triumphgal

Just another day in the life

09-13-24 Quito to Tena

September 13, 2024


Alarm at 7, pretty organized and down to an amazing breakfast before our orientation. I was happy that find our group is only 16. I will try to find out more but for now I know there are parents Krish and Lena with two grown children, Hari and Maddi from Cambridge, UK; Dave and Gail from Calgary; Jane and niece, Sarah from New Jersey; Jenny from Midlands UK, Steven and Jo from Near London, Virginia from Richmond UK, David & Sharon from Northrrn Ireland.

Just after 9 we checked out and loaded into a very comfortable bus to go to old town with our very informative guide, Santiago, and driver, Carlos. There was a lot to see and we started with the best gargoyle collection that I have ever seen. I bought Coca Candy.

Next was a chocolate tasting! Chocolatier says if you feel hot spice in the back of your throat it is real, in mouth, chemical

Presidential palace fenced off from previous unrest. Independence in 1809

So near to solstice on 23rd that I barely have a shadow.

I don’t know who this was, but I think we’d be friends

Of course, Groot is everywhere

A few more sites and we were back on our bus which we had to wait for in front of a candy store. I bought sharesies. Cookies for all and mints for $3

We are now winding our way out of Quito to the other side of the Andes, as we head for the Amazon. A quick stop at clean gas station banos. We took a quick cold windy stop to see the volcanos. I couldn’t even get Sackboy to c stand on the S. The eucalyptus trees are invasive here.

Lunch was preordered at Restaurant Gina. I enjoyed my traditional prepared Trout and plantains as well as the big Pilsner.

Compliments of the restaurant a chuchuguasa which was potent and delicious

We are now on our way to the Lodge in the Amazon, Hakuna Matata

We stopped at a food market where I sampled the roasted beetle larvae. I did not take a video of them squirming in the bowl. It was actually pretty delicious.

There was a stop for pictures at the top of the Andes along the road. It was cold and windy. We then wound our way down through the cloud forest to the rain forest.

We had to swap out to small vehicles as there was a tension bridge along the way to the lodge.

Our lodge is lovely and well equipped. We had awesome drinks and a fabulous 3 course meal before taking a night walk in the forest looking for critters

And now to read a little and get some solid sleep!!

09-12-24 From Ok to Awesome

September 13, 2024


Sleep was elusive as I no longer easily curl up on hard chairs for a nap. At 3 am the staff showed up and we were finally able to pass off our checked in bags. Security wasn’t open until 4 for screening and then 4:30 for CBSA. I thought it was weird that the Calgary airport is basically shutdown at night. At one count there were 5 women all crashed on joined chairs. and it was pouring rain!

We had the friendliest CBSA agent who told us we were going to love the Houston airport

We finally got seated in extremely cramped seats on a Boeing 737-700. It was old school to say the least.

The cloud formations over Houston were stunning

We had a good laugh as we wondered why they were handing us fun sized condoms as we boarded the plane.

Finally made it to the awesomeness of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Boy Howdy that agent was right! It is an incredible place.

Brett back at home recommended a seafood restaurant that he couldn’t remember the name of. In short order we found it and had an excellent experience. Janet and Sergio treated us special with a combination plate for me of seared scallops and calamari as well as a piece of alligator that is sourced from the same farm as Louis Vuitton for their bags. It was a piece of white tail meat, very delicious but marinated in many peppers hence my only trying one piece. Not inexpensive but worth every penny. I taught Sergio a couple new drinks and definitely enjoyed both my Sidecar and the watermelon and coconut hurricane

At the end of the meal, Nick came over to offer a free dessert. I chose the key lime pie to go with mmmmmmm

We sat for an hour in massage chairs and relaxed. It was wonderful. Finally it is time to get on another plane.

I sat next to a lovely lady with a tag around her neck that said her name, Genoveva, and, on the back, that she did not speak English with a number to contact if needed. I did not bad at all communicating and helping her. I’m not sure she totally understood that I don’t speak Spanish although I was able to throw a few words in.

I watched an odd movie, doses off and then ended the flight with Bob Marley One Love.

I have decided to blog as I go in draft form and then hit post when it is days and and hopefully on wifi.

We are getting ready to land in Quito and I have received notice of where to meet our shuttle.

Clearing customs was a breeze and we were met by a lovely young g man, Matteo who brought us the 40 minutes or so to our very nice hotel, Mercure. Quito is the second largest city in the country, coming in around 3 million. We are organizing a jump bag to take for our two nights in the Amazon after our city walking tour in the morning. The hotel will store our big suitcases.

I am going to bed after a fabulous shower as our orientation is at 8 where we will meet the other 14 in our group. Have to be down for breakfast before that.

09-11-24 heading out

September 12, 2024


I decided to sleep in.. yep 7:10am, earlier than normal. I must be excited to go. I chilled and then got ready for my nail appointment at 11

It was Cops for Kids day and locals were ‘jailed’ until they raised enough bail

It is only 15 degrees here, time to head south. Once home, I finished packing and showed Jesse all the care and feeding of Missy before Tracey and I decided we may as well go. I had pre-checked in so off we headed.

We found the Park and Jet lot and were on the shuttle by 10. We printed our baggage tags and then found out that we had to wait until 3 hours before our 8 am flight to drop our bags. Sigh. Thankfully there was one restaurant open on the lower floor where we had a delightful time with our server Natasha as well as a great sandwich and bevies

I stopped a guy wearing my fave new saying on his hoody

And now, we wait

09-10-24 one more sleep

September 10, 2024


I am a little bit drunk, not gonna lie. I processed all I needed to today and headed to Encore for food and bevvys before joining Tracey next door to debrief our last minute over wine. We are set to go and it is what it is.

I can’t begin to explain how excited I am to take a vacation that won’t involve work.

09-09-24 random

September 9, 2024


Missy was not in love with her new condo, but I think she will get used to it

I stalked the DJ with the flat tire and found out that I had enjoyed deep conversation with the guy in the incredible Powder cover photo

There was a news story about EdFest and even my guardian angel made the cut!

After a long day of work I stopped at RBC ATM to get $US but it was not dispensing any so I will have to go to the bank tomorrow. I stopped to see Mom and found out her friend Joyce from down the hall had died. She was a lovely lady. Also found out Covid is in the building and got out of there. Went through Arby’s drive thru and when I was nearly home the jeep started making an odd sound. I am not sure the fan belt is turning. I will have to check it out when I get back.

Two more sleeps!!!

09-08-24 Catio Day

September 8, 2024


I slept well and connected with Lukas. Picked him up at noon and he came to help me with my make it up as I go project. We needed screws so headed off to drop the recycle, grab screws, and drive thru Wendy’s for a coupon deal. It was actually a really good burger. We mounted the hutch on the wall over the cat door and put the last of my bathroom flooring in it. It is a bit Mickey Mouse but if she gets used to it, will be perfect. I mowed the lawn as Lukas moved around furniture etc. we were all done and he was dropped off by 5:30.

I am achy so ran a bath and started watching KAOS. Good cast, looking forward to more. Now it’s time to turn in. Only 3 more sleeps.

09-07-24 EdFest is over

September 8, 2024


What a day! So much fun for so many. I am beat. Here is a photo and video dump of the highlights that I caught.

Galen Olstead
Councillor Lynette Wray
Aspire Dance
Little Jazz Orchestra
Ethan Sawatsky and Daniel Pocha
Green Fools
Strange 2ruth
Jeff Holden
Half Spent
Diane and Dawn
Jeff had an issue
Brent Halliday
Derina Harvey Band

09-06-24 EdFest night 1

September 6, 2024


It was a long day having been at the park for most of 12 hours. Set up was fairly smooth until the storage trailer popped off the U-Haul that Galen was moving to park for the night. A bunch of high school guys helped and that was a relief.

Some of my favourite things were Leonard Sumner and the Lantern parade. My art installation turned out sweet and I heard nice comments. It was great to hang out with Mark who was here for an appointment and Bill who is allowed to walk again on his replacement ankle. Rae-Anne even came down for a bit to say hello

First time I have ever seen a cat on an outing

09-05-24 a week today

September 5, 2024


Hard to believe it’s only one week tonight that we land in Quito. I studied on the government site and feel they are common sense

Rotary lunch was a touching tribute to Bob, a presentation to Key City Theatre and a talk from our District Governor, Lorne Westnedge.

I sat with Lorne and his wife whom I remembered from the Coeur d’Alene conference. He is a very good speaker.

The Jeep started easily even after not starting it for a long time. I got to the office to a strong fuel smell. I noted that the fuel line was loose but didn’t have tools with me. I messaged Bill and he popped over and fixed it in no time.

I worked a little later to get ahead and then came home to make up a bed for Mark for tomorrow night. He and I then played two games of Outsmarted. He beat me over 11k to 450 in the first game. He won the second but it was much closer. It’s a shame I will be busy with Edfest and won’t get good time to hang out.

09-03-24 New Do Day

September 3, 2024


I had such a great day! I got lots done and then headed to the last EdFest committee meeting before the event on Friday. Like the people involved.. very much.

Next stop was Encore for a delicious quesadilla and a couple of Crown. A woman sat next to me at the bar and we made a great connection. Anita is a beautiful South Korean woman who has been living here for 19 years. I popped out to walk down to my hair appointment with Karissa and made a big change!

Upon my return to Encore, I was invited to sit with Anita and her friend Hiro. We got lost in many conversations about race, and how we all ended up here. I enjoyed their company so much and hope to see them again. It is amazing to me that a 33 year old from Japan, a 53 year old from South Korea and a 61 year old from Canada all found so much in common to chat about.

Did I mention that I love my hair?!

09-02-24 Yard Labour Day

September 2, 2024


I got outside while I would be in shade working on getting all my bulbs back in the bed. I moved some into open spots along my opposite fence as well. I made a new edge with the glass blocks that I had bought from Addison. They look nice in the dark. In time, I will add more lights behind them.

It feels good to have gotten a lot more weeds dug out and I paid Jesse to bag up all the branches and cuttings as I was out of steam.

I took time to sit with Tracey and discuss what we need to bring on our trip… NEXT WEEK!!!

I have taken a break this evening to crochet and binge Highway Thru Hell. I confess to getting veklempt when I saw Jamie’s wreck of the LA Rotator.

09-01-24 Super September Sunday

September 1, 2024


There is a good reason that I always take big vacations in September. I went to the office after stopping to see Mom and got almost all remittances done for Payroll, GST and PST. I have two GST files to complete and two payroll. I do, of course, always have work to do, but those are the only deadlines aside from some reconciliations and reports for owners. I am confident that I will be able to enjoy my time away.

Tomorrow I will start packing and clean my spare room as a friend is coming Friday to stay over in order to go for an MRI.

All in all, it was a super hot day spent on productive indoor things.

08-31-24 Hot end to August

August 31, 2024


I had a very productive day in spite of the heat which for a good long time was over 30

Of course today was the day I planned to work outside. I did trim all my Hollyhocks and trees, dug up all my bulbs in one bed and took the recycle away before I was too hot for me to keep going. I found out that it was one of our dear volunteers that had lost his phone which I had so I dropped it off, and he was very happy. Once home I took a good break in the coolness before going out to build the hutch I bought. I will build a stand and floor and attach it over the cat door to give Missy a critter proof space. It will be interesting to see if she uses it.

I was thinking how nice it is that so many of the same plants that Julie and I planted 4 years ago are blooming and beautiful

08-29-24 what a day!

August 30, 2024


So many memories were made today.

At Rotary lunch there was a Zoom of our MLA and fellow Rotarian, Tom Shypitka, presenting our wonderful, 94 year old, Bob Termuende, the King’s Coronation Medal for his service to the good of Canada. I video recorded it and pretty much managed not to shake as I was pretty emotional. Bob is one of the reasons that I joined Rotary. He and his wife, Orma, have been a stellar example of service for the greater good.

It was a tough act to follow, but Nathan Leuwen did an amazing job. He is a former Kootenay Ice goalie, current owner of the Cranbrook Bucks. I was lucky to sit beside him for lunch and we swapped Brendan Gallagher stories. He gave a talk about the upcoming season and read a letter from Jaden Fodchuk who aged out. It was very moving and he was one of my favourite players which made his backstory even more moving.

I came back to the office to a funny gift

I got a lot done and then headed to Rotary Park for the last night of Summer Sounds for the season. In spite of the foggy cool first part of the day, the event was warm and sunny. The crowd was massive and the energy was incredible. DJ Steve Schutz and then Heather Gemmell opened for Pretty for the People. The food vendors were amazing, Fisher Peak Brewing kept everyone hydrated, and the 50/50 winner will take home $1185 if and when it gets claimed.

Heather Gemmell
Heather Gemmell
Pretty for the People

A man came up and told me he was from Campbell River and began sharing about the performances he goes to in Spirit Square. Turns out he knows Lucas Schuller who puts it on and who was on my crew and works with us at VIMF. I messaged Lucas and we had a nice moment. I hold it to be fact that we can often connect if we are open to conversation with strangers.

08-28-24 kismet

August 28, 2024


I made it to the office in time for a long Zoom session with a client. It went well and over the day I knocked many things off my list. I also booked a hair appointment with Karissa a few days before I leave. I decided to try on short hairstyles and it made me laugh.

This may be the one

I gave Kirsten a duck for her jeep today.

I stopped at Encore for one drink and ended up eating and visiting with my client/friend , Chris, and his adorable son, Liam.

We had such a good visit while Liam and his friend were playing. We talked pretty straight up about relationships and cheating and apps and desire. If only I was 15 years younger lol. As I was leaving I chatted with an interesting man, Mark, at the bar. Should have dropped my number, just saying.

Oh, did I mention there is fresh snow on the mountains?!

08-27-24 making plans

August 27, 2024


I started the day going to Delamont Jewellers and getting Don to cut my ring off. Two reasons: I have been obsessed about the possibility of getting mugged and losing a finger due to the big one being stuck on, and I need to get a sapphire replaced in the small one that was behind it.

My elephant arrived for the art installation I am doing for Edfest and I can’t truly describe how squishy and wonderful it is

I had an Edfest meeting with the entire planning committee at 4 and I was in the middle of talking when my front magnetic clasp on my bra popped open. We all had a good laugh.

It was back to the office to run my last payroll of the day as the timesheet arrived while I was out.

I came home and unpacked my frozen Revive order, throwing the dry ice in the sink. I did enjoy the haze effect while I was making dinner

One of the best parts of the day was discussing a potential girls trip with Wendy for next September to London, Morocco and Portugal. I hope Colin thinks it would be a great idea and that we can make it happen.

Sorry! This product is not available for purchase at this time.

Blog at WordPress.com.