I rode my bike today because I won’t have many more opportunities. The weather was a good even temperature and it felt nice but stressful in the same breath. I guess I am ready to let go. I completed my reports for the AGM for CCT and lost my shit on a supplier who volunteers as well. He has left me hanging and I guess all my calm negotiation wore off. I feel he is the type that needed that though as I feel we came to an amicable decision. I just don’t like it coming down to that. Raising my voice, and cussing led me to crying which is all just an embarrassing shit show but if it accomplished the desired result, I am ok. He apologized and so did I. Right after all that drama I received a text from my friend Diane, to come for dinner. I was hoping to get together and catch up and it was perfect timing. She made us a delicious several course meal of fish and fixings, exactly what my tummy needed. Afterward we watched the first episode of The Chair with Sandra Oh and despite the fact that we had to restart it because we were talking too much I will want to watch the series. It has a stellar cast! When it was done we realized it was now dark and I was slightly concerned as I never know what stage of road construction I am coming home to. As it happens it was relatively hard packed so ok. I am worn out again and wondering if I should take Clonazepan in the morning before my MRI. It may need that I get a ride home. I think I will take it, drive there and bring my crocheting so that I can sit as long as necessary to drive home safely. I have already told everyone that I won’t be at the office tomorrow.
After my reflections on Londoners yesterday I received a lovely WhatsApp message from my British Besties. That family continues to blow me away with their love and support. Linda sent me a picture from our memories together and I am wearing half the same outfit today, and my big girl panties to get through the day!
The downside of the day was watching several live videos of a friend seeming to have some odd psychotic break. I reached out to another who has known her longer and better to find she is being monitored and others are ready to catch her should she fall. The plus and minus of Facebook, others can see you and recognize when you need help, but also it gives a platform to share your breakdowns.
I was again reminded how grateful i am for my hive.
I opened the box of paperwork that Ash brought back from Salt Spring Island and found a lovely surprise! Mark knows me well
Rather than rushing off to work, I sat and spent a couple hours chatting with my guest from last night. Effy is really an interesting human and at only two years older than me we have had many similar experiences in spite of all the differences. A particular turn in the conversation unsettled me a bit and I hope it not to be true but know that in my heart it likely is. She said the British, Londoners in particular think boisterous people are less intelligent and that Canadians are like the country cousins. How sad to strive ones whole life to be plain and proper. I don’t get that feeling from my friends in Biggin Hill nor the delightful family I visited. I was warned though that Londoners wouldn’t be as chatty as I normally find. I didn’t find that to be true, but what if that was only because I was ‘entertaining’? Oh what the hell, it’s not like I am going to change and nothing will cast a shadow on that amazing trip nor my hope to go back there!! Just an interesting observation and I suppose the joy I find in travel to ‘exotic’ places (off the continent) will always surpass caring what people I will never see again, think of me. The best souvenirs I have are the friends I have gathered along the way and I am not sure that would have happened if I had been less than I am when I am happy.
I stopped at the car show in the park that was setting up and asked the opinion of the guys there who to ask about a paint job for my jeep. I was happy to find out an outfit in Jaffray was recommended and that is pretty near where it is being worked on. How’s that for kismet?
Today I saw my friend Shannon, advertise her husband Scott as a rent a hubby handyman. I immediately reached out and he came over after work to make a plan to do my bathroom. I will do what I can do and we will get it done at the end of September after all Airbnb bookings are done. I can’t wait!!!
Today was the 3rd anniversary of my moving into my home. Facebook reminded me and showed me how far I have come with my Kitchen so far. I still have to repaint the white, hang my pots and pans and clearly declutter! Bye bye burgundy and mustard, I barely knew you.
Before
To date
A last image before I go to bed and try not to be concerned…
My lovely guest left this morning and I stripped, cleaned and reset the tent trailer for the next guest arriving tonight. I then headed to have my car checked and found out I am awaiting a software update that will recognize my oversized tires so the low tire warning light will stop coming on. After I left the dealership I headed to Canadian Tire to pick up batteries for my weather station and a filter for my furnace. The filter section was near the clearance section and I was shocked to see the Thule J holders for kayaks that I have been pricing out at around 259.00 on sale for 50 because the box was opened. I grabbed it and when I got home finally and was able to open it all, I found every bit to be there in perfect condition!!! It was like the Ikea commercial where the woman runs out yelling START THE CAR because she can’t believe the deal she got.
I did have one weird thing happen at work. As I was typing a subject line in an email it entered in completely backward… too weird.
My newest guest called at 4 that she was near my place but unsure where to go so I shut it down for the day and headed home. Turns out we completely clicked and she is from London UK but looking to move to the area. I hope she does because I think we could be good friends. I had a Hello Fresh that involved BBQ grilling so I got it all ready, added a couple corns of cob and invited her to join me which involved more great conversation. It was a shame I had to run off to a board meeting. I am rather thrilled how well the cooking turned out as I only use the BBQ when the kids are over and Roger or Gene cook.
The board meeting was successful in that I was supported in the extra money I need to accomplish all our tech needs. Afterwards I went out with a friend and solved all the worlds problems over a bevie and then deked into Shotties to check out the renovation before driving her home. I can’t say I will return but it is nice.
It i nice to have a peer group to share ideas and dreams with! Not sure I should stay up until after midnight on a work night though, may be getting too old for that!!!
I was up and on the treadmill as usual before getting ready, cleaning everything on my way out the door and heading to work. It was Layla’s birthday and her bestie at work is on holidays so I bought her lunch from Hot Shots. While I was there I ran into the first mask conflict. There were two young men who came in not wearing them and when one of them came close and leaned in to see if I had ordered already I stepped back and nicely mentioned that we were supposed to wear masks indoors now. He leaned very close and told me masks were a joke. he said it several times, much too close for comfort so I finally put my hand forward and said “I understand now where you are coming from”. He definitely was in the age range getting the most infections currently and I was stunned that they took their orders without even saying anything. I didn’t think that was very responsible of the restaurant either, given the masks are mandatory indoors. I can’t imagine what it will be come September 13th when you can’t even go in a restaurant without proof of vaccination.
I worked on CCT reports and reconciling he amounts left in my budgets for the tech grant. Just as I finished my last report for the meeting tomorrow night, I received a call I had been waiting for about the last of the equipment I need. It was a bit of an aggressive call but hope that in the end it will be what we need for the $$ left. I have never had such trouble trying to spend money before!
My car had warning lights again about low tire sensors. I called the dealership but haven’t heard back. I need that to be solved or it will not be worth having the high profile tires.
Got home in time to set up for an emergency board meeting online to make decisions about Peak Music Festival and the future. We came up with a good plan and hope to still have one last night of music this year indoors in a controlled situation.
Went for a walk with Tracey to check out the newest developments along our road. Hadn’t been home long when my guest arrived. She seems really nice and will be gone again relatively early.
Started working on the rainbow pillow that Danika supplied the material and pattern for. I haven’t crocheted for a while and can’t find the right sized hook so will pick one up and start again tomorrow. I am glad she asked me to make it for the girls bedroom. I like to keep my hands busy.
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.
triumphgal 