Grande Prairie is full of memories 🤔

Some memories are great, and some I want to avoid. This time here I'm thinking maybe too much, just can't avoid the sights, and feelings going along with them. I've avoided writing about this, just because, but here goes. 

The drive up to GP from Pollys cousin Julie's place was great, love the beauty in the late summer early fall 🍁. The Fields are golden, and as we drove by we saw the farmers harvesting with combines, with trailers behind or trucks beside. Golden and green the landscape is, just so endless looking, wide roads, with huge grass dividers between, as well as widest shoulders that are mowed so people traveling can see the animals at night I'm thinking. 

All in all was one of the most relaxing beautiful drives we both commented as we traveled. We got to listen to Boom FM on our way through White Court, something we always look forward to, some really good oldies we like. 

The names of the towns as we traveled I remember talking with Chris about as he'd travel, saying to me "I'll probably loose you in a minute, heading through".... Then nothing. That would happen often, going down to the bridge, or a low place where cell service cutout. The names of the towns bring back the memories. 

I can't talk with him anymore, but I do think of him often, but coming to GP it's just a little more intense, more things here that remind me of him. We saw Ciara the other day, and Chase and Colton, was a fun time, I didn't find myself thinking of Chris then, more just enjoying the moment with their family. ❤️

We bought a gun for Colton when we were in Tombstone, Chris would have loved this 🤠 Colton loved it too.

But since I've had many sights and sounds, and memories of him, just a little more that before, more than last year here. I'm not really sad, just reminders, and the yearning, wishing a little, that it was different. 

Keeping busy helps, I've been making a few things here, shelves for Wendy, along with a bar for Jack by the fire pit, that's a fun project, I really like to do those things while I'm here. Tomorrow I'll go get a few more things I need to finish, Polly wants to (go groceries), that's her way of telling me, "Go groceries" I smile now thinking of her way. 

Our anniversary tomorrow, 31 years married, who-da thought hey, been a wonderful marriage, we both getting all we want in life,,❤️ enjoying each day.

I sigh, still it is a feeling I can't just run from, I just push on, and hope that it'll get better. 

Polly is planning a dinner with family next Sunday, be nice to have them all here. Jack and Wendy are back east, so we are watching Gracie, their dog and gave the house to ourselves. 

What to say, life is good, family here, 4 grandchildren in GP, we went to dinner with Taylor and her BF Zain, he paid for the dinner, that was nice of him, Montanas, I had ribs, Mmm 😋. Was a nice dinner, getting to know Zain, and watching Taylor and him, so in love ❤️

Well tomorrow is another day, I'm hoping just a little less heart pulling as I busy myself with doing what I Love. 

Fortunate to have such a beautiful fall coming. 

Love our life, even without our RV ❤️

Now what? RV travel change's when sold!

             Huge Blue River bears 

Our trip north this year has had a major change, no RV. We have decided that after purchasing our mobile home, (which isn't really that mobile) that moving from spot to spot as we did with our RV isn't likely to happen anymore. This year we reverted to being couch surfer's again 🛋️, something we have done a few times as we traveled in the past, but since we've been living in our RV for the last 10 years we always had our home with us as we traveled. 

As I write this morning we are in Polly's cousins trailer, on their cabin property north west of Edmonton. Our trip here took us to Pollys cousin Jean's home in Peachland for a couple nights, visit with her and Pollys brother in Vernon, first couch, well really was a nice bed. 

Then next was a smaller RV at at place called Teepee Meadows by Valemont, BC, was an interesting stop as we traveled through to Julie's place. I laugh a little now, the owner of Teepee Meadows had a French accent, and was really friendly. He showed us the trailer we'd sleep in, but really wanted to show us the ponds, and the view from where his cabin's were, and the log cabin he had rebuilt. I didn't bring my phone for this tour, I wished I had, the cabin was beautiful ❤️ inside.

We stayed a night there, with less comfort than what we could have had, change in our booking as we wanted to be at Julie's a day early, I had work planned there that I wanted to have Julie around for, she had decisions to make. 

Valemont always a beautiful spot to stay the night, no driving late for us anymore, 5-6 hours is enough, out of a 10+ hour journey now. We went to the grocery store and liquor store, right beside each other, was a small town experience that I always love. Hi to this person, how ya doin to the next, each on their way to get something. Friendly people here, helpful, a guy that was working here, on the railroad, he said he was from Vernon, showed us how to get extra fetta cheese in our salad we we about to order. He was really friendly, he'd been here awhile tenting as he worked, saving the living out allowance that he'd get from staying. 

In the lineup to the cashier we had time to talk with a woman that has a young son, about the place and how she likes it here. 

Dinner was a roast chicken, with Greek salad, and a macaroni salad as well, and wine 🍷 in our small RV as we looked out at the emu's, duck's, guinea hens, horse, 🐴 donkey, 🫏 and our course the huge white guard dog that was so darn friendly. 

Perfect spot for us after a long day drive, dinner and a few games of cards, then bed. Well that was definitely a little tighter that we'd of liked, but hey, we made it through the night, and got going early towards our next surfing place to hang our hats at. Is a different way to travel, as we have to pack to go, not a cupboard or a drawer to just go to as before with our home with us, but hey, change is good, bring it on! 

As we left Valemont in the morning, it was wet, it had rained and thundererd during the night, but luckily we had a good view of Mount Robson, a favorite spot of ours as we'd travel by. The mountain was clear of most clouds, just right for a photo. We stopped and got a photo, another group were there, taking photos too, so I took there's, they took ours. Funny how that works so easily, wished everything was like that, easily given and taken with no BS in-between. 

Our trip to Julie's through Jasper was quick, much different with the trees all burned up, we didn't see any animals this time, wondered if was as there was no cover from the trees now? The water still that beautiful blue as we drove by, and river meandering along as we drove, still a beautiful sight. Polly said as we were just about out of the park "Crow 🐦‍⬛, there's a Crow, that's an animal!" LoL 😂 we had a laugh, yep we did see 1 animal. 

We arrived at Julie's about 4pm, I had jobs to do, things Julie had asked me to build, live edge shelves, a sign, a measuring ruler to measure her grandchildren as they grew, and 4 planters that I brought the wood for to be assembled. I greeted Julie and Jerome, Julie's son Murray, his wife and two kid's, and Julie's other two grandkids, Dominic and Riley. I opened a beer 🍺, drank about half, then to work I went. Unloading, and organizing, getting things where I wanted them, luggage in, wood to the deck, tool's out, ok let's start. 

I didn't get too much done that evening, but started, then time to visit with them, around a fire later after dinner. Was nice to relax. 

Yesterday was busy, I knew there was much I wanted to accomplish, the cabin was in the midst of a total rebuild, so some tools here already, but I always like to use my own, although a table saw, and a miter saw here came in handy. Putting the planters together I realized I'd forgot a few boards for the bottoms so good there was a pile of scrap here I could use. 

Polly started helping with putting on the helmsman clear coat later in the afternoon once I had completed a few of the projects, everything needed a coat, and we got almost all one coat, but a couple planters, today I'll finish, and get the shelves up, and screw the ruler to the wall, be nice to see the finished results. 

I remember a friend saying to me how I leave a little of myself where ever I go, I like to think that's true, today I'm going to have left a little here, something that Julie really wanted, makes me happy to do this for her. 

Travel without our home is different. Good we are adaptable, every day a new experience. 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Feeling a little sluggish this morning after dancing last night.

What a fun time we had last night, after a few chicken wings and veggies with Larry and Maria we headed over to the knotty cowgirl dance. It was early, and quiet to start, but after awhile the band started playing, and the sun went down, a few lights went on and the Party 🎉 started. 

People everywhere, all taking and mixing as the band has a break, then the music 🎶 starts again and, well we just had to dance. It was a challenge to dance in the farms field, but one that made the experience just that much more interesting. A few times when we were waltzing we had to kinda catch each other as we step in a depression, was really a good laugh. 

Polly had to have the hat for awhile before the sun went down.

I slept like a log 🪵 last night, maybe I gotta go dancing more often. Today we'll start packing, as we are leaving on a trip north to visit family and friends this next month. We've been looking forward to this, yet after having just settled in, ya kinda like to stay. It's ok, well continue with our unpacking here when we return, it's been a whirlwind with first moving and getting things in order here, then our granddaughter's wedding, and all the grandkids and family were here last week, just left on Friday, now we get ready to Go. 

As I here often now "It's All Good!"

 We'll be in the Okanagan soon, then to just above Edmonton for a few days, then Grande Prairie for most, or all of September. Our friends Jack and Wendy have decided a trip east would work for them, so we'll house sit, and enjoy their home and pup Gracie for awhile, as we visit with grandchildren and children. 

Yep everything is falling 🍁 into place. 

Cecile & Christopher are removed now 😟

Polly has plans for a small garden memorial at our new place.

Our trailer is at Arbutus RV on consignment now, hopefully it will sell soon, then our plan to go to Portugal will be our next travel destination. I've been looking at how we'll stay and where, but still no booking yet. It's early yet, but I'll probably do that over the next month. 

Loving our life ❤️ as we change how we travel now. 

New tires before we travel again

Sitting in the tire 🛞 store waiting for my new tires to be installed. I've done this many times before, this time, relaxed as not leaving or going anywhere right away. Being prepared for our trip planned for next week is important, no flats and good winter tires as we head over the mountains just makes us feel safer. 

Imagine, I'm thinking of winter ❄️ 🥶 now, I believe we are in Fall 🍁 now, even though we have just had a couple Forest fires 🔥 here, and really high temperatures, still I felt the chill in the air early this morning, and the leaves all over Stamp Ave, that's a sign to me always. Rains, leaves, and Cool temps, 🍁!

I was messaging with my nephew this morning, he said "my favorite time of year" I agreed, sunny day's, no bugs, Cool evenings, great working days. 

But for us traveling, I'm always thinking possiblity of changing weather can happen quickly, especially as we go East and North. Okanagan to visit relatives, Pollys brother had a bad accident this spring, we want to visit him, also other friends in the Okanagan, Edmonton area, we have relatives, we'll stop there for the weekend, and Grande Prairie our final destination to visit family and friends there.

We are both looking so forward to traveling again, this time be without CC, our fifth wheel. We have been talking about this, how it will be so different, as before we could just pull over and have a rest or a nap, or even stay the night. We now have booked in with relatives, and friends, and booked a motel, so ready to go, but our return not anything booked, as ya just never know what will come. 

    Our last time traveling with our CC ❤️

Said our goodbyes to CC this afternoon, ready for another couple to take off with her. Been a great 10 years, now we will travel in our pickup 🛻 or flying ✈️ is the next mode of transport for this couple. Our CC is now at Arbutus on consignment, ready for the next stage of its life. 

We both had some thoughts as we took the photos down inside, we talked about it, the photos will be going up in our new 🏡 home. 

What now? Be another adventure I'm sure, just wait, our surprise will be a surprise to us too 😂🤣😂.

Never know what might come our way, always good to leave things open to opportunity 👍. 

Love our life ❤️ 

Anticipation, a wedding is about to happen.

       The number of our site is #1 😀

Tomorrow our granddaughter Shayla will be married to Carl, becoming Mrs Carl Warm in a short time. This wedding has been in the planning stages for months now, then all the sudden it's here. 

Of course we haven't been the planners, but we have been informed as plans developed, culminating into this next day of fun. Will the sun shine? Who knows, will be fantastic no matter what happens with the weather, as Shayla and Carl have been arranging the tarps, and tent's needed to help keep us dry. 

It won't matter, we'll all be there rain or shine, watching and listening to the vows that are made on this day. Polly and I are so proud of these two, making a life for themselves as they just bought a home, and are getting married in the same year. Quite an accomplishment I'd say, so much effort to gain exactly what they want starting out their lives together. 

We have watched and listened to them plan, and achieve goals all along, tomorrow will be another step into the life they have planned. 

Polly and I are so happy for them, we have not seen their home in person yet, as we have also been very busy with our own purchase, and moving. We will get to seeing their place in a week or two, depending on the length of honeymoon. 

Focused is what I'd say Carl and Shayla are, just really focused on what they want, and patient as they atain each step in their plan. We on the other hand a little more shoot from the hip, we kinda just do as comes to us, not always good planning, just jump when the options come to us as this move to a mobile home getting a little anchored down. 

Both ways work, for each of us, no matter that they are different, the outcome is just right 👍 

Tonight as I write this, were thinking we had a day of "revolving door's" as Polly just said as we sat down, a day that many people came and went, and dog's amongst us too, was another perfect day, just as we like it, varried, and surprising.

Hmm, Friday night, I hear the cars racing around, and the Sun will set soon, not Friday as I remember, we are now quite content to stay home, especially in our new to us home. 

What to say, sure do love our life ❤️ 

Write a little about our neighborhood.

     My view as I walk to make coffee ☕ 

Sunday morning again, perfect I say, cool yet not cold, quiet, really quiet out, even the crow's 🐦‍⬛ are still sleeping. Not a car, not a person, just the most peaceful morning. After I made coffee, and put my slides as I'm told they are, on them I start slowly walking along in front of our home, looking at the full moon across the street above the RV park. 

This small RV park has 9 trailers and a house on it. Minimal to no landscaping, just a place to park. I expect not to expensive, and close to everything here. 

Our small mobile home park is different, in that we all have a yard, and most a shed, flowers seem to be the theme in most the yards. 

I continue my walk, down the street towards the highrise as is called here, the only one in Port Alberni. Something that stands out, a landmark I'd say. I thought a photo of it with the moon above, or beside might make a nice photo. 

On the way I looked around, I walked really slowly, taking in all I saw, not hearing a sound, until the geese flew from the pond above the hospital to the water below, the river mouth, the delta, that's where they will likely spend there day. There were hundreds of them, about 5:20am. I kept waking, looking about at properties, and the way house's were built, styles, and the way people arranged the yards, just looking at how it is. 

I got to tenth Ave, I'm close to my daughter now, I could stop in for a visit, I messaged her, but she wasn't up yet. 

As I walked along I heard two guys talking, as I got closer I saw a couple dogs, dash hounds, and they saw me! Yap yap yap, until the owner gave them a pull an said quiet. I realized I knew the owner, John, a friend I met many years ago, the other guy was a young guy that came up from California, to visit John's son Toby, they play games on line, and get together in person every once in awhile. John said they were going camping out on another property they have our beaver Creek. 

Was nice to say hi, now I know where he is, might stop in say Hi once in awhile. As I left I heard a skateboard being pushed, and a flap from when the guy was doing a spin and landing it. I got closer to a restaurant on the corner, where I remember a corner store years ago, with a really friendly man that always had a smile, and sold candy the old way, so many for a penny, then it went up to a nickel. I can still remember his rosey cheeks, with white hair, just a really nice guy. 

 Now it's a Tai restaurant, with tables outside 

One table resembles the Chinese roofs.

As I cross the road I noticed the ball field, and the backstop that I played ball at when I was a young teenager, looking very basic now, I remember when it was much more to it that this. Change happens, regardless of weather you pay attention or not. 

Our wide roads the city planers at the time had a really good idea, huge wide roads that gave good parking, as well as a really good wide road for cars & truck's. I notice now the educated design from someone somewhere decided to narrow all the roads, not just for biking, but for car's & trucks too. I believe the idea is to slow traffic, having the sidewalk pertrude into the road. I'm not sure that this is the way to go, but hey I'm a dinosaur 🦕 🦕 in my thoughts, I'm old, and the new groups of educated people think this restriction on our highest traffic roads makes sense. I do not! 

Enough of my short rant, as I walk up the road I hear the one and only crow 🐦‍⬛ now, he's caw caw, then he files, and a couple others join in. I'd say that's it, the day's started now. A car goes by in the distance, and I hear another, yep that's it, the quiet is disappearing now. 

Steam from the "pulp mill" as we have called it for years, still a big part of our town, taking chips from the saw mills here, oops, no saw mills left now, well one or two small ones, but the last big production Mill shut down a couple years ago APD, now most the chips made in the pulp mill out of whole logs, or hauled in by truck.  

Yep change happens, even if you're not looking 🙈

Today we go for a drive to get new to us furniture, we found on marketplace. Will it be our forever furniture? I'm not sure, but be better that what we have now. 

I borrowed a friend's truck, bigger box on it to get a couch and a loveseat. Be nice to recline again, we got used to that in our trailer. 

Leave early, get back before the rush my thoughts, they have another guy at each place that will help me load, Polly coming to make sure is what she wants, not going to get something that just doesn't look good. I trust Polly to make that determination, I'm not great at what's 👍 good or not. 

Although I did choose Polly and that was a perfect choice 😄 

Loving our life ❤️ 

When to write ✍️?

        Polly Joy & Dan talking as I wrote 

Today I'm struck, I just met a man that was a neighbor at Arrowvale, Phil Joe. I looked in my notes I make in my phone, there they were, his and his wife's name and address. As we talked Phil said he was moving, I was sad to hear he was leaving, but his brother is ill with cancer, and he wants to get back before he has an operation, a long with that he just can't find enough work here he said. 

I told him how we had just bought a place here and we're looking for furniture. Phil said he had two chairs and a couch that we could have, not new, but for us they be ok. Well I said we'd come look, and we had finished the cleaning, and breakfast with Joy and Dan, we went to look at the furniture. 

Not new, but sitting here now in this much better rocker it serves the purpose till we make a decision on furniture that we want. 

    Chairs we got off Phil work's perfectly      

I started writing this yesterday, as Joy Dan & Polly were talking, as I had just finished the last of the cleaning on our trailer getting it ready for a viewing in the afternoon. That's why I used the title, "When to write". I believe like a photo, writing is something that when the idea comes, just just a few lines to keep the thought, then finish later. With photos I often take what moves me right away, as the photo may not be there in the next moment. 

We have definitely moved in to our new place now, most everything is put away, adjustments have been done, heat pump is working perfectly, two visits to recharge, and second to find a leak and repair. Moulding I've put back on after it caught my arm when walking by, TV decision is made, on top of the fireplace we inherited with our home. 

Today after realizing the dryer exhaust hose was not hooked up as Polly was doing the laundry first time yesterday, and all the moisture and heat was coming into the house, it was pull out the drier, and see what's happening. Easy fix, lots of pulling and pushing. Polly never stops, until all is good in her house, she'll be tidying and organizing, and chucking stuff out. 

Today I have a hole in hoping to get repaired iny shed floor, and writing about it won't get it fixed, but I do like the writing 😄. 

We're in, and the nest is good, all the little alterations we will do, our trip north will be different than planned, the trailer be staying, hopefully sell before we go, all going good. 

Feeling like a second start in life, at an older age, nothing too easy, and early we have energy, later ahh, tired. 

Love this changing life ❤️ 

camping chairs in the living room 😳

            

Camping chairs are our living room furniture right now. With a garbage disposal for a reminder to get at it.

Been a wild ride moving into our new home, so much here already. When we made the offer as the man has passed away we gave a price, with a request to leave all they could here. They accepted, except for a few things, TV, computer, stereo, some of his mobility scooters, not a lot. So Polly has been cleaning cupboards saying "look at this" more times that I can count. 3 coffee ☕ pots, will have to consolidate. 

Almost ever kitchen device made, grills, toaster oven, microwave, electric frying pan, an electric wok, I really don't know all there is, Polly keeps saying "look at this!" As she u wraps a garbage disposal last night. All I said is "I gotta enough on the project list, that'll have to wait." 

     kept looking at dinner time yesterday 

I have walked about a bit, many trips outside to look at the smoke from the fire, bee the biggest cloud of smoke behind us. I'm hoping that the rain forecast will be a decent amount. It's growing, alot for 90 this morning to 400 hectares yesterday evening I heard. Oh well, just be ready to leave I hear is the promotion now. 

Still have our home on wheels, and it's still ready to Go! But after today be a little lighter, as unpacking this afternoon. Then once really good, will take it to my sister's place and set it up ready for viewing, we have one person interested already, they going to build a house, so want to have a place to live on site as they build. 

If it doesn't sell before our leave day 27aug, then we go, ferry is already booked. That might be our last trip in CC. Or the trip across town this morning might be our last? Who knows, transition is where we are now. 

We been wanting to see our granddaughters New home in Cedar, but just too busy, and so are they. So much change at the same time. And a wedding 💍 coming up too, August 16th. Polly and I really looking forward to this. Be a really fun time, as many families and friends coming. I'm hoping the fire will not be a problem. 

In the midst of our move, and Shaylas move, Ciara's moved too, not that she wanted to, just had to, so not the best situation. She sent a message today, Colton's Castle is up for free to someone that wants it.

I knew it wouldn't last forever, but sad to see it like this. Not as I remember it when it was finished 😟

Change, the one thing we can count on for sure! Lots of changes coming up, looking forward to them, as I ween myself off of camping travel. I still find myself packing stuff home, that is really not going to be used by us , camping stuff. I smile now to myself, sure has been fun.

Well I guess I gtg, get the small trailer with some of my tools in it, then back to get the bigger trailer. Gitter done, always my motto. 

Sunday morning quiet is nice time to travel. 

Love our Life ❤️

Warm welcome at Arrowvale as The brothers perform.

So many things happening at the same time right now. Reconnecting with friends Steve & Belle has been great, so many past experiences, and now creating new memories. When we got to Arrowvale yesterday Steve & Belle, were there already, along with Garry & Laurie. We got a couple drinks and not long after Chris showed up. The group was complete. 

Talking started right away, so many opinions, so much chatter, was a really nice time to visit with each other, then food was ordered, and the band we came to listen to started playing, 🍔 Burgers came, and music 🎶 🎵 continued, and chatting continued too. What a great time it was, listening to 'The Brothers' an all female band played beautiful music. 

Polly and I learned the women in our group have been celebrating their birthdays together for along time, and that after our dinner we were invited to cake at Garry & Laurie's place not far from where we live. Perfect, Black Forest Cake, after keeping at least two of the three candles lit, and a round of Happy Birthday 🎶🎵. What a treat, beautiful backdrop of mountains, and good friends, what more could you ask for. 

  August Birthday's Laurie, Chris, Belle.

Stories, yes many stories were told, some of cougars chasing deer right close to where we sat, and owl's hooting, and owl's hunting as they watched off the deck. Amazing stories were told, was a really fun and enlightening evening. 

This morning Polly still saying how nice it was last night, me agreeing. I didn't take many photos, I did point out to the group the beautiful view of the people on the deck at Arrowvale with the band performing, and behind the children playing in the playground, how great it is to have this again. 

I saw Donny Collins on the way in, he said Hi, Busy as usual, his wife Steph, also Busy, getting things ready. Later we saw Ian and his wife as we were paying for the meal, Laura operating the cash register, then Nathan and Ayla, was like coming home in away, felt nice to see them all again. The couple we didn't see were Bob & Ann, they are continuing to leave the management to their children now I believe. 

Arrowvale is in transition, and watching the change has been great, I sure enjoyed myself last night, I believe many did. On the way home Polly asked if I missed it, Arrowvale, yep a little, but we are now onto a new adventure! Part of the conversation yesterday was will you still write a blog? What will you call it? 

Yes I'll still write, ✍️ I still really enjoy putting words to my thoughts, what the name will be I'm not sure yet, but we will still travel, just differently now, we'll be putting our fifth wheel "CC" we call her, up for sale after we get settled in our new place, a new beginning I'm thinking. As for a name, I'm thinking Brent & Polly's Excellent non/RV Adventure's, or "Brent & Pollys Excellent European Adventures"

I'll be thinking about it till we have sold our CC, then I'll have it figured out with the help of others for sure. 

Transition is happening everywhere around us right now, we are moving into our new to us place at the end of this month, our friend Chris also selling and moving into her new place in August, our granddaughter Shayla and her fiancee Carl will move into their new to them home in September, our Grandson Jayden moved out of his apartment, leaving Taylor his sister to get the "Bigger" room, and now she'll have friend as a roommate. Just feels so nice to see so much really great change around us. 

Our daughter in-law Ciara, has sold her home in Grande Prairie too, sure she's going to find the exact place she'll need for her and her children. 

Perfect, Never! But seeing everyone moving, making changes is exciting, feeling motivated, different sights, sounds, change is a good thing, especially when you want it. 

I've gotten all my tent full of tools and lumber up to the new shed, Thanks Ted for helping tear the tent down, and Polly for helping unpack and pick stuff, we got access to that last week, so now it's full, a little more cleanup here, and all we have is our CC to move out. Well miss this place I'm sure, but moving to another new "Adventure" is always invigorating 👌

Always something new, 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

What a pleasure to have our grandkids visit

Yesterday was a very good day, we started early, went to visit our shed, LoL, I laugh thinking this, but we have access to this, and after all the repairs I did I wanted to show Polly. We looked at what was there, made plans for where things will go, decided on a plan. Polly was happy with my alterations too. Sounds like a small step, but all my wood, and tools will go here, so for me is the next step in our move to our new to us home. 

After much talking there off to Daniel and Georgies place to return the tools I'd borrowed, and a little yakin as they were about to wander off that day. Was nice to catch up with them before they parted. Then off to the market at harbour quay. Windy there and a little cool, but still met people we knew, chatted, bought a loaf of bread 🍞, and a chocolate zucchini loaf, Mmm so rich in chocolate 🍫. 

We wandered a bit, got to talk with our MLA Josie Osborne, of course my complaints were like many, the road from Parksville all the way to Tofino/Uclulet with particular places along the way. Angel rock and that mess, River Road falling apart, and Cathedral Grove, the problem's there, I had a few ideas for her, so did Polly as she had just been through there day before. 

It was nice to see a politician out there, I didn't expect it, and was also nice to be able to say when she asked, "Yes we live here!." Not sure she will do anything about what we brought up, but never hurts to get your thoughts out to someone that could do something about it. 

After the market we went to quality foods, we had a list, well Polly did, me I just wanted ice cream 🍨, and a bag of cheezies slipped into the cart 🛒. Was nice to be there, good place to get ribs, Polly saw them on sale in Parksville when she went in with Lyn, so that was the reason for shopping on the other side of town today. 

As we left the store I saw a guy I remembered, he remembers us too, we stopped and talked a bit, John I called him, nope, Stan he said, we had met him year's ago at our neighbor John's across the street, we'd see him and his wife every Christmas as John would invite us over for some Christmas cheer, with others, was a fun time. John and Stan both from Poland, I learned a lot from John about what it was like first hand when the war started, John was young then, he had to escape. 

This story I could tell, but let me say, he was lucky to be alive, and I believe every day he felt fortunate to have come to Port Alberni, to Canada. Yes learned alot from John, he could be a really crabby kinda guy, yet he had a really soft side once ya got to know him. 

We said goodbye to Stan, was nice to see him. And off we went towards home, no more stops. After a beautiful fresh bread bacon 🥓 tomato 🍅 sandwich 🥪 Polly made me, and of course a short nap, we got a call from our granddaughter Shayla, can I come over, I'd forgot that she had a plan for this as Carl was going to help his dad with some firewood. Yes, come on over, gave her our address and directions, then in like 5 minutes she was there. Wow, and Carl was with her, their dog Pyper too. 

Carl packed Pyper in, as Nacho was right there wanting to have a sniff, and they were worried that Pyper would get snappy with him, so Carl packed their dog in, just in case. Well this was a surprise, nice to yak it up with them, they had just bought a place too, so we had much info to share, each with plans to do this do that, as you do when ya get a new place. 

Was a really nice visit, couldn't ask for a better surprise that afternoon. The visit went fast, so much info to exchange, then some talk about a wedding they had been to last weekend, Shayla's roommate when she took on her first apartment. Carl brought this funny time up, how Shayla had had an uncontrollable laugh at what was a serious moment in the wedding, yet the way the microphone 🎤 was moving looked so bazaar, sh couldn't help but LoL, OMG she was so embarrassed, yet after Carl started, she couldn't help it. 

Next month is their wedding, seems to be coming really fast now, as always summer plans start early, then once summer gets going, Poof the plans become reality, and then WOW 😳, summer is done. Most every year I feel we just started summer, and darn, it's over just too quick. 

Our plan this year was to stay longer in Port, because of the wedding, now we'll be here permanently, how things change.

After our visit, hug's all around and off they went, with the direction signs I'd built for them for their wedding. Was a really nice visit.

I had a kind of sleepy afternoon, messaged a friend, possible plan to meetup, didn't work out, so next time. 

Then just before we were to have dinner we get a message from Dax, can Jet and I come over for a visit. Well yes, that be great, after dinner, say 7, ok? 

Well this visit was so fun, they both have hug's to start, then of course "Want a piece of this chocolate cake?" MMM 😋 so good, then we got talking, well with the two brothers, and the antics they have between them, we just had laugh after laugh 😂, was such a good time, almost like we we kids again too. So fun, listening and advising, and just talking with them. An excellent visit this was, excellent 👌 👍 ❤️ 

I'm not sure the exact time they left, you but their grandpa Tom came and got them, as he'd dropped them off, wasn't dark yet, but light was getting low. So a couple of hours of fun we had, I'll remember this visit for awhile. 🤣❤️

A stellar day was had, so many people we bumped into, so many people, so much family too, what a great day. Yep being back in Port Alberni, a really good decision to stick around a little more permanent. 

I hear Polly talking about Christmas dinner at our place already, yep we are zooming right into the way it was before we left Port years ago. Be nice to settle in again. Friends, Family, and just being a part of this community, like we'd never left, yet been away awhile. 

Left in 2003 to work in Chemainus, over 20 years ago, WOW.

Strong ties to our community, and after living in Ladysmith awhile, strong ties to our island, Vancouver Island, and after this year, strong ties to BC, and Canada, yep things have changed, but not so much that we can't, or won't continue our travels, just be a little different now. 

"Ya never know unless you go!" I saw that once on the back of a MH, made me think of us, how we travel. Yesterday is read about another traveler, said "planed no plan."  Well we have plans always, just never really sure till we click the seatbelt, exactly where we'll be next 😄😄.

Today we are Port Alberni, tomorrow who knows, but we are sure we have a wedding to attend in August, our granddaughter, and a campsite booked after, then a trip planned to Grande Prairie after that, and our fifth wheel trailer be up for sale soon, be another change, moving up in a permanent home, and downsizing in our trailer. 

Funny how life goes, tide goes out and comes in, as we move about our lives, change is definitely one thing we can count on. The two of us were up for a change, and here it comes. 🏡 

We sure do love our life ❤️ 

Mixed feelings about the move.

I'm sitting here thinking this morning about our move, what I'll miss about this way of life, no real attachments, just our friends and family when we return to our home town, along with friends from most every place we have stayed. 

See we just pull up to a place and often now we have family or friends like family wherever we go. That kind of life is great, here we are at our new to us site ready to move into a mobile home here in Port Alberni, our home town. I'm happy about this, yet sad to change the way we have been living. 

A friend we have said "keep the trailer!" I believe he's probably right, but after our trip north this fall 🍁, will see if we feel the same way. Been a really good run we've had, yet sometime I knew we'd change it up, and this is the time. 

Polly went to Qualicum for a couple days with her sister, they always have so much fun together, I'm happy for them. Me I stayed and finished the rebuild on the shed floor at our new place. Was a tough slog in the heat, but I can see the end of it today. 

Had to be done, not perfect, but I got a 3x6 beam support under that wall now, so a few alterations, and be done today. 

Will be able to move most my little shop of tool's and my wood to this area before our trailer comes over at the end of the month. So that's the way forward, yet I sit this morning here in our site out beaver Creek thinking I'll miss the moving about. I might change my mind about this once I get into our new place, it has a really nice covered deck area, where we'll see the sun coming up, and be close to the coffee ☕ pot too. 

Thinking can really screw ya up hey! LoL 

Oh well, I'm going for my second cup of coffee ☕, will go soon to the shed and finish, then be hauling stuff there the next few days, thinking will change in time I'm sure, just a little feeling hmm 🤔, loss I guess. Still have two trailers, see how it goes I guess. 

See, things changed, I went outside to enjoy my last coffee ☕, and met Drew's mom and her partner, Marilyn and Christian, the family Drew Laurie and their 3kids Ash, Jada, and Ila were all in the garden talking and sharing the beauty of the garden. What a great surprise for me, from inside I saw Drew with Ila on his shoulders, and Laurie walking,  it I didn't expect the whole family. 

So of course talking and listening, asking questions, get to know each other, that was my gift this morning ❤️ 

After Drew and I loaded a mattress they were about to give away onto my pickup, going to bring to my daughter Penny's later, I watered the plants for Polly, then went in to have something to eat before I left for the other trailer. No bagels so toast this morning, I looked in the fridge, thought might as well use up that strawberry jam stuff Polly had made up. Toast ready, spread the jam, smells a little funny, maybe just starting to turn, oh well be ok I'm sure. Outside taking my first bite, ahh isn't strawberry, it's the spaghetti sauce that was also left, same but different LoL,

oh well, add a couple pieces of ham, all good LoL 🤣 

my view as I ate, yep going to miss this place alright. 

Love our life ❤️ 

 

Sunday morning knowing the heat's coming! 🌞

       How young we all were then❤️

Funny how watching the hummingbird outside feed on all three little yellow flowers of the feeder before he takes off attracts my attention, and just feels nice watching them. I'm.not sure it's an old person thing, but I like it, I'm old, so LoL 😂. I also liked the bird feeder when we had one in Ladysmith, lots of entertainment there. Squirrel's 🐿️ quail's, and so many different birds. 

We are getting access to our new place tomorrow, just the shed sofar, but I think all of the place soon. The shed though be really nice, as most the stuff that has to go in there will come from my shed here, and the pile of lumber I've got here. So looking forward to have a place to store ally shed stuff, somewhere that I don't have to move it around all the time.

We went to two anniversary party's this weekend, friends that stayed with each other long times, first couple second marriage, second was since young. Both beautiful couples, and parties 🎉🎉🥳 were fun. Hot last night, but the preparation was really good, had misters and tent's for shade, and shade for the band too. Cornhole game was fun too. 

Today a dinner here with friends a d family. Be nice to see them and hang out here. Wil miss this place, maybe our last little get together before we move, as once we start, all energy will go towards that. 

Our life is changing with this new place we have to live in, changing to a new way. One we were used to before, and probably a little earlier that our plan was, but I think we are ready to settle down a little, will see in the future. 

I wonder what the blog name will change to, as won't be RV adventure anymore, unless we keep our trailer, but likely sell it. Oh well, that well deal with what we return from our adventure this late Summer and early Fall 🍁.

I love Sunday mornings, Polly is up now, we both had a great sleep, will go to town for a few supplies, food, beer, and maybe a bottle of wine. Also building supplies, I'm working on the moulding in the bathroom, had a rip in the covering over the wood, need to replace it, got to get something that'll matchup. Always something to do in an RV, good I have the ability to giter done! 

Sure love our life ❤️

Friends dropping in for a visit ❤️

Always nice to have that unexpected visit, "just dropped by, didn't know if uad be home, but thought we'd drop in."

Yesterday we had friends drop in uexpectedly, Polly was still braless, I was working in my shop, dirty, and soon to be going to an anniversary party in a couple hours. Polly just finishing the cake she made. Don popped around the corner, "hey I was just wondering if ya were here!"

Come on in I said, bed just walked in left the truck with Chris on the other side of the gate, come on in, I'll get the gate for ya. It's really nice having unexpected company, friends we've had for years, Polly and Chris and Don been friends for 60+ years. I came into the picture years later. 

We showed them around the garden, and my shop then we sat outside with a drink each an shot the breeze, just always so much to talk about, past and present. Was an unexpected pleasure yesterday, one of the best visits, funny how that happens, the unexpected turns out to be such a good memory 

 

I brought out what cherries 🍒 we had in a bowl, given to us by a friend. Chris really tied into these, then a couple tarts that we had from our friends last night's dinner, just as much she loved thattart. We yaked and yaked, just so many things to talk about 

 Other friends, some here, some past, plans for our new place, and that Don had taken Chris by to see our nephew place. 

Yep friends are just wonderful to have, I'm feeling exceptionally happy to be here where we are surrounded by so many good friends. On.a fam kind of site, with me friends we ha gotten to know here, I hear the kids are up.now, on after the other, screaming it up, such wonderful soundsthen.the parents next to us planning what they will be doing next on the farm. 

Sun's shining bright, almost too bright to see this scren, yet I sit in our new rocking camping chair, my second coffee ☕ ☕. Beside me, enjoying the warmth & sounds of a Saturday morning close to Port Alberni ❤️

I don't believe it gets better than this, today I'll take two of my grandsons swimming, Cameron lake or plan,be cold i know,, but I have a plan,just will check out if it work

 

Love our life ❤️ here. 

 

 

Rain! Sure is nice to have it now.

      Someone's looking through the sky 

Often in July you expect Sun 🌞😎 & warm weather here on the island,  remembering my time working in the woods, always thought middle of July we'd be off for fire season, till later in September, or at least Labour Day long weekend. Sometimes earlier.

Having the rain now is a blessing for many reasons, especially fire 🔥 rating and access to the wood's for camping, fishing, and hiking trails. Although for me right now,I just like to hear the sound of the drops on the roof of our trailer, light rain like this sounds great. 

We have no big plans for today, and yesterday was a travel day to Chemainus and back for our annual Dr checkup, all good he said. A friend asked if we'd like a few more cherries last evening when we came home 🍒🍒, fantastic, I'll go get those this morning, great he picked before the rain. 

We will have access to our new mobile home shed after the weekend, that will give us opportunity to bring all the tools and wood from my shed, start to get ready for end of month move. 

We have been asked many times what will you do with your trailer? We plan to make our trip to Grande Prairie this September, as usual, then upon our return, likely sell it, Rambo, I haven't decided yet, he's a pretty good truck, be tough to give him up, but maybe. Always I say "See how it goes" as we make decisions to liquidate our beloved trailer and truck. Been a great time traveling as we have, but this year be a no go to USA, or Mexico, so time to change it up! 

Exactly how, we are thinking Portugal, Spain, Greece now, had a good conversation with our DR yesterday about this as he was just there last fall, said how beautiful it was, and gave me a few hints at where to go, and what to watch out for. I'll likely book this when we return from our trip this fall. We don't book too far in advance, I been looking, still lots of availability right now. 

Our attention really on getting into our new place next month, then a little organized, attend our granddaughters wedding, then off we go for our fall trip. 

As always never a dull moment 😃 keep moving, that's us. 

New 🛞 tires on Rambo next, and a little check up before we go, a little bit of wash up on our CC our trailer, then hitting the road, close stop first, Qualicum Bay for a week before we leave the island, then ferry ⛴️ to the mainland. 

Seems easy as I write, but will be another adventure I'm sure, never really the same each time, and this time I want to go a route we haven't for awhile, through to Kelowna, then to Merritt and North on 97, towards Prince George, then east to GP, stopping at McKenzie BC to visit a friend. 

Ya know we have friends most every route we go, sometimes hard to make a turn, as we'd like to turn this way, a friend here we haven't seen in awhile. This year we start our trip a little later as wedding is middle of August. Not a problem, just a change. I wonder what next spring will be like for us? Will we still have the trailer, will we travel? If so how? 

Lot's of questions, but that's ok, better to have some indecision, than have it all planned I think. 

We have the next three days planned, we are going to Americos moms place for dinner, were eating that darn rooster 🐓 LoL, then two anniversary parties 🎉 🎉  Friday and Saturday. Way too much excitement for us! Then Sunday again, weeks sure motor on by fast. 

I remember Polly's Mom Memere would say that as you age days, weeks, months go faster, all adding up to years flying by. I see this now, faster than we'd think. 

We have made our last 10 years in retirement one adventure after another, I'm hoping this never stops. 

Love our life ❤️