triumphgal

I am tuckered out. I had a full and lovely day and I promise to record details in the morning

Lukas and I played some more Mario and then went out and did some more yard work as it’s supposed to start raining and then even snowing soon. While we were at it, the delivery guys showed up with my laundry combo. I love it and was I pressed with the harness system to move them. It’s a shame the plumber isn’t available until the 22nd and with my toe, I can’t connect it myself the couple working on the property next door are in-laws of my friend Launi from Salt spring a Island. Small world. It was. Ice to take a pick with Cheryl and send it along.

Diane picked us up and dropped me at Dr for a dressing change before dropping Lukas at home. it didn’t hurt as much this time but is much more bruised. I really appreciate Dr Sanregret taking me in while the clinic was closed for lunch. From there Di dropped me at work and I got a lot of small things done. Zoë did a lovely hairstyle for me. There was a package waiting. I had ordered special charms from Pandora and I love them! I heated up a bowl of soup. The label was very confusing

I was given a ride by Sean and we stopped at my place to pick up all the dinner makings and then made a beer run before heading to their place. Had a great meal and an extremely close game of cribbage before watching Mulan from my phone cast to their new TV. We paid Ashlée to do a candy run for us. The height of decadence. What a lovely start to the thanksgiving weekend.

The list is getting shorter, I got so much done today. For a Thursday, it was very satisfying. As I finished each file that I would not be working on again due to my contract ending on Oct 31st, I emailed the client, thanked them for our time together and assured them they would be in good hands. I did not want to just ghost them. The responses have been varied, generally lovely And grateful. One in particular made me smile and choked at the same time.

I found a great resource online: LawDepot and was able to design and print indépendant contractor agreements for my current and new clients. Just getting all my ducks in a row.

Rae-Anne picked me up and dropped Lukas off for the night. He was going to paint the laundry cubby but I wasn’t up to trying to find all my supplies. Moving heavy totes was not a risk I wanted to take so he did a small job for me prepping and the we had dinner. I was thrilled to give him a big plate of shrimp and leftover Bacalao and watch the leftovers disappear first to comments of how much he liked it and that he’d like to go to a Portuguese restaurant! love an adventurous eater.

We really enjoyed watching the Masked Singer together and then playing some Mario. Another episode of MS and he was off to bed. Such a good boy. I watched the SNL recent episode spoofing the debate. Jim Carrey is an amazing Joe Biden. And I am pretty sure the take on the Drew Barrymore show was an actual episode. I’m so disappointed in it, sigh.

I had a decent sleep dispute the fireball attached to me. I have always been a hot sleeper and now I have a hot sock and boot to enjoy. It’s garbage day so I texted Matt. His response was the best!

Keri picked me up, bless her heart. There really are so many sunny sides to this. I admit to general bitchiness for the first two thirds of today. Healing takes energy and I think the perfect day would be work, nap, work nap, repeat. I did hang my new clings from Ashlée and Ken. I may only remove pumpkins and keep up year round.

Diane picked me up and I made Bacalao, a Portuguese dish with salt cod. I thought it was delicious and wanted to honour her heritage.

Got home and called Rae to debrief an issue with my strata council. Afterward I returned Rosie ‘s call. They are the two people I can call and talk to easily. The time flies by. I don’t generally like to talk on the phone. COVID-19 seems to be ramping up again across Canada and that is disturbing. Not sure I like the forecast

Slept much better, set no alarm hoping to get all the sleep I needed and then get working on a file from home. My connection to the remote computer wouldn’t work so I contacted Phil their IT guy and he eventually got me going. By then I was scheduling my day to take advantage of Ashlée driving me around. I spoke to Ashley at the Firm and we came to good terms about my work with clients going forward and my relationship with the firm. It was good, rebuilt some bridges. Ashlée dropped me at the Dr and they changed my dressing for me, assured me the disturbed skin on the underside of my face is from my mask and made a plan for x-ray and stitch removal. It hurt a bit changing it, that’s for sure. It looks pretty good though. Next , we went to do our groceries. It’s been a while so I took time, scanning bar codes, reading labels and getting things I can use over the next while for best diet practices. Got home in time for Gene and Leyton to show up and do yard work. I hired them to finished the things I didn’t get to once I got Injured, planting bulbs, tarping trailer, grooming tree and lawn mowing. They did such a good job! I finally hung up the wi e rack Maureen gave me. It helped as zen had shown up with the last case I ordered in the states. I made a delicious meal of mussels steamed in the wine from my Neighbour. Diane and Zoë dropped over with Layla and we had such a nice visit. We had a good catch up. I had prepped the ingredients for a Portuguese meal and Diane took them home so I can go there after work tomorrow and make it for them. Bacalao will be a first. Made a plan to get to work, going to rest now. I was just tidying up and found the note that Emmy and her Great Granny wrote. She was amazed that GG could write her name.

I am my own worst enemy when it comes to giving my body what it needs to heal. I had three major hand surgery in 11 months and I barely had two days off total when it was supposed to be 6 weeks each. Now I’ve been told to rest and make sure this toe and the new nail grow properly healed. It was a payday Monday though so of course I went in. Diane kindly delivered me to the office. It didn’t take long before the interrupted sleep caught up with me. That combined with the after effect of yesterday’s adrenaline rush had me struggling to get through the day. Keri drove me home at 4 and I brought some work with me for tomorrow. I took off the boot and rested my leg up on the couch. I need it to stop bleeding as tomorrow is change the dressing day. I had a little dinner and binge watched Transplant before heading off to bed. I’m not setting an alarm. I am a fast healer but I’m pretty sure tomorrow will hurt being the second day after. Sweet dreams

Set out to do some gardening. Got my whole bulb bed redone and then everything went sideways. The previous owners left a very heavy concrete lion. It has been a topic of conversation but I wanted it moved. I picked it up and started moving it when suddenly it fell sideways onto my foot. It was super painful but I have a high pain tolerance so just lifted it off to find it had done serious damage which nearly made me pass out upon seeing it (stop reading now if you have a weak stomach)

I called out to the neighbour’s across the street and she and the one two doors down came running. they applied a wrap and dropped me at the hospital. Over 2 hours later I was admitted and X-rayed to find my toe was broken and informed they would remove the nail completely, reposition it and sew it in place so the new nail would hopefully grow in place. Dr Bowden was amazing, the freezing hurt a lot and the nurse who helped was so kind and said it was a first that she had my nail in her hands and had to remove the beautiful polish so it could be used. The shock wore off about a half hour before they took me in so it was painful for the freezing, and I was freezing. Before the X-rays they had to soak my foot as it was glued to my shoe from blood. The nurse who’s name es apes me was so kind and even cleaned the rest of my foot before she wheeled me to the pharmacy to get anti-biotic seems and an air cast. The pharmacy staff were amazing getting me fitted for my ‘boot’. Reaping led me up for a family dinner at her Dads and Ashlée drove me home and took away the rest of my garden mess I’d left. I arrived to a get well card and a gift from the neighbour’s who helped me which just blows my mind. I’ve arranged a ride to work from Diane and will figure it all out from there. Pisses me off that my riding season is done. Roger will come help put my bike away.

Takes a community to raise a Marnée, am grateful I have such a great one.

It really was quite fascinating, and I am grateful to the staff at East Kootenay Regional Hospital and all the friends who kept me calm as I shared the experience on Facebook. I was on the edge of an anxiety attack and they all talked me off the edge.

A young lad asked on Facebook if anyone needed chores done as he was raising money for a new bicycle. I hired him today to help me in the yard. The first impression was that he was smaller and younger than I expected. Turns out he’s been boxing for 6 years and is strong and observant. I had advertised my washer and dryer and reached out to a friend for carpentry work before Layton arrived. Of course everything happened at once. While I was quickly getting my laundry washed and hung, coordinating the withdrawal of my machines by new owner and explaining the Reno to Jason, he made himself busy raking and doing other jobs. We put away the pool, took down the gazebo and covered up the Willys for winter. I was happy to pay him and he is looking forward to helping again.

After everyone left I began dismantling the cabinets and getting the alcove ready for the new laundry combo and fridge. Underneath the panel was some I liked far better. I will paint it to match cabinets. I’ve enquired after a plumber whom Jason recommended Justin from Just in time. Clever. Hope to hear from him on Monday to arrange moving laundry service, ready for fridge Ice maker and dishwasher hookup.

Beautiful things happening in the yard and the tomatoes are still trying!

Off to closing night of the show. I actually am sad and glad. it was a really great night. The actors were on and Trevor was back and all tech worked. The Directors gave me a lovely gift and feedback from all was lovely.

I have had company

I took down the lighting and brought home all my stuff, set the booth for the church renters in the morning and said my goodbyes to the directors. It was weird to just go home on closing night but COVID has changed everything. It was just great to be part of a community making theatre again.

Worked so hard on a tough file, met with Maureen about CCT treasurer stuff, went and bought my appliances and got some great deals. They will start arriving next Friday! super grateful to get to theatre early and have time to fix the things Pepijn and I discovered wrong. The special effect over the stage had broken last night and the director organized someone to come fix it. We arrived to find a light moved and the projector out of place. Got those things solved but when the show was running the special effect didn’t work. I was standing ready to move a set piece when I got two message on my watch to stay and solve it. We tested it twice and I feel it will work for tomorrow’s closing night. It is too bad that my advice to have it activated from backstage (where I ended up being) was not taken. Yes, that was an I told you so. I just dislike speaking into a void. I also wonder why the sound and lighting crew were the last to leave. I’d have thought it is the Stage manager’s job. Community theatre, am I right?! Oops I am whining. I was going to stop that! I shall sip my expensive scotch and watch my shows.

Octo means 8 and i find it interesting that October is the eighth month since we became very aware of COVID-19 and all the changes in our lives began. It is also the day that the Trumps announced their diagnoses. This doesn’t bring me joy but it does feel like, well, it’s about time. seemed nearly inevitable.

I was on my way to work when Rae texted a picture. At a glance I knew why she sent it and tried to voice to text as I was driving. The result left me giggling for some time

I love my cookie buggy. It goes perfect with my Jack that I’ve had for years.

After work I headed over to The Brick as there is a good sale going on and I wish to replace appliances and update my kitchen. I took measurements and Dom Z was a super knowledgeable young man. He promised the deals would still be there, printed me all the info and sent me on my way to ponder. I’d been in the house about 5 minutes when I knew I was going back to purchase as soon as possible.

The show went well tonight. I feel sad for Trevor as he has a cold and can’t be involved due to COVID restrictions. Brent learned the lines in a day and did the role tonight. He was very good. There is a magic that I have experienced in the past when sick. The second I step on stage it is gone for the duration. My character is not sick therefore I am well for that magical time. I once walked offstage and threw up but no o e knew in the audience that I was sick. Trevor could take the opportunity and we are all grateful he wasn’t there to share the bug but sad, never the less.

Seems the deer repellant may be working.

I worked for most of the day and then headed to The Dainty Nail for my first set since February. Krista works in an office across from mine and is learning to do nails in her home. She charges a lower rate and is continuing to learn her skills. I am pleased and able to look past the small issues. It is nice to have girly nails again

Afterwards I picked up my duvet from the laundry and then stopped at Top Crop to look for deer repellant that had been recommended by Auntie Ollie. Of course I never get out of there easily. I picked up some plants and bulbs and was given a pepper plant. I put it in a metal bucket and gave it to Rae when she came to pick me up for the concert. I popped over to debrief the day with Diane. Got home in time to spray my plants and that repellent really is disgusting smelling. May be regretting my choices.

Seeing Chantal Kreviazuk in Royal Alexandra Hall was just lovely. Only 50 people and you even had to order drinks in advance. She has a brilliant voice and is a great story teller. I do love singer songwriters. It had been 202 days since the last Key City Theatre performance of the Rocky Mountain film Fest. I geared up when we gave the first Standing ovation. It had been so long since we got to celebrate an Artist in person.

When Rae dropped me off we sat in her vehicle chatting and downloading for as long as my bladder would hold. Hated to end it but all that wine! September ended very well!!

Arrived at work to find my daughter Rae-Anne just walking out and we had a great parking lot visit on a stunningly gorgeous Autumn morning. Seems she had dropped off flowers! I will admit that flowers are part of my love language. I had a husband once upon a time Who wouldn’t buy me flowers because he was told by his mom that plants were better than flowers because they are living. I couldn’t seem to make them understand that giving someone flowers was not about you it was about the person you were giving them to. The husband before him would bring me flowers on the regular but they were always dozens of roses and he would march them in to where I worked because again they were all about him. I don’t think I’ve loved cut roses much since then. She left me the perfect combo of so many things I love including Fall Crocuses which seem to be on steroids

I worked so hard to finish off my last: “I have to get this done by the 29th or else” file only 15 minutes before a client arrived for me to give her payroll training and set up a new company. She was there right to the end of my day and it was a treat. So nice to work with kind, intelligent people who want to learn and soak up what you have to offer.

Headed home to try out the new (to me) T-Fal Actifryer. Made a peanut satay chicken and banana meal that we spooned over brown basmati rice. It was so freaking delicious I forgot to take a picture and start to finish it was about 20 minutes. Low Weight Watchers points and easy, I’m hooked.

After dinner Mom headed off to Kimberley and will head home from there on Friday. I found myself hugging her and just wanting to memorize the moment.

I headed off to a Cranbrook Community Theatre board meeting. it went very well. I rescinded my resignation as a Tech Director and am also voted as treasurer which is no surprise. One has to steer the ship from the right wheelhouse… I am mostly looking forward to putting together a wish list for an upcoming grant application. I was on the CCT Board two years ago and had to deal with some tough past issues. It seems I am back in time for the current climate of Covid-19 and what that means for the Arts. I welcome the challenge.

Stopped at the Campbells on the way home to see the finale of their renovation. So beautiful. Poor Diane can hardly move from all the painting she has done since Saturday. I hope she sees how beautiful it is and that it was worth it, with or without spousal assistance.

I cannot believe tomorrow is the last day of September already. I have completed my first quarter!

Headed out to jump in my car this morning and found the deer had partaken of the salad bar I provided. Rise buds, sweet peas, hydrangeas, sun flowers, dahlias, etc etc, all gone.

The joy in the day was getting a parcel from Amazon and transplanting my wee spider plant in the office.

And then the rest of the evening was delightful as Rosie, Danika and Emmy joined Mom and I for dinner and a play in the park. Emmy is hilarious and kept us all on point. She felt GG was just a little bit slow and had fun teasing her in their swinging competition. Over 75 years between them, such a treat to watch the fun.

Mom and I watched the first 4 episodes of Why Women Kill and we are hooked. Love the timelines, the actors, the costumes and all. On W network, worth checking out.

Tomorrow will be busy as the month end nears. October promises to come with its own special challenges as it leaves one month left in my contract to the firm. Much to do including training whomever takes over files, I’m sure. I look forward to not having nightmares about it.

I had secured the services of a young local man to help me put away my pool and mow my lawn as he was trying to raise money to buy a bike. at the 11th hour or there abouts last night I received a message he was running a fever and wouldn’t be able to make it. Of course I replied he should isolate and not worry. What I really needed was a helper though. I putted the morning away and visited with Mom. Headed off to do the matinee and it was just gorgeous out, had to stop and take a picture for my friend, Julie who loves our mountains as I do.

This is the view on my regular commute. Sure can’t complain. Once at the theatre Pepijn and I got things up and running. He’s a calm cool kid (15) from Kimberley who moved not too long ago from the Netherlands. I hope he works tech in the future for us as he sure picked it up quickly and is great to work with. it was amusing to me to be sitting behind scenery sending tech instructions via messenger. My inflammation was pretty bad today for some reason and I was afraid I was going to cough back stage but I called on Theatre magic and made it through. There were a couple younger girls with a family in the audience and their joyous laughter was a nice addition. We took running crew photos for the archives and that was fun. While I was backstage during the run my phone started silently ringing which was odd as it was my daughter and she knew I was busy. Seems she didn’t, but the boys may have via Alexa. Sneaky they are.

Afterwards I picked up my PC express order at Superstore and the young lady who brought it out to me was spectacular. So nice to have people with a smile in their voice assist. Got home and put it all away and then went out to tackle my yard. Put away lawn furniture, mowed and organized. Drilled a hole in a planter overflowing with rain water, deflated all the pool floaties. That is harder than inflating them, although it got easier when I realized I could hook up the inflater backwards. Nearly ready for winter but still able to enjoy Fall. Finished installing the electronic deadbolt on new backdoor as well. Came in and made scallops, brown basmati rice and edamame for dinner. Scallops are expensive but so delicious and I wanted to treat Mom. I loved the description on the rice bag.

We ate and watched Interstellar. Honestly I still don’t know what I think of it. This is the only movie I have thought Matthew McConaughey was attractive in though so that’s something. It was long…

Really, tomorrow is Monday already?! this weekend flew by so fast I haven’t even checked in with my Diane or Maureen!

I was on Lake Titicaca with an amazing group of human beings whom I still call friends to this day. Nigel put together a slideshow and with credit to him but no permissions I am sharing it.

I remember being amazed that Bolivia was across the water

My day here in the northern hemisphere was substantially busier and perhaps less fun. I did get a shit ton of chores done. Cleaned and drained pool, drained and cleaned George’s bowl, put weather stripping on new door, laundry done and hung, paid back a loan and played the aurora in the show.

Oh and I managed to get the furnace running when I figured out there were batteries in the thermostat. It was too cool for Mom. Had to start up the electric fireplace until I figured it out. The starting of the furnace for the first time this season of course was the signal to drain the pool.

The garden boasted beauty today in spite of it being Fall and Fisher Peak was glorious.

The show was a bit of a challenge as I made lamb nachos for Mom and I for dinner. No peppers but apparently lamb is very rich and I hadn’t taken my pill so once I was locked into position back stage, the heart burn kicked in with a vengeance. Theatre creates a mind over matter alternative world though and I got through it. I was a bit grouchy resetting the special effect though as I just wanted to get home and take a pill. t be fair it is a shaky ladder. Had a quick chat with a board member who was looking forward to having me back as even if they didn’t always agree with me , I had ideas and input to get a conversation started. High praise, I like that.

got home to give Mom a new mask (it says For Wine at the bottom) and watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. It was very nostalgic

A day of satisfying reconciling, lunch out with the crew at Firehall, meeting about future board issues, making lists and getting to the theatre for opening night. I am tired now so my communication will be short but suffice to say much was accomplished and I am happy to support the actors who left their hearts on the stage tonight. Audience feedback is great, can’t wait to hear how the live stream went. In our theatre of 84 we allowed 35 I believe and then streamed the show for the price of a ticket. Almost, Maine is a delightful Show. If only the chatting women in the audience had been more respectful.

Awoke to a beautiful thank you shout out from the show director. To work early, nose to the grindstone. I finally got what needed to be accomplished done in time for the deadline and then felt like falling into a hammock. Instead I went and did some errands and then headed to the Campbells as it had been too long. I had gotten a text that my mom was on the way so I gave her directions to their place. We ate and then Diane used a recipe out of her magazine and made an amazingly rich mug cake. Pretty sure my zero point dinner turned into thousand point dessert. But jeezum crow it was good. Mom showed up and we had a nice visit before heading to my place.

It’s complicated being surprised by mom. She is 79 and this is a time when I have a fairly big bubble due to the show. I need to be extra cautious. we are watching the Drew Barrymore talk show. I admire her but this is a bit extra for me… sigh, disappointing

Another 14 hour day. I’m not the only one. It’s the world of community theatre, we volunteer our lives for art. And as a tech person, for other people’s glory. But tonight I am tired. Apparently this has been a busy month as I only noticed this today

I finally hung my picture,

I committed myself to a deadline and this is one of the rare times that I am scared I am not going to accomplish it. Now, to be fair to me, I am re-entering information that was incorrectly done in the first place and all was not caught by the auditor which is frustrating for a bookkeeper. They should know more than me. It the bottom line, my Dad taught me my word and a handshake is a binding contract. Hmmm, I didn’t shake on it. I was busy at it when my alarm rang to head to the theatre. I needed to meet three guys to get all the Tech set for media night. So I shut it all down , didn’t even go home to eat or feed George and was there just before 6. I was honestly frustrated when 2 of the 3 didn’t show up and the 3rd was late. At least he let me know. As I waited I noticed this tribute windowsill to dear Bud. I am grateful he hasn’t been privy to some of the stuff going down.

It was so satisfying to solve a problem we were left with in tech world last night. Sanjay was happy when I pointed out the changes and hooked the laptop up to run the curtain call via the projector. I instructed and he climbed the ladder. together we got it working and Michelle, one of the Directors was very happy. I will admit to being sad when credit was only given to one person. It shouldn’t matter but I feel so fringed. I know there is no one else who would come and sit on the floor for over two hours at awkward angles trying to remain hidden while following the script so as not to get distracted and then climb a ladder every night to reset a special effect before locking it down and going home. I am 57 , not 27. Grouchy moment over. It is all for the greater good, right? And don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate this man.

My darling Diane also made my day by leaving leftovers ready for me to pick up. I was going to eat them but decided I need a good lunch tomorrow instead. I am constantly gobsmacked how kind and loving she is to me.

Oh yeah and I probably shouldn’t online shop when I am so tired as I bought a bathtub before I left work tonight. free delivery And on sale, can’t wait till It gets here at the end of October

I worked a crazy long, eat between keystrokes kind of day and was stressed but grateful when it was time to race home, feed George And get to the theatre for final dress rehearsal. as I went to turn off my scentsy light I decided to empty the wax so there was room For a fresh scent. I intended to pour it into a coffee cup in the garbage but missed completely and had a big mess to clean up instead. Do you think they will notice!?

It is honestly such a joy to be involved with Almost, Maine. Something has happened for me to turn a corner and have my passion back. It is hard to believe how recent it was that I wanted nothing more to do with it. I think another persons anger and public vent gave me the peace in my soul to find my love again. interesting that I got my mojo back at the same time. It all fits well with the theme of this show. Spending time with those who I feel an affinity for; Viola, Eve, Michael and Andrea, Brenda, etc, is a blessing. The whole cast is a local who’s who. It’s funny that I am so cool with being hidden in the background. I do wish I had been included to get one of Stephanie’s amazing photos done though. Not sure how I got missed, sigh.

This lady has been a good vent friend. You know, that person who is in your space on the regular and you can close the door and blah, blah, blah until a laugh happens? Yep, she’s sassy and sad at the same time. I like to make her smile.

The biggest problem with being so tied up with work and theatre is the only time I see Diane is if she stops for a hug at lunch. Hope she misses me like I did her while they were on holidays because I’ll be back!

There was horrifying news today from Salt Spring Island. Apparently a bunch of grade 12 students went all white supremest with hate logo t-shirts and all. So disgusting but really, not a surprise. My darling son was called the N word there before he was 2 and experienced various other racist things on an island that processes peace and love. We had a wonder 15 years there but that is nothing I would have expected.