me up. Turns out there was a bit of misunderstanding and he ended up throwing in services and oil changes for the life of me owning it as well as a tow and electrical package. The sensors have to be ordered as they were actually not working. I think there is a problem with the back seat one as well as even after moving everything out of back seat it tells me to check the back seat as if I have left my kid in there which freaks me out that someone got in while I was out of it. Will have to let them know tomorrow. I really hope I didn’t get an electrical lemon! Came home and put the stickers that Rae and then Ashlée had gotten me on the clean car and then made a delicious dinner. Surf, Coop and Crop for the win! And now I am at the keep clinic for the night again…
Jake and Emmy and my guests all left this morning so I spent time cleaning and sanitizing and doing loads of laundry. It was nearly 3 when I got a text from Diane asking if I wanted to go see Meachen Falls out near St Marys Lake where we had gone kayaking. Since it had gloriously pounded down rain for some time today I figured the sky would be clear and that would be awesome. I had also spent part of the day getting part way through the first of two thick manuals for my new SUV and new I needed to break in the engine with variable speed drives so that could be just the ticket. I finished throwing the last load in the dryer, threw on my hiking sandals and headed out to pick up D.
I told Emmy not to open the fridge and showed her the picture after she tried and she was shocked to see her arm disappeared.
We headed out with the goal of driving up to the falls, taking it in and heading back. There was some confusion as to where exactly to stop and she had explained to me that the road continued on to White Boar Lake and glacier but the road to it was usually only usable by trucks so of course I had to prove that wrong…. I was already believing my Tucson was more like a truck than a car anyway, the way it is decked out so we kept going. 11 Km later we were at the Lake and it was the best decision ever!! So gorgeous and the road up was like a riverbed in several spot but I took it carefully and never once bottomed out or scraped the sides. At one point a pickup was coming down and I had to give right-of-way and back down for quite a ways around curves and all until there was finally a pull out wide enough for him so I could go by. Back up camera and nerves of steel for the win!! I have to say he must have been impressed. We parked and there was no one else up there so it was incredibly peaceful. There is a short hike down to the lake and it is stunning, even with the Smokey skies, I can’t wait to go back when it is clear again. We ate huckleberries and took photos and enjoyed stretching our legs. I need to buy bear spray and go back there to camp. No cell service, no crowds, just picnic tables and an extremely well kept, odour free, toilet paper stocked outhouse! I finally got to use my new to me walking stick which are perfect, especially for swiping the cobwebs out of the way in the forest. They are actually kid sized ski poles that I got at the second hand store for $10 and they work perfect for short me.
Walking path
Not much wider driving path
We worked our way back down and easily found the spot to park on the roadside to walk down to the Falls (ok it was a wee bit of flagging tape on a tree limb). Was that ever worth it, spectacular location in so many ways. Again, like the lake, I could have just stayed there and relaxed. I love a falls that is remote enough not to be fenced off. Seeing pink dainties in the tree branches was a bit of a surprise.
Diane came for dinner which was later than usual but after that adventure a little grilled salmon Greek style was delicious. I can’t wait to take my ride into the dealer tomorrow for it’s detail, lol.
It was lovely to hear Emmy in the morning and have her come running to give morning snuggles. I sat out and had coffee with the guests and clarified the comment when they dropped off the kayaks that they are pretty casual about that, meaning Covid. Turns out the Mom is vaccinated but hadn’t told her daughter. It all came out this morning. She told me later that all her kids are conspiracy theorists but she felt safer getting it and her husband is 70 so she wasn’t putting him at risk. Interesting how there can be so much difference within a family. I am glad all of mine are vaccinated and happy to be.
Suddenly I got a text and realize it was ten to eleven and I was to be at the dealership where one of the owners was meeting me on a closed day to sign all the paperwork. When I left my place I noticed a grasshopper on my mud flap and he was still there when I got to the dealership! Josh was so incredibly trusting as we signed over our vehicles to each other on Saturday, I signed the loan paperwork today and went and transferred ownership and insurance and yet, I still haven’t paid the down payment because he doesn’t know how to use the machine. It was fun to be offered beer while doing the paperwork. His girlfriend even came and had a drink and a visit before they headed off to pick up a dresser and I took off to do errands. He did throw in a remote start, oil changes for life and the tablets and holders and will do a detail and fill it with gas when I go back on Tuesday or Wednesday. I feel like I won the car buyers lottery. Of course I am going to wait until I have the options before I pay now, just to be sure. I am a fan of the CarPlay feature that’s for sure!
I picked up fast food for Jake, Emmy and I and then did her hair before Danika picked her up to go to a wedding. Jake and I went grocery shopping for snacks and some food for his trip home tomorrow. Got back and I made us dinner while he got the old (1985) Apple IIe I have at home from the theatre booted up. He had never seen a floppy disk before so that was cool. Once I showed him how it worked we managed to get the old lighting software program running. It was fun to post online to show friends. Jamie was instantly interested and when they dropped off Emmy he came in and opened it up and tipped it, takin pictures etc and Emmy was monkeying with the buttons, etc. And then it wouldn’t start. I am not going to kid you, I am not happy. Anyway, I told him to go home and talk with his wife and make me an offer as I am using it to fund raise for tech booth. Jake thinks I am being oversensitive about it and it is fixable…
We watched the movie about Ted Bundy with Zac Ephron. He played the part very well. The story fascinates me, that someone had that much charm that even at his trial, after being found guilty, the judge seemed to admire him.
I did the money counting from last night in the park, we are doing well with our new memberships. Everyone is so happy to have live music back. Maureen sent me some pictures from when I was introducing who will be playing next week. I do love emcee gigs. Just need to dress more flatteringly… what a gut, sigh.
It is finally raining! And pretty well soaking things thankfully. I wish Missy would come in but she is still avoiding as Emmy is here. I stopped at Diane’s today and we made a plan to potentially go kayaking tomorrow depending on the weather. We need the rain but I hope it clears.
I got up and made coffee to settle back in bed to watch Loki, my new favourite bad boy crush. I didn’t last long as I realized I needed to get things ready for the guests staying tonight and Summer Sounds. I was making the bed in the guest trailer when I suddenly just started crying. It took me a bit to realize that it was coming from the trigger of it being July 31st. 58 years ago on this day, when I was 3 months old, my Mother and Sister, Rae Ann drowned on my sisters third birthday. Losing my primary bond at that age left me with a hole in my psyche that I have spent a lot of money on therapy about over the years. And, still it seems to haunt me, as came the tears this day. I had been thinking about a new vehicle for some time now so I thought it a good day to go looking as I have a spare two hours and a need to be distracted.
Note the numbers!!!!
After looking at a good number of vehicles I suddenly had a gut reaction to the 2022 Hyundai Tucson in the middle of the showroom floor. I have always wanted to buy a showroom car. It had the Kootenay addition package with fab rims and All Terrain Mud and snows that look more like truck tires as well as a Thule Roof rack to start and is Amazon Grey, how perfect is that. I mentioned I would like to keep the headrest tablets and holders and they threw them in. I also got the full value owed on my Honda for trade in. I am just chuffed, can’t wait to go for a drive and just pull over and sleep!. Now I want to buy a kayak as well. I did find it wasn’t too expensive to get the tow package as well so I could tow my jeep on a trailer to shows when it is fixed up. I honestly am so chuffed and they even let me take it away with transfer papers without even signing the loan documents yet. It pays to shop on the last day of the month when they want to meet their quota. I had to rush off do fulfill my obligations at Summer Sounds but really I wanted to go for a long drive!
I really am ridiculously excited and looking forward to adventures. Jake arrived and brought Emmy to the park for a while. I had fun tonight managing the booth and being water girl. The Quimbys and Voodoo Rhythm Kings performed, Bif Naked was in attendance, the park was packed and it was steamy hot out. I had the most fun doing the emcee part with Maureen and solo. She writes us up a basic script and we take it from there. I have always enjoyed emceeing. I was walking around with water when I heard someone call my name for some and then mention we were a long way from MusicFest. It suddenly twigged that it was Tanner from Courtenay! He is working on the project next door and I am thrilled. Look forward to having him over. This day really did improve immensely and I had a really nice visit with Jake when I got home as well.
I worked like a crazy woman right up until 5 pm when I finished filing the last obligation of the month. I was feeling so much pressure that I didn’t stop for food again, sigh. I did get asked by the guests for tomorrow night if they could drop off their kayaks a day early. I told them to meet me at the mall so I could show them the way as I planned to go to Shaw and get my new phone! It took a whole hour and a lot of money but I have my new Pacific Blue iPhone 12 Pro with a clear case, magnetic card pocket and USBc cube charger. Albert was my original clerk and he was assisted by Jaymi and the whole experience was amusing. I am told I got a credit on my internet bill as well. I was surprised when it came with three months free of Apple TV and Apple Arcade.
Ashlée dropped Gene off so we could set up my XR for him. He paid me for it and was appreciative of the deal I gave him. I know he will take good care of it because he worked hard for the money. We made one of my Hello Fresh and it was delicious. We didn’t have long though before Addison came and picked him up as he was staying there tonight. I did manage to get the camper bed stripped, the bedding and towels washed and dried and I will put them back on tomorrow and vacuum. I am really tired so I have been watching Love Is Blind After the Alter. I had forgotten about it. I liked that experiment.
Putted around this morning getting ready for my guests this evening and then jumped in the car with my recycle which if course I forgot to drop off. I did remember to go to UPS and send the 6 packs of smokes I had to buy for my last mystery shop to the head office. They make it easy by sending a printable label. It is interesting that the UPS depot is at the Dollar store now. Fairly easy to go to between 9 and 5:30 and the staff there are lovely. I noticed a lovely photo moment when I passed by the board room today at work so of course I had to stop and take a picture! I had a good laugh when I saw a post from a friend and had to send it by text to my friend whose floor I most recently ended up on. We had a good chuckle.
I really worked hard, so hard that I didn’t eat properly today. I arranged with the guests to meet outside my work so I could guide them through the crazy detour that is the way to my house now. Vanessa and Cameron are very nice, somewhere north of me in age and have a great vibe. I gave them a quicky tour, suggested they do takeout from Family Thai and headed out. There is a vast amount of trust needed in this game. You either just trust or don’t bother. I admit this is the first time I have gone out while there were people here in the evening but I have had to leave for work before others have gone in the morning. Of course if I had been home when the last guests left, they may not have gotten away with my vintage towel.
I made it to the Directors meeting in perfect timing and we all headed to Shenanigans again. Funny to be there twice in a week after not going to a bar in eons. The three directors, production manager and I met to discuss the upcoming season. I am now the producer for the second show with a new director to the theatre. Duncan Chalmers is cool and we joked about being on our first date as we were interviewing each other to see what we brought to the table and if we had good initial feelings about working together. The joke continued as I said he got the trifecta, a Treasurer, Tech Director and Actor/Director for a Producer.
It was so nice to once again hang with these peeps as we all work toward a very successful season. I also love that the Chalmers name holds a special place in my heart. Arvid Chalmers was one of my favourite friends on Salt Spring Island.
I am excited about the position, I am taking back what I had to give up while I was standing at Stonehenge on Friday the 13th 2019. This is a new time and season. Slowly I will look to replace myself as Treasurer and likely Tech Director as I move more into Directing and Acting, the two things that I have done for free, for pay, for love for over 45 years! I sometimes wonder if in an ego driven world, I do myself a disservice by not flaunting my theatrical resumé. I hear others do it regularly but it always sits wrong with me. I shall be judged by what I do now. AND I shall help to make this season a very successful one at CCT.
I just loved the warning about the grasshopper in my garden.
I really do amuse myself. Now to be fair this week so far I have worked double my average day length. It has to have some kind of effect, right?
So many kooky things today. I decided since my hair was still in braids and the temperature was perfect, that I would ride to work. Didn’t even make it out of the park before I questioned my choices. There was a pile of dirt in one lane just outside of the park on the main road and a dump truck backing up to clearly block my lane. A guy noticed and went over to ask the truck to clear the lane so I could get out and when I asked if I would be able to get back in at day’s end he said yes but maybe on a detour. As it happens that is exactly what I experienced. I didn’t know the small detour was through a back alley as the signs posted said to go up and around the long way. I did and then had to ride on gravel for a couple blocks to get to the other entrance to the park. I was fine with it as I have a lot of experience but that is lucky.
I also forgot my Hello Fresh was arriving today so I chose to leave the office at 4, go see if the new Harley specialized bike shop in town would install my new speedo cable and then swap out for my car. Robin, Renee and Kevin are running a slick little shop and Robin was awesome to deal with. In spite of the fact I ride a Triumph, he tried to find the right screw that was missing and gave me options to get one. If I can’t he said he could make it work. I love getting that kind of respect and help. R&R Rebel Bikes is my go to in town now.
I managed to basically butt dial my besties in England at who knows what unGodly hour via WhatsApp. I only hope they had their phones on silent and I didn’t disturb them. If they see the cancelled call they will know my butt was thinking of them and sending all the love. EVEN IF THEIR GOVERNMENT won’t let me in without quarantine! Only EU and US! Go figure, last time I looked, the Queen is on our money and stamps… sigh. One day.
I did make another nummy dinner tonight. It doesn’t look like the pictures but it tastes delish!
I had cleaned the bedding, so I remade the camper ready for the guests tomorrow night. While I was out I noticed the perfect day lily. I missed all the rest so far as I transplanted them to the back fence last Fall.
It is a challenging time to be a forthright person. There are suggestions and decisions being made that I have an opinion about. I have chosen to speak my piece in a polite and straight forward way. I can’t bear to have a ‘why didn’t you tell us’ moment. All will work out as it should and I will carry nothing.
Sadly I washed my hair for the second time only since I had it coloured, in what could only be called a cold shower and the colour is all but gone. Plus side is it left odd blue streaks which I am not adverse to. It doesn’t show as blue in this picture and my hairdresser has offered over and over to fix it but I don’t really have the time right now and I don’t hate it.
A quick water this morning left me happy with my garden findings
I got to work and was so focused that at one point I couldn’t find my happy face stamp that indicates posted in my world… I think I am tired
Too be fair, it practically blended in to the keyboard! No, really!
I parked near the theatre long before my Board meeting tonight with intention to grab sushi from Sakura, my favourite spot that I haven’t frequented in a very long time. It was a 25 minute wait as I hadn’t phoned ahead for takeout so I took it in to the meeting space to eat and wait. So delicious and some left for tomorrow’s snack! Jenn, one of the Board members returned my wine bottle and I had left my water bottle at work so I used it for the meeting. I always wanted to suck back from a wine bottle during a meeting.
The meeting was one of the more interesting ones I have attended as it started with a lot of air clearing which was very necessary as we move forward. Much of the evening was very positive and I was super happy to report on all things financial and technical, both of which are on an upward trend. Afterwards, 4 of us went next door to Shenanigans which I have not been to in a very long time and it was lovely to just have bevies and chat. Two of us stayed longer and solved all the worlds woes. I believe I have offered to Produce a show going on in February. I will meet with the Director on Thursday to see if we are a good fit. I do hope to direct a show in the following season. There are a few I am interested in. I will need to make a careful plan of the time involved. I am pretty sure the third slot that goes on in May best suits my work life.
Overall, it was a pretty great day, which is just what I needed. I know I will sleep well tonight!
I couldn’t help but notice things are picking up after suffering through the Heat Dome. I didn’t lose anything entirely. Well, except for the lavender , but it dried and smells delicious.
I came home after a very intense day to find the guests had left the place as they found it. I stripped the bed and did laundry before making my delicious Hello Fresh. It was one of my favourite. It reminded me of the taste of my homemade ravioli, only on pizza dough!! I will definitely make that one again. I only wish I could have hung the bedding on the line but it is smoky and I don’t want them to smell.
Every time I think I should skip a week I have a meal like tonight and am grateful. I order the meals far enough in advance that it is also a surprise when I go to cook them. Really I haven’t had two meals the same yet which is far better than eating out.
I received an order from Amazon today and it was one chocolate bar in a padded envelope. I am starting to worry about my carbon footprint as I ordered it as an add on to another order. Will have to revisit how I use the service.
Jake called to say he is coming this weekend to see Emmy. That makes me very happy. I am glad I have the space to have them, even with Airbnb guests.
It’s funny how whenever I think nothing happened in a day, I start writing and realize there are so many mundane things and some that really matter.. to me.
I must have really really needed sleep as I didn’t wake up until 10:49 am. I then had a lot to do as I had guests tonight, so I got dressed, processed the blueberry order I got and headed outside. When I opened the door there was a strange cat who promptly decided it should come in and check things out. I mowed the lawn, cleaned the pool and trimmed the willow tree before coming in to clean the bathroom and be ready. The random hollyhock is getting bigger and more in the way. I was having a beer with the Neighbour when James and his three year old daughter Willow arrived. I got them settled and they jumped in the pool. After a while I asked if I could invite Sawyer over to play with her and he got dropped off. I had a Hello Fresh meal that I was going to cook just for me but it was a salad and I knew it wouldn’t last well until tomorrow so I asked if they would like dinner too. He was very surprised and happy. I added blueberries to the meal to make it even more delicious. We all had a nice meal and then took the kids across the street to the park for some swing time. James is from Manchester, living in Calgary for the last years. He has a very thick accent and we had some good conversations. His car is hysterical. He got a good deal on it because it had been damaged by hail.
Today is my son Jakes 27th birthday. I sat outside under the tree and made a birthday post on Facebook. Seems I got very emotional and just had a good hard cry. Not sure when I will see him next. I am tired and worn out. My hips are hurting. I think I need to bite off smaller chunks of work to protect my health and body. My throat still hurts as well. I am really going to have to focus this week to get all that needs to be done, done without errors.
I did chores and then picked up Lukas to help me with my recycle and go get ice. Then we went for Froyo at Twisted Peaks with the gift certificate Emmy got me. Next stop was the park for summer sounds. Lukas was the water boy tonight and had a great time. He was very good at it and wants to keep coming back when they are not at the lake. He even saw they needed help striking the stage and just went and helped. I think it is really cool that we had a city councilor volunteering tonight and next week a former MP will be as well. That is the kind of community we are building as a society. People from 11 to over 70 making an event for all ages! The beer flowed and the vendors were great and the music was lovely of course.
I received my blueberry order today as it will be some time before I am harvesting much out of my garden. I have the beginnings of Cherry, raspberry and strawberry as well as a couple blueberry
At 3:10 am I awoke on my stomach choking on bile. I felt like I was throwing up but I didn’t. It was terrifying and left me with a burning sensation and taste I couldn’t shake no matter how may tums I chewed. It took a while to get to sleep and when my alarm went off there was no way I could get functioning. My throat was raw and I sat on the couch for another hour and a half before I could make myself get in the shower. I used the new product I bought from my stylist Nioxin and it has a shampoo, conditioner and leave in. It is supposed to thicken hair and retain colour. Unfortunately it took a bunch of the colour out! I don’t hate it but will have to see how it goes. I sent a pic to Ireland and she said she would fix it if I decide to.
I got to work and finished up a bunch of my volunteer work so I could get on with paid work. I saw the cover photo from the theatre and like it. Maureen took it when we were working there.
My voice was really rough and I have a phlegm feeling making me want to swallow constantly. I didn’t feel like eating but made myself some oatmeal and tried to drink lots of water. I focused on just one file so I wouldn’t make mistakes and when I got too tired around 6 decided to call it a day. I had called the MRI office today to find they did not have the requisition for my torso one, only for the knee. They told me to call my Dr office which I did and she couldn’t see it in my file either so was going to send a message to my Dr. I don’t know how long to wait until I hear something. I really have a strong feeling that the mass in my torso could be part of all my problems. If not, at least we will rule it out or get it out. I stopped to pick up some soap ends and business cards from Jan who makes Goats and Hoes Soap. I had asked her if it would be ok to give them to my guests at my Airbnb. A nice perk for them and maybe further business for her as she sells in the market and some stores.
I have a terrible headache, the smoke was even coming in to my office. When I left work I was shocked how strong the smell was, like a camp fire and that there was ash floating around. That is not helping the feeling in my throat and probably explains the headache. They really have been doing a lot of work on our road. I am so sick of the traffic past my place already as the other side of the parks entrance is blocked. It is supposed to be only 15 but everyone is going by fast and noisy.
And now it is 10:55 and the cars are still rolling up to the place across the street. A young guy bought it and moved in last month, it’s probably his housewarming so I will try not to be cranky bitch. (But I am)
I did make a really good dinner tonight though, can’t wait for lunch tomorrow.
I of course feel like dirt but am not comfortable to lie down yet… I need rest though as tomorrow is Summer sounds and Lukas is going to come help and then stay overnight. He can help me get ready for the guests on Sunday night as well.
My car was still holding a puddle this morning so I left it parked in the sun and cracked the windows. It was dry by the time I got home and I put all the bits back together.
In between paid work and getting home, I met with The President, of a board, that is, to put together the budget for the 2022 year end. It went well and I believe we have a good strategic plan for if things go sideways again with the pandemic. The numbers are doubling up with all the travelers and now the border is opening…
Next, I met Maureen for Live music at the FireHall Kitchen & Tap. Her son Angus is in a band that was playing; Connor Foote and the hands. It was great company, great music and great food and beverages. Maureen left to enjoy her evening and we were joined by Will and then Roger. The smoke is really getting thick though and my eyes are sore. It was a nice respite and I shall now buckle down until I complete all my July work. I did remember to pick up the new radios for the theatre as well. Can’t wait to give them a try.
It was such a dark and overcast day, even had a wee bit of rain. Just enough that I decided I probably shouldn’t ride my bike to Elkford tonight. The roads tend to get slicker after a long dry spell. I feel that except for my job which I super concentrated on, there were so many small mistakes in the day. I even took the wrong cheque book with me to buy the radios for the theatre. I will have to go back tomorrow and it set me back in time to get away. The good thing was that this time I did not take the wrong turn. I played the radio and set the cruise control and headed for Elkford with intention to hit up Sparwood on the way back. It did rain a little as I neared my destination. I was glad for my aching body that I chose the comfort of the car. The mission I was on was to purchase 3 very specific brands of cigarettes and send photos and the prices in. They will send me a label to ship them back to the office. I had the list written down like I was shopping for friends on a smoke run and the store clerks were both very helpful and nice. I missed the cheap gas in Elko, 8 cents a litre cheaper than Cranbrook’s because there was a truck on my tail and I hadn’t seen the price on the way up so I could signal and slow down. I tend to be a very courteous driver and when I see a good opportunity for someone to pass me, I start pulling over towards the shoulder, It really surprises me that no one waves thank you anymore. The more annoying thing though is when they pass and then slow down in front of me. I stay constantly on cruise at least 10Km over the limit. I do not like touching my brakes after being passed. There was a cool thing in Elkford that I had to stop and check out.
I stopped in Fernie and found a funny bottle of whisky for Roger’s birthday which I dropped off after picking up some Edo sushi for dinner.
I got home, grateful that the deer are not getting through my makeshift gate. I remembered to check what the clunk was in the cargo area earlier to discover that I forgot about the 11 Litre open water bottle and it had tipped over and filled the space where my spare tire is stored. I removed every thing, scooped out as much as possible and toweled out the rest. I then left the windows down a bit and everything airing out. By the time I was done it was so late and I was really hungry. I am pretty tired of this day… I am also sad at the utter realization of how far Emmy will be moving away when Danika moves to Elkford to be with Malcolm.
I worked hard to get an important file done and then accepted an urgent job to go to Sparwood and Elkford. I came home and changed, tried to see how to hook up my new speedo cable, did not manage to, geared up and headed out…. It was ridiculously hot. I had stopped to pick up a unicorn purse that I won a bid for to give to Emmy. On the road I got but the heat was getting to me and I get very confused at a certain intersection at the best of times. Seems like I did this time as well. I started thinking about the fire in the distance that we could see from town, and where my friend lives, if she would be affected… and then I realized I had just passed Canal Flats… suddenly it kicked into my brain that I was heading to where we take the coal to on the trains and I wanted to be going to where we got it from, where we loaded the trains. Yes, I had gone an hour in the wrong direction by then and I was unsure how much gas I had used as I am used to using my odometer as my gas gauge. I had last filled up in Erickson the other night and now had to get back to a station. By the time I pulled up to the pumps I figure by the map app that I went about 250 Km. That is more than I have ever gone on a tank. I chose my usual $20 max and for the first time ever the pump stopped and it wasn’t full at almost 14 Litres. I thank the Fuel Gods for getting me there, I may have been a skeleton on the side of the road, had I run out. I did get to pause long enough to take a picture of the fire. At the Ft Steele Gas station I had a delicious ice cream cone and sat in the shade for a bit before deciding that I was not carrying on to complete my mission. Tomorrow is another day.
THE OFFENDER
After I got home and watered everything, I discovered an ant infestation in the house. They had a trail from the kitchen to the furnace vent under the living-room window. I made sure my cat stayed outside and put out AntBGone. Wow it sure does work fast!! Argh I spoke too soon, it seemed like they were disappearing… I will have to see what the morning brings.
I used my erroneous Hello Fresh meal by adding couscous and cucumbers in place of the missing mushrooms and the beans which were not great. It turned out pretty delicious.
My friend Julie posted a site that showed the wildfire threatening Osoyoos and Oliver. I followed Hwy 3 and the wrong turn I took earlier to find the Bill Nye Mountain fire above Wasa. It really is something.
Once again I am grateful for my Air Conditioning, even if my Hydro bill has been much higher… wait, why? It is natural gas, or maybe it is a lot electric as well… I don’t know, it’s still cheap comfort.
I heard from the sleep clinic today. He had told me it would take 6-8 weeks for results but it only took two. I have severe sleep apnea with oxygen somethingerother issues. They had an opening for me to come back next week but I chose August 3rd so I can get all I need to get done first with out being too tired. I have to bring my mask and hose to be hooked up so they can find the correct pressure to help. My breathing is a little laboured tonight but I suspect it is due to riding through the smoke and heat. At one point I had to pull over as the smoke made my eye water which made my mascara run and burn. Tomorrow I won’t wear any. I’d best get some sleep, it’s going to be a long day.
I was sooooo tired today but not sore so that was amazing. I did find myself at one point typing 322222222 before my head bobbed awake at my desk. Of course this all made me review everything more closely and round down on my time. I just kept it in my mind that I just had to make it to 12:45 and then I would be walking over to my hair appointment. Ireland, who usually does my brows and pits has started in the salon across the hall and they specialize in colour so I thought I would give her opportunity to learn. I know she will be supervised by the specialist so I feel comfortable with taking the chance. She is a lovely young lady and I am safe in her hands. When she was done, I knew she was not happy with the results and so she wouldn’t let me pay and scheduled me to come back on Thursday morning to ‘fix’ it and pay then. Once I got home and in my jammies and actually saw it in my mirrors and light, I am fine with it and would rather she just give me a discount than spend more time on it this time. We can do more fun things with it next time. I will let her know that when I go for my brow wax tomorrow and pay her.
I had arranged to stop at Sean’s to sort and pick up some old LPs to use as garden edging. He offered me an Empress gin and then we were in the garage when I got a call that I was supposed to be at a theatre meeting
Turns out I need to scour my email tomorrow and find out why I didn’t receive the one about the meeting tonight for the board nomination committee. I raced over and we had a good discussion. It is important to choose the right potential board members. I really admire Amy and Sheila and Jenn and know we are all coming with our best intentions. I look forward to contacting the two people on my list.
Once I got home I responded to a request to stay from a person with a small dog but I am not sure that is a good idea for Missy and this is her home too. I had to decline. I also dealt with a few Board responsibilities, had delicious leftovers, watered as always and said goodnight to the day. I will try not to dream about the stick bug I found all the way over by the kitchen sink this morning……
My adventure friend, Diane invited me to go Kayaking today. I couldn’t wait. It has been at least 15 years since I have done so and that was in Ganges Harbour off Salt Spring Island. I was getting ready to leave and she had mentioned needing another strap so I haded to the shed to get one to bring. I twisted. My ankle off the edge of the concrete paver and fell forward scraping my knee like a 10 year old falling off my bike. I jammed two fingers pretty hard as well. I got myself together, applied some bag balm and headed over to her place.
We loaded up and tied down the kayaks. She has it down to a science and has two step ladders for being able to reach. The Thule rack system is really superb. And then we were off to St Mary Lake just this side of Kimberley. It was a lovely drive up and I don’t even remember ever being there before although I have to have been there back in the 80s when we lived near and camped a lot. The decision was that if we got up there and the smoke from Bill Nye Mtn fire was too bad, we would turn around and head out to Moyie. It turned out that there were very few people at one in the afternoon and the sky was clear and beautiful. We found a good place to park and set to readying to go out, with a cooler of snacks and all.
I was unnerved by the first time I had to step in as I was unsure what my leg would do. Diane is very patient assisting. Once I settled in it all came back to me and I was so happy to be there. The day was just perfect. For the first long time it was calm and we even stopped out in the middle and had a snack and I cracked the one cold one I brought along. We set a goal to head to the farthest point down the lake which you can see marked by the blue arrow in the first lake picture above. About 3/4 of the way, the wind started picking up and we did some serious work to get ahead. We made it though and that felt good. There was no place to get out safely though as it was all silt and Diane sunk in when she stepped out. We hung out for a bit enjoying the area before carrying on along the shore to our right.
Looking back to where we had come from.
We puttered our way back, stopping on a rocky shore point to stand up in the shallow water and stretch. I was actually surprised how good I felt. My knee wasn’t bothered and my hip only throbbed a little when seated. Diane has expensive very lightweight paddles and they are great! No sore hands or blisters in spite of the distance covered. Once we got back to shore I was shocked to turn around and see how much smoke had rolled in. As I walked up with both hands full I suddenly felt a bite that resemble a hot ember feeling. I have no idea what it was but only an ice pack on it helped at all. We sat and had a wee picnic before loading the boats and were joined by a little cutie.
On the road out we stopped at the fresh water pipe coming ou of the side of the mountain and filled our bottles. There was a MASSIVE rock in the trees across from it. It had to have rolled down the hill long before all the trees grew up. I almost feel guilty getting drinking water straight out of the side of a mountain when so many go without clean drinking water.
When we got further down the road and I got reception, there was a text from Rae that the front tire had blown on Roger’s truck while going downhill on the highway with the whole family onboard. He handled it well and they were all fine. I remember that happening when I was with my brother in his truck, it is sooooo loud and frightening. I am so grateful they are all ok.
Once I got home, I spent time watering my garden, and cleaning my pool which was full of caterpillar poop as they are eating the leaves off the willow high up over the pool. I cleaned as much as I could and them shocked it and put a chemical to deal with organic materials. I want it to be good for the clients booked next weekend. I then came in and took an antihistamine as the bite is spreading and sore, had a shower and made some delicious dinner. I have been considering going to the hospital as it is getting worse. I may got to bed and see how it is in the morning.
The day started with Laundry and maintaining my water softener system before heading to get a mani-pedi. I stopped at Culligan on the way and picked up an 11 and a 15 L bottle of water to use later. It was a glorious hour and a half and I love my new nails that match my volunteer t-shirt.
Picked up a few more things and headed to Rotary Park. It was so much fun and there were around 500 people which was amazing. We got about 66 new members and a bunch of donations. Those really matter for us to get grants and keep putting on free concerts in the park all summer. We do the Summer Sounds until the end of August and then on Sept 10 and 11 put on Peak Music Festival. Tonight’s performers were the Confluentials with our own Board Member, Barry Coulter followed by Baker Street Blues from Nelson. In between, Maureen and I were the information entertainment. It was a lot of fun. We bantered well off each other. I look forward to coming up with new Schtick each week and am glad she asked. I helped out around the booth and then was the water girl. I put the card I bought to good use and it seemed very popular bringing clean cold water to the crowd. I used disinfectant wipes in between people and wore my mask while doing it. Don’t want to take any chances in the last four days before my two weeks are up. I did hug a couple people though.. The music was so good and the crowd was so freaking well behaved!! Great fun was had and all is right with the world. It is amazing that in spite of no liquor license and thus no beer garden, no food trucks, but a snack lady, and the music stopped just after 9 instead of at 10… it was a juge success!!
Jean-Ann and Joe Debreceni
Missy was not all that impressed with being in all evening. She did miss me and kept coming in for a swipe against my legs.
triumphgal 