Sunday 😀 Christmas has come and gone.

The last Sunday of 2025 today, hmm. Looking ahead I wonder what this next year has for us? Will we travel? Will my health hold up? Get better? Will the world become a little more accessible, or will we see more restrictions everywhere? Will the war in Ukraine end? Hmm, who knows?

For now we will take it one moment at a time, first on my agenda is my swollen legs and seeing the specialist Dr on 5th of January, will go from there then. Every January I think of exercise, starting doing something that will be beneficial, the pool, the gym, just thinking doesn't help 😂🤣 but today I'm thinking will have to at the least continue walking. That's one thing I like, yet my knee has held me back, just because it'll hurt if I walk too far. 

Well let it hurt, I'm going to walk regardless, helps me stay fit, and helps me with thinking too. I like our neighborhood, close to much shopping as well as trails and just easy walking areas, so I'm going to continue with that. 

The pool I said to myself I'd enjoy here, in the close proximity to it. I've yet to go, that's something I can do seeing I'm not going to be traveling anytime soon. 

Project's, I have a few I'm thinking about here, move the shed, building another small deck, but really I'm looking forward to building some planters for the spring. Polly has developed a small memorial garden in our yard, I built a little white picket fence she wanted, will be finishing that off later in the spring. Funny how your mind switches from one season to the next, just goes "Christmas 🎄, New years 🎉 Spring 🌼 LoL 🤣, well it's still aways to go, but that's how it seems.

Yesterday we planned a card game with friends here for tonight, as well as friends coming for a visit this afternoon, busy schedule for a Sunday. This morning we sit Polly and I side by side pecking on our screens. Furnace goes on and off, I don't have to think of changing propane tanks, I'll go to the bathroom and never a thought of emptying the sewage. Nice to be in our mobile home, well doesn't feel mobile, just feels like a house. 

I'll enjoy the views of the Beaufort mountains, and the neighborhood out our bay window in the kitchen, and just thinking of how nice it is to be grounded here, in our home town again. 

I always loved Port Alberni, so when we had to leave for work we adapted, but really my heart ❤️ was always in Port, just feels so good here, home, with friends and family. Familiar roads, building's, people, Home! 

Going to be a really good year I believe, regardless what the world throws at us, adaptable is how we have to be. Also being able to ramble in my thoughts, that's entertaining for me 😁 too.

I have a walk planned for tomorrow with my friend that lives close, a trip to Parksville to shop for some 80's clothes to dress up for New Year's Eve 🎉🎉, and maybe a visit with friends in Parksville that I used to work with years ago that moved there. Always a plan, something that ya like, or have wanted to do for awhile. 

And life goes on, day to day, week to week, on and on, till a hickup changes things. We were at friends yesterday afternoon, talked about how so many people now getting hiccups, health hiccups. We all agreed, is our age now, just all our past mistreatment catching up with us. 

I see now we have graduated, Polly has the TV on now, I wonder what we'll watch?

Another thing, I don't have to think about how we'll get our Internet, it's always on now, don't have to think of where the satellite dish is, or if I've got a signal, or if it's well anchored. 

We now watch a movie that we started last night, I'd forgot, Polly remembers 😁.

Yep life goes on, sure is comfortable our new to us home, with all the befits we take for granted living in a more anchored to the ground, mobile home. I have a new appreciation for these basic comforts after living full time in our fifth wheel trailer for the last 10 years. 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Thoughts

As I made coffee ☕ and looked out the window this morning early, I thought for just a minute, turned the light out, looking out the window at the dark street, thinking about how nice it is to be in our home, with plans for family at Christmas. Then I thought of the less fortunate, that are out  there? In what, a tent, cold, homeless. 

I really can't imagine, yet I know they are there, somewhere, as I see them walk by sometimes, with a bunch of cans in a bag, trading them in for more of what they need to survive. 

Yep, we are very fortunate to have what we have, and be where we are. 

Really looking forward to this evening, be a fun time, and so many coming over. Was nice to reflect a little this morning early, just think a bit about those that are out there without. Hmm. 

I played a few songs after while as I made up a little Instagram post, one I like is by John Lennon, started out "So this is Christmas" always gets me, as in his song "Imagine" does to, often talks about "no wars" yet every year if ya pay attention, there is always something going on where people are going to war. Not trying to be down, just thought how we are always so hopeful at this time of year, yet reality still bites! 

I'll brush this off as usual, and continue with our family time 🤗, and tomorrow I'll wake, make coffee ☕, and probably have a similar thought. 

And on our lives Go, fleeting thoughts as we go.

Well we have many things to do today, well really Polly has way more than I do, but I'll help where I can. 

I ask Polly what's her first to do today? "Well she said, Bake my Cupcakes 🧁, then cookies 🍪 then wash my floors, and put more toilet paper out" 😂, things I never think of. Then after she said "What time is it" then she looks to see. 

Plans develop, Polly already has her plan in place, me I'm just going to help, if she needs it. "Take that foam out of our room please" yep, I can do that, been putting it off awhile, thinking I might use it on our bed, but no. 

Yep today be going fast now, funny how that goes, plan, plan, then poof, done! 

I'm done my second cup of coffee ☕ ☕, Pollys on #2. Things going to get going now. It's light out now. 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Merry Christmas 🤗 🎄⛄

Lucky me, another Sunday morning to enjoy.

Polly twice says she likes this, I'm thinking going to have to build at least One 

When I started this blogging I wasn't sure how to do it, but like many things in life I always found the best way was just start! So far it's working good, usually about once a week I take the time to peck something out that's interesting to me, today I'm thinking about my liver. 

A few years ago a Dr gave me the warning, ya better eat less potatoes and rice, loose a little weight. Ya got a fatty liver. And cut back on the drinks 🍷 🍺. Then next time I saw him he said getting worse, now, no drinking. So I quit for a year, then he said looking better my liver, so I thought 🤔 geezz, I can drink a little again, and eating, well that really hasn't changed, I like my food. 

Looking back I should have really been changing my ways, but here I am now, plans ahead, committed to a trip to Europe after Christmas, and my legs are swelling, my side hurts, and I've gone through a few tests, Dr appointment in the New Year, just before we supposed to go. Unsure, that's my way now, unsure of my condition, and unsure of our plans. 

I'm sure we will have a wonderful Christmas this year, family and friends will be here Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day we have dinner with my sister and her husband, then a week of visiting, so many we love to see. Then New Year's 🎉🎉🎉 we have an invite to a dance, be so much fun I'm sure, not sure we'll make it till 12pm, but be fun just the same🥳🥳

New Year's Day, we don't have a plan yet, at least I'm not aware of one lol, sometimes I'm last to know, so maybe there is a plan. 

Then a few days and will be Dr appt, then see if something can be done with this swollen legs, and pain in my side. Sure has made me feel older, I was painting the walls after we had a gyprock Guy in yesterday, getting down to tape the mouldings was extremely hard, but getting up even harder. Today I'll finish the painting, yesterday was just the base coat. 

Polly is looking towards the Baking she's got planned, and I'm loving the thought of the smells coming. Always wonderful when Polly is in her kitchen, so into it I really love watching her create. 

This morning I'm content to write, and think, we are so darn lucky to have landed on this new place, enjoying the moment's as we improve our new to us place. Things that might be nothing to many, are extremely enjoyed here by us. A plugin in the island, was Pollys request, (I hear her up now, I'm thinking she'll go back to bed though), patch the walls where the holes are, there were two big bangs in the wall, that'll be all fixed up now, (yup Polly back to bed) the sunroom was something I just saw on marketplace, it fit our deck perfectly, that kinda luck we have often. 

Furniture, lighting, TVs, dam it sure fell in place fast, so fortunate we are. I'm just hoping travel will be possible in the new year, although I could hangout here just fine, as we have a few things to do here yet, and is a very nice place to spend our time, close to friends and family. 

Nice to have this quiet time, before the world gets going on Sunday morning. 

Still have a Murphy bed on the deck I will put together for the spare room, I'm thinking that'll be next on my list. 

Sure do Love our life ❤️ 

December 14th, 10 days to Christmas Eve

     Got a new to us sign the other day 😁 

We have had many opportunities to celebrate with others already this year, we are now looking forward to Christmas Eve, when most of our family will come to our new place for a fun evening celebrating Christmas as a family again. It's been awhile since we've all got together at Christmas, we have been gone almost every Christmas for the last 10 years, only one time did we stay home, and that year it snowed enough that only Penny and our two grandchildren Jet and Dax came for Christmas to the place we were staying. 

This year we have our own place, so with little a help, and decent weather, we will enjoy Christmas Eve to the fullest this year. Food I'm sure be plentiful, and a gift 🎁 exchange is happening, but for me the best is just the time spent enjoying being with each other together. We all have great memories of past Christmas Eve's at Memeres, Pollys Mom's place, so to recreate this feeling with our families will be great. Not exactly same, but still be nice to get together again. 

We all have different memories around this time of year, but being together, sharing this time, is special. For Polly and I, the best as our life changed this year from traveling and living full time in our fifth wheel trailer and going south for the winter, to living full time in our mobile home anchored in one spot in our home town. So much room to host a big group, along with close to most all our families and friends. 

Plans are underway, Polly is the planner, along with Lyn, Georgina, and whomever else steps up to help. I'll help where needed, mostly packing stuff, move this move that, stock the outside fridge, pop, beer, wine. My two bits worth, and get a few presents 🎁 for family. 

Sunday morning now, no big plans today, but I'm sure something will be coming up, always something. I bought, or got a Murphy bed last week, it's all apart, and I'm in the process of learning how to put it together. YouTube helps, a full set of plans and demonstration video's are available, I'm learning 😁. Maybe today I'll attempt to fit it together. Be nice to have a decent queen bed for company. 

Well up too early again, back to bed again, my shift sleep, Polly just got up, and she's planning cooking something already. I laughed to myself, how lucky I am, I wonder what's going to be made now? I won't ask, I heard Polly talking about molasses, hmm sweet! 

Retirement says every day is Sunday, but really Sunday still a quieter time. 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Waking early is a given for me, reading the news an option!

            Polly wanted Icicle light's 

Most mornings I wake early to a sore back, go pee, make coffee ☕ and a read of what's happening, or coming in the future. This morning I read about USA deregulation of trucking and how it's being done by the people that have the most to earn in the business. The quote was "This isn't the Fox in the henhouse, it's the Fox designing the henhouse." 

I read quite a bit of two articles, as in one article links to others in a blue 🔵 highlite that are part, or connect to each other. I like the way it's written, yet at some point I realized I've had enough of what I'm seeing before I read, that our world is controlled by people that have a desire to make more $$$ rather than making our highway's safer. 

I always respect trucker's, as I believe they in general are more in tune with what's going on on the highways, so reading what's happening in USA re-truckers and companies was interesting. Learning that regulation that is being forced isn't really being put in place, that in behind scenes the government has people that were lobbying for companies now de-regulating, people that have been appointed to the position they hold in government office. Henhouse designers I learned. 

I'm happy to be driving here in Port Alberni, and on Vancouver Island, yet when traveling even on our highways I'm still in tune with the truckers. I don't communicate with them directly, but I watch what they are doing, as they have a "finger on the pulse" another beauty description of how they know way ahead of me what's up, what's happening, or what's coming ahead. 

I know we are not traveling as we did before, so no big trailer behind us, but the lessons learned are set in my head. Listen to my copilot 😁 (Polly be happy to read that) and watch the truckers, two valuable bits of information that helps me when I'm driving. 

The article's were good to read, but I find myself kinda giving up on the read after awhile, as just the feeling of "What's the use!" I'm not going to do anything about it anyway.  I still have an opinion, but likely will not change anything, other that being informed helps me understand what's going on, even if I'm not going to do anything about it. 

I was all in favor of deregulation when I read about change that was possibly coming, yet reading this article has me thinking of how change comes. Do I really want to have changes that could cause more deaths, nope. So I'll keep reading, not anymore today, but tomorrow morning, then the next, and on and on. LoL

 Till my time is done, as being informed about what's happening in our world is like watching the trucker, they see ahead what's coming. 

Here's to hoping we see positive changes coming, cause the way it's looking right now, our world is in for a wreck! I'm not positive, but from this non truckers view, sure seems like,  hmm, 🤔  a wreck ahead.

Got the glass all in our sunroom now, decorated, Polly is excited, Christmas 🎄 🎁 is just around the corner now. Family and friends time 🤗 Going to be a really good Christmas ☃️

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Everybody wants to rule the world!

Amazing how a song can come on with a catchy beat, yet be talking about something really dastadrly as we are watching from a distance now. Wars that we all through our government participate in, yet they are fought over there 👉, just thinking about how wars are fought now, drone's, missile's, long range, in a comfortable room, with a screen in front of the person that follows the orders, boom 💥 and is done. 

We here in our part of the world watch as the grueling fighting continues, over there👈👉, anywhere but here. 

Reminds me of the many people here we see fighting the drug battle, as they continue to waste away infront of us, yet we avoid looking, pass by without wanting to really see it, yet there it is right in front of us, in most every town now. 

Just thinking about how many are getting Rich in Both cases, the war, as well as our friends and families here in their battles with drugs and mental health issues. 

Someone is reaping the $$💵💸$$💴$$ from both.

Helpless, that's how I feel thinking about it, helpless. I had to laugh a few weeks ago when the city council in Naniamo tried to get the ok to fence around their building, keeping the employees safe from all the druggies that are now close to them. Isn't it ironic how we are, from a distance we talk about it, even feel bad about it, but when it comes right to our door, we just want to avoid it at all costs. 

I know,  not a travel kinda topic, but today Polly and I have had the best of days, we talked so much, and traveled early to Qualicum, then Parksville, then Naniamo, looking at furniture I'm laughing now thinking of the fun we had. Here we are now, sitting close, on our new couch, having just finished a really nice dinner. Polly liking the decorations that shine on the ceiling,

as she prepares fo a dinner we are having with friends on Tuesday. 

Yep, Thanksgiving in the States this weekend, so much to be thankful for, yet many still haven't got a chance, I'm shaking my head right now. 

"Play the funky music white boy" the song that's on now 🤣, such great music 🎶 🎶 tonight. "Play the funky music till you die"

I'm not ready for that yet, I think I'll keep living, the best life I can, not perfect, just the best I can. 

I'm listening to Polly, she's so into it, talking to her phone, planning what she loves, a great meal with friends!

We sure are fortunate ❤️ 

Love our life ❤️ 

Doing what I enjoy feels great 👍

   I'm thinking snowman needs attention 

Everyone has something they really enjoy doing, me it's building something from wood that is discarded. Wood that would otherwise be thrown away. I've been doing this for awhile now, started when I was at Chemainus sawmill, I'd see the stuff that was thrown to the chipper, it really irked me to see beautiful pieces of wood throw away, chipped to go to pulp, or worse to go to burn as fuel. 

I trained to be a lumber grader while in Chemainus, something I had an appreciation for already, clear straight grained lumber, something that Chemainus mill employees prided themselves on getting the highest grade out of each log. 

I know I can't save every piece, but while I was at the mill I did ask and take home a few pieces that I made something out of, but of course when we moved into our trailer, I had to give all that I'd accumulated away to a friend, that gave it to his daughter. Still it was used, at least I hope so. 

Moving forward while covid was a thing we had to stay put awhile, so I got my table saw back from my friend's shed, and a few more tools that I setup in a tent beside our trailer, and went to work doing what I loved. Pallets were  easily accessible, and ideas were many, so I started making things people wanted. Funny how it went looking back now, I'm not sure what exactly I was making that I posted on FB, then a woman that I've known a long time asked, could you make me a wheelbarrow, one as a planter. Sure I said, and after a little looking around at what others had made, I came up with my version. 

That was my start to making things for others that they wanted, and using pieces that would be thrown out to create these beautiful things. I'm not sure now how many things I've created, but every year I have a chance to create something new wherever I go, have tool's and love to travel! 

This past year I created in Florida when asked to build a sign or two, when we moved on to Yuma I didn't create anything there this year, was a short time, but I had created a few signs and a bench there the year before, out of pallets. When we moved home, to Arrowvale I got into making planters right away, once I had my little shop setup, was a very productive spring, most all of this came from waste pieces from the sawmill down the road, some really nice pieces I saved from the firewood pile. 

Moving here to our new home, we have been busy settling in, so haven't made much, but the other day I decided I wanted to, so off to Beaver Creek hardware and got two pallets on Sunday. I asked the yard guy where they stored them now, he said there are 3 right over there you can have. I took 2, the kind that had the boards I was looking for, knowing exactly what my plan was. 

Into the back of my truck, and after a few visits on my way home I took them out and started disassembly. I see many that ask about the best way to do this on the Internet, using different tools, and saws, to get them apart, I've developed a very simple way, and baring getting a nail in the arm, or wrist, they come apart fairly easy. 

       My blank Canvas as artists say 😀

The wood was all wet, which is better for taking them apart, but not so much for building something with, but luckily I have a shed now, and a heater to dry my pieces, so that made it better. After some drawing, and thinking, as I was following a picture I'd taken off of a pallet building site I'm subscribed to, I slowly got the Santa just the way I wanted. 

     Oh, soup, in the middle Polly created 

Have some soup Polly said forcefully 

This is my fun, just created something from what would have been thrown away, yet here it is now displayed in front of our house. Not Earth shattering, but it makes me feel good, and that's what I believe this life is about at this time in my life, doing something that you enjoy, and if it's something that others want, even better, and if I can do it with what would otherwise be thrown away, bonus I say. 

                 Ta-da Santa created 

Oh, and Writing, I really like that too, I'm guessing I'm creative when I'm doing this too. My thoughts pecked away here, that's also a favorite of mine. No cost, and helps me think of what's next in life, today shopping for a new couch I've just been told is my next adventure. How does that saying go? "Better have a plan, or you'll become part of anothers plan!" LoL 😂 

Love our life ❤️ 

Sunday's are different.

     Maybe I'll make a snowman today 🤔

For me Sunday morning is slower that the rest of the week, unless there is something that has to be done. Most times we would travel on Sunday morning, as was just a little quieter that the rest of the week. That is unless its the last day of a long weekend, then everyone is getting home. 

Living in a more permanent home now that's all changed, no moving to another town, or packing up. I do miss some of it, mostly the freeing feeling as we started traveling down the road. Polly would be looking for what I was doing wrong, big huge breath in told me she was concerned about something she saw, but not enough to say "Brent!" Still, it was a warning to me to look, even if what Polly was seeing as a hazard wasn't. 

We sure did talk alot as we first pulled out, did ya do this? Where are? Whatever, what's the name of? Question's were fielded as we drove, just getting our bearings as we travelled. We will be doing this again in Portugal, I'm sure that'll be interesting, as we don't speak Portuguese, most times we do manage, this will be different though. 

Today, this Sunday I'm not sure we'll do anything too earth shattering, we have Harley coming to stay a couple days, so maybe have someone over for dinner? I never really know what Polly will think of, but for me today I'm just chill, no plan, a short walk around the neighborhood, I did that yesterday, but giving me a sore knee, going to have to keep trying, at least that's what my thoughts are looking at the scale. 

I'm up early today again, probably back to bed sometime, can't get the full night in anymore, just the way it is. Something's ya just have to accept, and do yer best with, I believe this is another one. 

I see in the forecast we might get a little snow, I'm kinda looking forward to it, not shoveling, but a walk in fresh snow, that's always great, well until the mess comes in a few hours. West Coast snow gets messy quickly, then the rain comes and washes it away. Yep I remember, so many great snowfalls, I hope to miss the 2-3' snow falls, that is not in my cards.

     cold and damp, fogs up the windows 

      

       Polly got the tree up on the Deck 

Hockey game tonight, football this afternoon, I'm wondering if I'll even get outta this chair LoL 🤣 

Oh well, I guess this is my sedintary life.

Love our life ❤️ 

I usually wait till Sunday for a blog post, but!

"Rainy days and Sundays always get me down" came to mind, it's a song by the Carpenter's, a band that was popular years ago. I had to look it up, Karen Carpenter the singer was also the drummer, I didn't remember that. I listened and watched the video, but I don't feel down. My thoughts were, if I was to be down every Monday & every time it rains I'd be down most the time here in Port Alberni. 🤣

We had a really good family visit yesterday, with the siblings of Polly's family and the outlaws, myself included. 😄 Was really nice to get together, yak it up, kinda like a Christmas visit early. Heb & Val live in Vernon, so we don't see them often, but the rest live here, as we do now. Most of our family are on the island, biggest group here in Port Alberni, so making easier to see each other. Yesterday was just the best visit, at times in our place we had 3-4 conversations going at the same time, loud it was, sill, felt nice to be together 🤗

Polly said it's like a test Christmas Eve for us in our new place, I'm sure that'll be really good too with everyone that's planning to come on Christmas Eve. On a rainy Saturday I have to say, this has been the best November I've had in Port Alberni, a little rain, but mostly been really nice.

Looking forward, I'm thinking be really nice weather up to the time we fly away to the East, Toronto, then Lisbon, we are both excited for Christmas, and soon after our winter trip ✈️. A visit with friends before we fly to Portugal will be great. Really nice to have so much to look forward to, we are fortunate ❤️ 

Today will be a quiet day here at our place, I'm thinking I'll go for a walk between the rains, if it doesn't stop I'll take my umbrella ☔, be nice to get out. 

Sunday tomorrow, we have our little friend Harley coming for a couple days, Danny has to go back to Vancouver to get his sending unit to match up with what they installed in his head so he can hear again out of that ear. I'm very hopeful that this turns out good, I can't imagine not being able to hear, as I said before, we are fortunate ❤️.

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Biggest fan, I'm my wife's biggest fan ❤️

    Pork chop, rice and cabbage creation.

This one called monkey bread, ya tear piece's off, was like pizza.

   This one not pretty, but Mmm 😋 good 

          These for the Ball ⚾ game 

Just so u know, I post much less of what my wife cook's and bakes than she does. If I was to post all she created, my finger 🤞 be callaused from pecking on this screen. Saying in this blog this morning that I'm my wife's biggest fan came to me this morning as I scrolled through the Instagram posts of music, a woman was singing of her boyfriend was her biggest fan. Made me think, I think I'm Polly's biggest fan. I think she's my biggest fan too❤️ 

Funny how that works for us, seeing all that we do of each other, knowing each other as we do, we truly are our own biggest fans. 🪭🪭

Just now I had the thought, will I post this? Hmm, I'm not sure as I write now, but I like the thoughts I'm having. 

The song that inspired it came after watching a few videos of singers giving really good performances, with really good messages. Sometimes I like to listen a little before I go on to reading, or writing, this morning I'm thinking it was just a little bit of melancolly that inspired me. 

Words with music 🎶 can really give me strength when I'm feeling low, today I'm feeling good, but the music helps me, why? I'm not sure, but was a really nice way to start my day. 

Polly got up early, 6am, unusual, but a kiss 💋 😘 or 4 then she's got her coffee ☕, and I play her a couple of tunes I liked, then we both go about our own way, beside each other, quietly enjoying our coffee ☕, and doing what interests us, each in our own way. 

We had a good Friday night, a couple movies, nothing stellar, some we turn off before too long, not great. 

Today I'm going to work towards getting the sunroom completed. I will need the glass guys to come this coming week to alter some panels, but after that, be all complete. Then house warming be next, then Christmas. Man the day's are rolling by fast. November 15th now, WOW. 

Looking forward to having Christmas here this year ⛄🎄🥳🤗❤️

Love our life ❤️ 

Sunday morning again 😀

Amazing how fast a week goes hey! Polly and I watched a few videos last night at the end of our night, funny ones, best was Bob & Doug McKenzie. I'm smiling right now again as when I started looking at my phone this morning, guess what comes up, another video of these two spoofing together again. Nice way to enjoy my coffee ☕ and another great Sunday morning. 

The story of how the show got going, and what spured them on is good, the show was a success in USA & Canada, they laughed at it as did we in Canada. Imagine, people in both countries enjoying a laugh at "The Great White North" I truly think we could all use more laughter right now, as watching what's really happening in our world is just too painful, at least that's what I think. 

I've been working to get this sunroom up lately, dealing with a bit of frustration, Polly has been helping when I need a hand, still getting things to fit, I'm not sure if I can endure long enough to get it all together. Each morning I start again with fresh attitude, and fresh eyes, hopefully this week I'll have it done, and looking just right 👍 

Frustration hit me hard on Friday, I got a call at noon while I was putting things together, the check is ready to be picked up from the sale of our trailer. Cheryl was so happy, and cheerful, I was frustrated. "Great, thanks, I'll be there after I'm done getting this sunroom pieces to fit". I got a window in, and secured after much mucking around, so I quit at around 2:30 to go get the check, and the license plate, so I could turn that in. We were waiting for Joy and Dan to come back and pick up Harley, so Polly said "You don't need me do ya?" "Nope, I'll be ok will just deposit, and be right back!"

My thinking was incorrect, after getting the check, and going to the bank to deposit as I thought is a big check, better take to the bank. Then waiting in line watching one teller at a bank of many teller booths. They have now decided to put chairs in the line to wait, instead of having a few more teller's available. "Rock steady thinking!" I'm thinking as I wait, frustrated at the thought of waiting, thinking maybe I should just sign it and go to the bank machine and deposit it. 

Well it's good I didn't, as when my turn to go to the teller, I happily get up from the chair 🪑 and walk over, "I'd like to deposit this check". Teller gets my card information, I sign the check, then after she looks she says "I'm sorry but you have to have two signatures on this check 😲 I'm sure she caught the look on my face. "Really" I said, "I'm depositing in our joint account"  "It has both names on it Brent & Paulette so both have to be here"

I'm sure I had the crappy customer face as I left saying I thought this was BS, I was really pissed, stomping out I was just undone now. 

Burning up inside I drove home, once inside I said to Polly, "gotta come to the bank, won't let me deposit it!" 

I laugh now at how burned up I was, just the last straw I'd say, I was already frustrated from the sunroom fitting, so this just did it. 

I thanked Polly the next day, as she just did what was needed, no complaints, and tried to have me understand the process. Me I just wanted it done. We went back to the bank, Polly stood in line this time, I'd already signed it, besides I was still smoking hot! LoL 😂 

I can laugh now, but in the moment I wasn't. 

Yep, not every day goes smoothly, and realizing this, looking back it's good to see that I was pushing too hard to just get it done, not trying to understand it, just get it done. One of my bad traits, but also good at the same time. Getting it done is not as desirable as getting it done properly. I'm a good enough kinda guy sometimes, well most the time. In the case of the sunroom, good enough isn't working, it's like putting a puzzle together trying to push the pieces into the wrong place. 

Yesterday continuing on with the sunroom I realized after I'd installed the sliding door frame that the door would be closed by the trailer wall, not where I had planned, but after a bunch of tries, and Polly helping, we did manage to get it together. Installed but I'm not happy with where the door is, yet I did know when to quit, go inside have a beer, and some soup and quit for the day. 

Today I'm not sure I'll attempt to do anything on it, but writing here helps me see what I'm doing, pushing to get it done, not enjoying the process, which when I have lots of time to get it right, I should be doing. Standing back and taking a second look will help I'm sure, so that's my learning today, give it a little time, and take another look at how I'm going to tackle this. 

Watching Bob & Doug McKenzie this morning is what I need, a little laughter to start the day. Along with writing, this always helps me throw it behind me and move on. 

Our grandson Jet is coming over today, I asked if he'd come look at our furnace ducts, as they are banging on start and stop, he's been working as a sheet metal worker for the last couple years, so I hoped he'd be able to figure it out, he's already got an idea what it is. I'm looking forward to seeing him today. Jesse might stop in too, another grandson. He's working at Canadian Tire now, along with going to school, I gave him a ride to work and home yesterday, always nice to see him too. 

We are enjoying being close to our grandchildren now, looking forward to Christmas celebration with family & friends here in Port Alberni. Funny how fast things have changed, from travel in our trailer to being home in our town again. Feeling quite comfortable here again, we have been gone for over 20 years now, 2003 when Sproat lake division of MB was shuttered. We have traveled back and forth from Ladysmith, then every spring coming home, but this is just so much more permanent. 

Love our life ❤️ 

Many hands make light work!

Watching a video of a couple that we have been following on YouTube building their off grid cabin just made me think of this saying. "Many hands make light work" We have watched them as they built this past summer and fall, and just now I thought how difficult it is doing the jobs they did by themselves. 

I've been doing this most my life, getting things done by myself, or with little help, but now later in life I find myself asking for the help I need now. Stubborn, that's how I'd call myself, just "I can do it myself" kinda thinking. I really can't do it all by myself now, really I never could, just thought I could. 

So, thinking of this saying gives to the idea that having a work party as many farmers do makes so much sense, rather that pushing to get it all done by yourself. 

I realize now as I age so many things that are just too frickin difficult now, just getting down to the ground, that's difficult, getting up I have to have a plan! LoL I laugh, but it's true, I'm not as able as I used to be, yet I still have that thought, "I can do it!" I remember when we built our float cabin, how able I was then, get down to the floor, get up on the roof, do just about anything. 

I can still do a lot, just have to pace myself, get ready, ok here I go lol. 

Well this past year we changed over from a fifthwheel travel kinda lifestyle to a mobile home, something that came as a surprise to us both as we really weren't looking formally, yet when the opportunity came, we jumped. Now looking back, we had all our ducks 🦆 🦆 🦆 in a row for this move, our age is one thing that pushed me to change. Looking forward I could see the setup of camp when we returned to the island was getting to be just more that I could handle every year, so I had been thinking of making a more permanent place to call home, where we could return with our trailer after traveling and be setup, the site would have my shop, and all our stuff there ready to just hookup again. 

Well after trying that out Beaver Creek on someone's property, we had this mobile home opportunity, and was a very good move. Hospital close, walk to the grocery store if we want, all services here, makes life so much easier. Still I had to improve, LoL, what a goof hey. We bought a sunroom that I saw in marketplace, was what I thought a "really good deal" and Polly likes the idea of having a closed in deck. 

So here is where I asked for help, I'm really not sure how to go about starting on the glass install, how to make the base level, how to put the glass wall up, how the end sliding glass doors will fit, how to lift them into place. I called Ted and Steve, friends that have skills I'm lacking.

 They came, pondered, each had ideas, lots of thinking 🤔 as the deck was not level on the edge that the big windows were to go on. I left to search for some brackets, on return Ted had gotten to the table saw, and made shims that would hold the bottom rails up level. That's what I needed to carry on, a level base he said, Steve came back, checked it out, and yep that'll do it. 

I bought some metal for flashing, my brother in law Ted made up the flashing, another ask a friend when ya need a hand. Next day I laid the bottom track for the windows, flashing over the wood strips Ted cut out, then gooped on the silicone and screwd it down good. 

A few days to dry then I asked my other brother in law Danny to help lift the glass panels in, he knew how heavy they were, as he helped lift them out of the trailer when I brought them home. Well that was a lot of work, but thanks to Dan and his experience in how to do stuff, we managed with Pollys help steadying them to get all 3 panels in that day. Then I had to go up and down the ladder screwing in the slot above that holds the panels in place. Felt like a long day, I was beat. No cleaning up, just shut the shed door, and do the rest tomorrow. 

Soon I'll have the rest of the glass and sliding glass doors installed, I work slowly now, but it'll get done, thanks to the help of friends. 

Going back to the couple that are doing it all by themselves, they do ask if they need help, but so far in the videos we have watched, it has been very limited asking. They're young and no problem getting under, or on top of the cabin, I remember when I was like that, but no more. I'll just take it a little at a time, no rush. 

Soon our deck will be closed in, giving us our covered, glassed in patio Polly wants.

 

Thanks for all the help y'all 👍

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Sunday again, time sure is flying 🛩️

Soon we'll be at Christmas ⛄ again. Be different yet same as well be at home this year for Christmas, first time for a few years. We are both looking forward to spending Christmas 🎄🎁 here with family. We will host Christmas Eve at our new home 🏡, then Christmas Day going to my sister and brother-in-law's 🏠 home. Been along time it seems since we've all been together, really looking forward to this year. 

BlueJays lost in the final game yesterday evening, but we all had a really good time watching the series, something I didn't know we'd get into, but I believe Canadians are rallying as somehow we need to feel together in a world so divided right now. I'm not going to get into the reasons, but we all are a little out of sorts, just unsure what's coming next. 

Our plan to go to Portugal this winter is on for sure, bought the tickets, and made the reservations, we are both excited about this. Funny how you go from one thing, just gets over, then "OK" what's next, without giving a break in-between, like bopping from one event to another. 

Sunday morning, that's our break here, I sit beside Polly, we both talk a little about what's coming next, then back to our phone me, Polly her tablet ❤️

Heat pump comes on, I don't have to think about it, sewage goes out, I don't have to go out and drain it, our new home just feels so right. I sneeze, blow my nose, wipe my one leaky eye, and continue pecking on this phone. Yep, life is pretty darn good this Sunday morning. Content I'd say in describing it, completely Content. Not in-continent yet! 🤣

We are going to dinner tonight with Dan and Joy, at there house. A way of keeping busy Joy says, taking their minds off Dan's operation he's going in for this week, a cochlear implant for his hearing loss, be a huge improvement from what we are told. I'm happy for Dan, yet I understand the feeling of unsureness in what's coming. Dan says their going to drill a hole in my head, then in a few weeks put in a device that'll help me hear much better. Still I understand the feeling as you go in for the operation. 

We will watch their dog Harley this coming week a couple days, he's very easy to look after, just starting to loose some of his hearing, and sight, getting old, just like us 🤣.

Rain has let up now, I see the blue sky coming, going to be a nice day after all. 

Polly got some flowers a couple days ago from her lover 😍 

She was really surprised, happy to surprise her, she definitely deserves flowers, I got a nice kiss 😘. Also got to listen to how much she loved them.

Our granddaughter Shayla wanted a photo of a photo that we had taken by Claudette a few years ago, when we got married, as they had one taken similar to it. Shayla wanted to show her husband, so I took a photo of it today, so she could. I liked looking at it remembering that long time ago day, over 31 years ago now, we sure were happy, still are.🤗❤️

Yep, love our life ❤️ 

Going for a drive out stamp falls today in the sunshine 🌞👍 on a Sunday.

Familiarity, Friends, our town.

Yesterday as I walked by the two guys standing on the sidewalk as I went into the dollar store. I didn't realy pay attention to who they were, I just said "nice day out today!" Yes they said, then came the yesterday I was at harbor quay one of them said, cold there I said, he agreed. 

After I'd finish getting what I wanted at the store, I walked past again, but this time I recognized one of them, I met a friend I had not seen since school days. Ron and I knew each other, and many others from high school, then after a short while talking came a couple of women, one Margaret, I'd met her years ago, when she was married to another guy I remembered, we talked awhile, was really nice to see them both again, and yak it up like we did so many years ago. 

I know why I love to return to Port Alberni, and this is one of the reasons, I know many people here, always bumping into someone else, just so nice to meet up, and give a "Hi, 👋 How are ya!" 

So many good people here, as many other places, yet here I know so many people, just feels good to say Hi to them. 

Another thing about being home is that I really don't have to think about how to get to where I'm going, I know the route, or routes needed to get to our destination, no real thinking involved, just put it in gear and away we go. 

Comfortable, that's how I'd describe it here, comfortable and so familiar where ever we go, really everywhere on the island. I try to stay out of the bigger city, Victoria, but everywhere else, is like home 🏡 

Today we are going to a familiar pub, with friends that we've known along time. We know many that go there too, kinda like walking into "Friends" pub. Be a nice time, and likely meeting a few more friends there. Yep, always nice to be "Home".

Love our life ❤️ 

Enjoying retirement, what's it mean to you?

I'm sitting outside my shop today, just thinking about how there isn't anything I have to do right now. Enjoying the quiet that comes early, knowing the rush of Friday will happen later. My warmed up hotdog 🌭 

from yesterday, I couldn't finish, and cold coffee ☕ from this morning. 

I'm enjoying the Glimpses I get here. I noticed the redwood 🌲 so perfectly formed compared to the fir trees.

The breeze just starting, the warmth from the sun feels great, perfect? I think so, no travel today, a walk around the neighborhood earlier, talking to friends I've never met before, I'm sure I'll meet again. I'm very fortunate to have the ability to talk with others, making friends so darn quickly, I surprise myself sometimes, as I walk away thinking, WOW, that was great 👍.

Today I met an older woman as I stood infront of her home, I really liked how the arbour was covered in Ivey, that's what caught my attention at first, the shape. Then as I looked I realized there was much more to this place, I continued to move left a little seeing more as I moved, first the flowers, then the pumpkins hanging, then the covered walkway, that's very cool, ya don't see that often I thought. 

Then as I was thinking about how beautiful the display was, the front door opens, and an older woman comes out, she spoke with an accent, German maybe, I'm not sure I didn't ask. We talked about the covered walkway, I said how beautiful it was, like Chinese looking with the scallops under the roof. She said there was a covered walkway in the back to the garage too. She said her daughter did the decorating, of course I said how good it all looked. Then the unexpected, she asked me if I'd like to look at the other walkway in the back? Yes, that'd be great.

So off we ploded, through the carport, seeing her daughter cleaning the pond I said Hi, and the conversation just ran, from the pond, to the garden, to the covered walkway, the garage, the storing of stuff, I was in awe actually. They were so welcoming, I learned that the daughter has to clip the Lilly pads, and take them out now, it's what she was doing, they grow back in the spring. The whole pond was fenced, and wire mesh over it too, I asked about birds trying still to get in? Nope, they stay away now, the fish are safe. Racoons, that was also a problem, but no more now. They were swimming in the pond the daughter said. 

We had a really nice visit, I forgot to mention the older woman before I left told me that she has both her daughters living with them, and her grandson, nice to have help with what needs to be done. She said she bought the house about 8 years ago, sold her small farm in Abbotsford and moved here when prices were decent. I forgot to mention that she had a bunch of colours dyed in streaks her hair, I didn't ask, I just noticed. No judgement, just was pleased to have had this morning conversation and tour of their yard. 

So getting back to my way, I just fall into the conversation. Thinking about it I just ask a question, ❓ that leads to another, then I shake my head at how it happens. 

Fortunate I say, just fortunate to have the welcoming ability. 

The breeze a little more now, but still light, still relatively quiet, just a few more cars moving about now. Afternoon is here, people get moving now. 

My sister in-law is coming over today, Polly has been busy making a cake 🎂 for her, her birthday was earlier in October, Polly didn't call this time, Lyn did giver her a shot about not calling, Polly wouldn't give in that she'd forgot, she remember, but wasn't sure what day it was.... LoL 😂 🤣.  I gotta here the chat that's going to happen when she gets here 😂

Well I did accomplish something, I finished my hotdog 🌭, and my coffee, and took a few photos, and wrote this blog. Oh, and I really enjoyed the sun outside my shop. Yep, I'm going to love this new adventure, staying in one place of our own for awhile. 

Love our Life ❤️

Sunday morning after another busy week.

The view from Shayla & Carl's living room 

We went to Naniamo yesterday, a short visit with our granddaughter Shayla and her husband Carl was really good, our first visit with them since they were married. Was good, so much to talk about, as they are moving now to their new home, we didn't want to stop her from working, but Carl was busy getting the trailer ready, so she could take time to yak a bit. We talked about her siblings, her Mom, her dad, and the wedding, just how it all went, her time with her bridesmaids, and just how it all worked out perfectly. 

After she showed us a few photos from that day, one of her parents one each side of her they both smiling 😁, was nice for her. Many of her and Carl, really good photos. Some of her dress, and a few of others. Was really nice to just sit and yak awhile, been a long time since we were able, we busy, they busy. 

As we were driving to there rented home I realized likely be the last time we'd be driving here, they had lived there a long time now, so got used to the area, it has a really nice view of the water, a steep driveway I won't miss, but the view and the views as we'd walk around the area, I'll miss that. I know we could go there anytime, but without her wouldn't be the same. 

Still I'll remember the really nice walks and talks we had while they lived here. To say we are close would be a good way to think, we are connected in so many ways, and our history is long, from the time she was a little girl, just born to now as she begins her marriage, and new to them home in Cedar, not far from the dry land sort she works at. 

I'm looking forward to visiting her and Carl there too, but I'm going to remember where they lived when they first started out. 

In our talk yesterday I realized just how grown up she's become, as we talked about her siblings, just how calm she was and just how wise she's become at what I think is an early age.

I'm extremely happy for them to make this big purchase, and begin there lives together with so much opportunity ahead. Yup a proud Pepere alright, Memeres proud too. 

Today we have a rest, Polly interested in planting her memorial garden she wants to make, she's done the digging, bought the bulbs, now for the planting and the extra dirt she wants to get to cover them. Then the white picket fence "small pickets" she's told me at least half a dozen times 😁, yep I know I keep telling her, "Small" 👍

Been a long time since we gardened anything except a flower box. 

Feeling content right now, many things planned, but content in that we are home 🏡 

Love our life ❤️ 

Just a little bit of stuff stored!

Doesn't look like much, but was a big job getting it all outta the crawl space.

Thanks for storing what we couldn't while we were on the road Americo&Claudette, we were much younger when we stuffed it all in your crawl space under your home I found out yesterday. Getting in and out of there bringing boxes to Polly, then she brings them up the few stairs to the garage floor. Yep, we were much younger then, I can feel it today. 

On the positive, we both slept well, had a really good dinner with our friends,

 then played cribbage a different way after dinner, on a mat that we played as partners. Was fun to learn, and laughing, that's a given when we are with these two. 

Ya know great friendships happen, sometimes ya don't know exactly how, but our friendship with A&C has been since Claudette and I met at a first aid course year's ago, friendship developed as we went to volleyball, then a dance, and a blind date with Polly, that was the start of our relationship, with our friends and our relationship together 🤗

Today we'll my make our way home 🏡 later, with our stuff, mostly photos, packed in our truck cab. What we can't get in Americo & Claudette will bring at a later time in their van. Sure do appreciate our good friends ❤️

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Friends are a blessing.

         Our new sunroom be here soon

I had to move some furniture today that I got while making a deal to buy a sunroom for our new place. I thought a friend might be able to, but he had other obligations, I had arranged for my grandson to help, but his alarm didn't go as planned, thenas I realized I wasn't going to have help I called a friend. Brian was not golfing, he was watching golf ⛳ but was willing to part with his program and come give me a hand, with very short notice. 

I'm very fortunate to have such friends, that say yes when ya ask,and turn up, especially when ya need help like right now! 

We drove to Parksville, and talked like usual, but so much to talk about, he had just finished a trip east to Newfoundland, and I to Grande Prairie, so we both had stories to tell, was a really good trip down. Loading the furniture was the easy, no rain was great, then our return was the same, we both had so much to yak about. 

Then unloading went smoothly too, a coffee at our new table and chairs, along with a little cherry 🍒 pie made by Polly was just right. More stories, Polly was now listening and talking too, I'm glad it all worked out. Thanks again Brian, wouldn't have been able to giter done if you didn't help. 

Over the next month our deck is going to change a little, glass panels will be installed once the sunroom is here, have to wait till the contractor the people I bought it off of gets to deconstructing it. 

Then my work will start, assembly will be interesting. 

Or fifthwheel trailer hasn't sold yet, but hopefully this month we will get some interest. Might have to hold onto it for awhile but, that's ok, never know, might be using it again 😁

I'm thinking our blog has to have a name change, for now I think I'll just put a line through the RV part to represent how things are now. 

Dinner soon, company tonight, Catherine and Jesse be nice 👍 

Sure love ❤️ our life.

What a great trip we had, GP and back in a month.

Our friends and family along the way were great, always a fun welcoming, many happy times. I wrote a bit about our time away, but today being home again, feels great. Knowing we visited or tried to visit with as many as we could along the way. Sure was a great trip, sure nice to be home too. 

A relax after unpackin Rambo, then a beer 🍺 and a sit for awhile, I had a snooze, and then mobile again, 🛒 shopping was next on the docket. Always fun wheeling the cart around, and seeing and talking with people we don't see often, and learning about their lives as we stop and talk. Hometown meetups, always great. 

Talked with my sister and brother in law on the phone, thanking them for looking after our place while we were gone. Dinner Saturday Polly says, be nice to get together with them and yak it up. I can see that the weather is about to change, no more shorts weather, just cooler, and rain 🌧️ sometime in the future. 

Truck needs a bath, 🛁 tomorrow I'm thinking, dinner was the leftover Indian food from last night, with a bit more nan bread, and some more 🦐 prawn's in the sauce. I'm still shaking my head at just how tasty that stuff is. 😋

Done, don't throw the sauce out, do again 

I'm thinking to myself just how wonderful life is as ya go through enjoying the people you are in contact with, makes me happy to know just how freaking lucky we are. 

I guess I'll have to wash between the showers tomorrow, no problem, I'm really ready for a clean truck again. 

Our grandson Jet turned 19 yesterday, we did get a video chat in, happy to see he was with his father at the casino, a friend told us, so we called. Man, seems like such a short time ago we were going to see him as a child, now he's 19, and going to the bar. Hmm, 🍺 cheers 🥂 Jet🤗♥️

Yep, time moves on fast, gotta get ourselves moving before it catches up with us. Plans for Portugal are in the works, also Spain, but for now our plan to pickup our new to us sunroom we bought before we went away. Very excited to get that and assemble on our existing deck, and add to the other side of our new to us home. 

Plans are going ahead, I'm often thinking, movement is good, don't wanna get caught standing still 😁

Love our life ❤️ 

what a week! I have never read so much about someone that was killed that I never knew of before.

           A little wet out this morning 

Been a different week, every day something different coming at us. I usually turn away from the news, but this week I just couldn't run away, every time I looked up anywhere, there the storyline went again. I did so much head shaking that my neck is sore, maybe this next week be something different? 

During the week though I also got to finish the bar for Jack,

visit with Ciara and our grandsons at home and at the lake, oh and the Halloween store, have lunch with our granddaughter Taylor and her boyfriend Zain. Had a visit Jennifer Juska at dinner, then after a visit with her parents, a visit with Rod and his daughter. Yes been a really good last week in Grande Prairie. 

Overall been a really nice time here enjoying our family and our friends here in Grande Prairie. Today the rain came this morning for awhile, felt like fall as I opened the curtains this morning, rain on the window told the story. This afternoon we have a hotdog 🌭 roast planned in the firpit by Jack's Chuck Wagon Bar 🍻, fun times I'm sure. 

Ready to go home we are, looking forward to getting so much together when we get home. On the way we hope to visit with a few friends on the way, and just enjoy the drive west and south. The weather I'm thinking will hold, not too cold yet, and beautiful colours out as we travel I'm Sure. 

Will keep the radio off, and yak with Polly as we drive, able to stop much easier without a trailer behind us. Nice to travel this way, yet a little bit of sadness not into campgrounds. It is a nice way to travel with your bed and all your belongings with you all the time. Still, won't be long and we'll be home to all our stuff 😁

Polly watching Seahawks game today, beating the Saints into the ground. I'm not really into it, too much one sided this game. Sun is out now, for once the weather is as predicted, perfect day for a fire 🔥 and a couple hotdogs 🌭 

I put a couple shelves up for Wendy, and a small repair for Jack, said I could get a full time job here 🤣 Jack agreed. 

I feel content right this moment, having visited with many here in our time, and building stuff, something I really enjoyed. Polly talking about nice dinner with Jack and Wendy tomorrow before we leave. I don't think life gets any better, just feels great. 

Sure do love our life ❤️