Sunday laid back day, Nice 👍🏻

Our trip to the big city was definitely laid back, no big rush, we had planned to get there early, and leave late the next day. Having extra time in the morning gave to a leisurely wakeup, and a coffee ☕, (gotta remember to bring our own coffee next time) we talked about the night before, how great it was to meet with Herb and family, was really great way to start the adventure. 

After we talk a bit I got a little bit antsy so took a short walk, and looked around the neighborhood. A quiet area, with a Chinese influence. Beautiful gardens in some of the yards, and some not taken care of at all. I'd call it a normal neighborhood. I didn't walk far, but on returning I looked at the place we stayed in, and the contrast of the house beside it, WOW what a bright green, no photo. 

After a bit of searching I found a restaurant not too far away serving breakfast, was a different looking place, so I said to everyone, if ya don't like it, we will leave, as the photos of the entrance was less than beautiful. I didn't take a photo, here is the one on the website,

Not too inviting, but the reviews were through the roof, and pictures of the meals were great. So we went.

Well upon arriving we walked past the entrance, was inside a lumber yard, something none of us expected. We walked through the yard, past plywood and trucks, and up the stairs, down a narrow hallway, then right to the restaurant. Well "would you like to make a reservation?" Said a young man that greeted us, "Yes for 4 please" ok be about 20-30 minutes. Give a phone number, and we wait on 4 chairs facing a few windows that looked into a seamstress shop, which looked over the river. 

This time we all talked a little more, interested in what this will be like, as people kept coming in making reservations, and the delivery guy brings in groceries, 3-4 times he goes by with a cart, and I say to him "is a tough place to deliver" he agrees, but comments "they are really nice people, so makes it ok" 

Well we didn't know what we were in for, but what a great place to have our breakfast, friendly, and busy, and so much choice. Everything we got was really good looking and tasting, right from the coffee to the food. Perfect way to start our day. The walls all around had little drawings, and thankyous from so many from all over the world. The fridge had $$ bills form all over the world, was an exceptional experience for all of us. 

Claudette said more than once "How did you find this place?" I just put in the search bar breakfast restaurant, and this looked like best food, but odd entrance, so had to try. I wrote a little bit on a slip of paper that we were given, we all added our own bit to it, then taped it to the wall. We will not forget this place, I'm thinking we'll have to go back just to check it out again, maybe for lunch. 😃

    This was what the inside looked like 

Not big, but extremely busy + interesting 
 

      Polly couldn't stop looking around 😀

My breakfast French toast with chicken and egg on top, was really good 

The girls hat a meatlovers omelet 

Americo egg's Bennie 

I did get a photo as we left of the lineup 

we will remember this place forever 

After we took a drive to Rudy's tire shop, a business that Tyson and Kristina our nephew and niece own and operate. Wanted to just have a look, and say goodbye again to Herb and Tyson. Was a nice visit, got a good look around, and understood a little more their plans for the future. 

After our visit here, we drove to the Tasawassen ferry, loaded on after about a 1/2 hour rest, then played skipbo again, no ordering any food this time. After the first game, I took a walkabout while they played crib, I sat down now far away and took a 😴 nap. Was a fast ride home for me. Oh, yes then dinner was wing's with Shayla and her Boss with their family, outside at Smitty's at South Naniamo after we got off the ferry. 

Was a really fun time with them, so happy, they all just got off "work" something we remember, but not a part of our lives anymore 👍🏻

What a great weekend during the week! 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Usually I write ✍🏻 on Sunday, but lots going on lately so I'll start today 😁

We had an amazing trip to the big city, with a concert in our sights AC⚡DC we're fantastic. Really a good show they were, loud, screaming and wild, was a really fun time with Americo and Claudette on a Thursday night. Felt like the weekend Polly thought, was really nice to be with our friends that are like cousins. 

Started off with Apple fritters I'd order the day before, as Americo always brought those when we went fishing 🎣 together. As we ate them and drove outta town, we talked about everything, especially the concert we were about to go to. Non stop yak all the way to Naniamo, duke point to get our ferry to Tasawassen. Had a little rest before loading, was a perfect day to travel. 

Once on the ferry we Polly & I stood in line to get a bit to eat, learned that at this time 11am the restaurant changed over from breakfast to lunch. Well never thought that be such a delay in getting our food. But yep, it was as breakfast was closed, so if ya said yes we want breakfast, ya got to go ahead of everyone, and lineup as they got some left, then wait till they are all ready, then start lunch, that took over 1/2 hour. Well I could hear the bitching before they put the belt up to hold us all back. 

A lesson learned, next time Yes! I wanted Breakfast! 😂 LoL. 

We did get our lunch finally, and sat with A&C as they were playing cards. We joined in after our lunch, and played skipbo, two games then we docked, and off we went to our Airbnb, well wasn't really ready yet, so to Tasawassen Mills Mall for a little look around. Polly disappeared soon, and couldn't find her for awhile as we all thought she was in this big shoe store, but nope, gone. 

Once she came back to that store, told of walking to the end of the mall looking for Claudette LoL, now blaming Claudette.

Now outta the Mall, on our way to our Airbnb, the drive was great, not too fast, not too congested, took the road a little less traveled. Took awhile longer as volume of traffic picked up as we got into Vancouver, then all the sudden we were on shaded streets, and narrow roads, as parking on both sides, all the way along. 

The GPS took us right to the back of the house, right to the driveway way we were to park in, #2. Perfect, then into our place, WOW, as nice as the pictures on the Airbnb site. Great, we all looked around, and everything we saw was just great. Two bedrooms, very nice beds, big living room, and nice kitchen. Perfect for our 1night stay. 

Now cut into the beer, then the bottle 🍾 of prosecco Mmm that sweetened us all up, the volume of conversation changed, I smile as I'm writing this, was such a great feeling, being together, ready for our fun night. Oh yeah, were going to meet others, family, Pollys brother and our niece & nephew and their daughter. Meeting us at the restaurant we picked. 

After another beer, I opted for a snooze instead, listening to the 3 of them enjoying their conversation, for a sec I thought I might not be able to, but 😴 zzz and I was out for a few. 

Up I got, getting close to go time. Off we went to the restaurant, Uber was the travel now. So easy, just click on ride to, and after 5 minutes he shows up, Felipe he said his name was, from Brazil, noisey coming from the back seat, 3 of them having a party 🥳 🎉 🎉 while I'm trying to talk with the driver. 

We were driving up to the restaurant and who's outside Herb, Tyson Kristina, and Kora. Well that worked out perfectly. Greetings on the sidewalk, pictures as Claudette was all over that, and in we went. Kristina had arranged a table for all of us, was really nice to spend time with there family before we went to the concert. 

After dinner, and a whole lot of info and laughter, we headed to BC Place, was close, so a little uphill, then down all the way there 3 blocks. Said our goodbyes outside, then we went in, us 4 to our seats, and there family to there's. 

A beer each, and upstairs to our seats, the singer that was before was a really hard rocker, giving it all she had. AC⚡DC came on and we all got up, and that was it, we sat sometime, but often up singing and rocking. Was a really good concert. 

Our gift the tickets, friends like Americo & Claudette deserve a thanks for all they've done for us while we traveled. 

Was a fantastic time, felt like the weekend, but wasn't. 

Sometimes just gotta do it up right, this was one of those times 🎵🎸🎶🎸

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Personal responsibility

Personal responsibility is something we, I have learned. Not everyone understands and accepts this as a way you live your life. A bump and call the lawyer, that's our society now, not looking at what you did, blame the other guy. 

Yet many people live on the dole, getting $$$ from our government, passed along as they are not able, or at least not going to make an effort. 

Working has been my way, I didn't expect a handout, neither did my Mom 

 I watched her work long hours, making dresses, and altering clothes for people, doing what she knew, to make a living. 

I did same, long hours, shifts I really didn't desire, camps I really didn't want to be in, just to make it, pay my way in life. Today I'm seeing more and more people that expect to have their life support given to them by the government, or anyone that'll pay. 🖐🏻 Handouts ✋🏻 I want, I need, give me. Not please, not thanks, just give me! 

I see it in many now, pushing their way in front, in car's, in line, in life in general. Just all about them, not thinking of anyone but themselves. Is this what we want in life? A symptom? I daily shake my head. What is next? Every day we learn our government prints more money 💰 as it gives much of it away to people that will not, can not, or just won't participate in thier own survival. 

Other countries do the same, sponsor countries that need $$$ or some need $$$$$$$, just line up and put your hand ✋🏻 out, Canada, with our government puts it's hand in our pockets, and gives. Nice country right? 

How long will it last? Will it be like this forever? Can we change it? I'm thinking no. Me, I might be able to change me, but the rest, gonna have to change themselves. 

I wrote this thought process awhile ago, still believe I might be able to change, but likely continue being me. Imperfect, foolish, inquisitive, talky kinda guy. I'm not too competitive, never have been, to this day I have most everything I want, and more than I need. Purging is my next move, selling Rambo be a tough one though, be saying were not doing that anymore. Bit sad to say. 

Was a really good way to retire, traveling this way and that. Funny, I'm now quite comfortable staying here, in our home town, close to family and friends, with our home on blocks, no wheels. Very different, yet also really comfortable. 

This morning we have our nephew coming to visit, excited we are, he's bringing some of his family too, people I've never met, along with my sister in law I haven't seen in years. Be a really nice visit. 

Yesterday our granddaughter and her husband came for a visit, made our day! Was really nice to sit and yak about her upcoming baby, and their life changes, Carl and his plans, drag cars, work, garage, house, shop, I can remember all that in my own life as I started out. So much to think about at the beginning of your life. 

Shayla's plans are some as his, but as she's the one pregnant, different too. Talking about the murder mystery she played last night, remembering our time doing that too, was great 👍🏻 fun to listen to her say the fun they had doing that, and how it wasn't exactly as she thought it might be. 

Then drag's yesterday, that was fun, and after taking a cruise through harbor Quay, getting a call from my other granddaughter, she's going out as a clown 🤡, her possie is all dressing up for the night as clown's, WOW she's really having fun! 

Messages from our grandson and his fiancee as they travel east to Nova Scotia to a wedding on PEI, that was a surprise for us, they are traveling where  we have been. Was super nice to see them seeing what we'd seen before. Felt great to see them travel. 

What a great day, and that's only a little of what happened, how can ya wait for someone to give ya something, I'm getting a pension I worked towards, more than enough I believe, yet every day it gets eroded a little more with our government's actions. 

Every day, well almost every day, I think how lucky, fortunate I was, we were, to live in a time where we really had it all. We didn't know it, but we did. 

Rambling I am today as I sit now with my coffee ☕ on another great Sunday morning, door open, in shorts 🩳 and tee 👕 shirt content to peck on this phone for now. 

I'm going to go for a drive by the Quay again this morning, my new go to, see the water, check out the dragstrip before the cars run today. Walk the edge of the water, check out the fisherman's harbour, and think how good I've got it. 

Back before Polly wakes 😃

Love our life ❤️ 

BC Day today, early get up.

I woke early again, as per usual, got the coffee ☕ going, and heard someone outside talking, sounded like two people were talking. I looked out the window then another window, I didn't see anyone. Sat down and waiting for the coffee to finish and I heard people again, this time I saw a guy in the alley in front of our home, with pipes? Hmm, what's up, then I see him trying to roll something up the alley, it was covered by the little fence between me and him, but he was definitely doing something, and after watching a while I saw he was stoned on something. 

Ok now I'm thinking he's stealing something, so I called the cops. After giving all my particulars the women asks what he looks like, what clothes he has, what he's handling. Then an officer shows up, and then another. They talk with him awhile, then after awhile he leaves going down the alley, and out into the street. After awhile one cop leaves, and the woman cop left stays awhile. I decided to go out and thank her. 

Well that was interesting, I learned that she the RCMP officer went to school here, a Port Alberni girl, nice. Also she went to school with the guy who was all drugged out, I was amazed. Yep she knew him, as the police know most all the people on the street, especially the ones that commit crimes. One guy she said as we talked had been caught many times committing thefts, over 20 times, and back on the street. Our law's have not been working, yet still same BS. 

Anyway, we finished talking she had to get back, make a report. Was good to have the police respond so quickly this morning, even though not much to do, just tell him to put the stuff back, and leave, and talk with the owner of the place that put the stuff in the alley. Not a good idea to have stuff out to attract people ya really don't want around. 

That was all before I got half way through my first coffee ☕.  When I came back inside the house Polly was up, I told her what happened, and she was not too surprised. Just a sign of the time's. 

After Polly reminded me of my little garden at the community garden I had to water, so off I went to give my tomato plants and cucumbers a little water. What a beautiful morning, and after a bit of watering, and pruning, I walked about as I usually do looking at just how beautiful people are taking care of their gardens. 

As I put the pruning shears back, I noticed just how the grapes 🍇 had grown in on area, big and of course had to try one after I'd tested the softness. Mmm 😋 sweet, small green grapes, so I picked one bunch, and brought them home for Polly. 

My taste and Pollys is different, I thought so sweet, Polly made such a sour face 🤣 I laughed, I ate them all later, were really good I thought. 

After the watering and enjoying the beautiful flowers there, I locked the gate, and off I went for a drive to the harbour for a look around. 

This is when my day took a really interesting turn. I stopped at harbour Quay, early there was parking available right by the Centennial Pier, I parked and went to walk onto the pier, but before I see this couple about to take a photo, I ask would u like me to, and yes right away he hands me his phone, they stand together with the mountains, mill & boats in the background. I took 3 really good photos, they were very happy.

Now starts the part I'm really good at, yet I really don't know how I do it, but I ask "where are you from?" Well the answer caught me off guard, I heard an accent, but had no idea. The couple were from North Vancouver, but they were from Iran originally. Not often do I loose step in a conversation, but I have to admit, I was really caught off guard. 

Well the conversation we had today at Harbour Quay, in the early morning sun was fantastic! Best three way talk about why they left, how fortunate they are to be here, how much they loved BC, and Canada, especially BC, so beautiful. We all agreed how fortunate we are to be here on Vancouver Island. Yep, I was amazed at this chance meeting of two people that really know the oppression of the "Regime" they left, and how it's good to takeout that regime and give the people there freedom from the oppression. 

I told them I read about it, I knew some about it, but they lived it. Yep, I learned a lot in a very short time. 

After they ask if this was the main town part, I gave them my thoughts on how the town was made up, I told them of places in town to see, the steam train 🚂, the other side of town, then McLean mill, I told them about a steam sawmill, and that it was more than that, it was where they lived as they worked, the house's are there, so much to see there. 

The woman looked it up on her phone, and yes they were going to go. Great I said. Not thinking, they said to me I was a proud Port Alberni person as they motioned to my tee-shirt. I had the shirt my sister bought for me last year at the salmon festival as I'd said before how that I didn't have a Port Alberni tee-shirt, but had many from so many places we'd traveled. 

I do wear it often, and proudly, really we need more of these shirts worn by proud Port Alberni people. 

Anyway, after I'd finished talking with them I continued down the ramp to the pier, and met another person with her dog, then another with his dog's, saw the views there early in the morning best time I believe, was so calm waters, and sun was so warm. Yep a great start to my day. 

Proud of Port Alberni, I sure am. A beautiful place we call home, been my home for many years, almost my whole life. Happy, yes I am, with much in my life, but that conversation today was something I'll never forget, I'm so fortunate to live here with so much cruelty be unleashed in our world, I'm really happy to be here, where I believe it's a safe free place to live. 

I think I'll take Polly for a stroll out to McLean mill this afternoon. Just for the heck of it! ❤️ 

History is something we can see where we came from, and make good choices where we are going. Looking around the mill site is worth thinking where we came from. 

Sure do love our life ❤️

Overwhelming day yesterday.

           I took this photo this morning 

Thanks Polly for arranging a great day for me, well was for us, and all that came, was a really good day. So many people, and not being able to yak with everyone, did my best, but some I just didn't get to say much to just "Hi, glad ya could make it!"

Yep, overwhelming is my thoughts when I think of yesterday, so many good memories so many good friends, what a fun time. Weather we thought at first be too warm, then worry about rain, then as it turns out, was perfect weather. 

The yard was full, the sunroom too, then inside our home, was quiet at first, then after awhile the first sprinkle, and people started to leave, and some went inside the house, and more people came, was really nice to hear the sounds of hey, I haven't seen you for years, or I remember you from! Smiles and hugs, kisses and handshakes, yep for me this was like a reunion. 

I heard, "Hey Charlie, remember me?" Lee Ann, remember. Was such a great feeling hearing, and seeing people connect and reconnect. One of the last couples to leave a friend came over and said, "Hi Terry, I heard that English accent and thought I remember him" they shook hands, been along time, they worked together. 

I learned that Bob Lloyd looked like Jack Nicholson as he and Cheryl were leaving, Fern called out that he looked like him, I then looked, and yep he had that look alright 😎

Yes was an excellent exceptional day yesterday. Polly had spent the day before making cupcakes, 3 different kinds, and placed an order for the plates ahead at Quality foods, the trays were even better than shed expected, food was out, and everyone enjoy each other, food, friends, family, laughing, so many great stories told. Yep another great time in the books, we sure had fun. 

Thanks everyone that came, was great 👍🏻 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

What more can we hope for in life but time to enjoy friends and family. 

I didn't take photos, but Claudette, she's got a bunch, with 70 in most of them LoL 🤣 🤣 

Thanks again to everyone, Polly especially ❤️

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

The still of Sunday morning walk.

I didn't go far, around the block, enjoying the calm and quiet of this morning. The deer 🦌 we saw the other night was here, now I know why the apples off the neighbors tree are getting cleaned up. He wasn't afraid, I walked out to the road from our place and he kept eating. 

Down the road to Redford st, then past what I know as the hospitality inn, checking out the partly burned up garage, wondering how long it will stay like that? A trailer in the next mobile home park was on fire this past fall or winter, still not a thing done to it. So I wonder about the garage, if it will stay like that, all the vinal siding melted and wood all burned. 

As I walk to the end of the block, about to turn the corner I hear the sound of a buggy rolling further up the road, I turned to look, and it stopped. Quiet again. Even now as I sit in our sunroom writing this, not a sound. 

I walked the block down to the next road, Maitland I think, then as I turned I noticed a cat watching me. I put my hand down and over he came, happy to have a pet, rubbing my hand and arm, I'd seen this cat before, on a previous walkabout, very easy to pet, was a nice little break. 

Now as I walk he follows, just till the end of his property, then he stops. I continue up the road, looking at how people have taylored there yards and homes, one hedge in particular was very well manicured. As I get close to the end of the block I hear the crows, they're taking to each other, caw caw. Then I noticed as I looked up the sky was giving a beautiful show of the colours ya just can't recreate, pink with grey of what will likely turn into sunny warm day. 

           wires in the photo 

I stopped, brought out the phone/camera and tried to get the photo that best represented what I saw. Electric wire in the way, telephone poles, I ended up in the middle of the street taking what I believe is the best shot. Didn't matter, not a car around, still quite, well until the ambulance starts it's run up burde st, went along ways up before it quit. 

         The best shot I could get of 

                  the eye in the sky

Then quiet again, except for the crows, caw caw. 🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛ I took a few more photos, then walked back towards our place, deer was gone now, so we're a bunch of apples. 

In our house I go now,get another coffee ☕, and here I am writing this. 

Kinda a really nice Sunday Morning 👍🏻

I hear a car, then another, I'm the the world's waking up now, 6:14, yep people started moving about. 

Back to my coffee, and listen the the crows talk. 

Love our life ❤️ 

Great memories are nice to relish as we build another batch of great memories ❤️

I'm so happy to have people in our life that enjoy with us the moment's that remind us how fortunate we are in this life ❤️ 

A small celebration helps us plan future fun times, and gives us another great memory. Is that what it's all about? Moving from one celebration to another? One memory to another? For me it is, each with a story, each with a time in our life that is exceptional 👍🏻👏🏻🤗❤️ 

Then there is the time ya sit back and recall after, how really good the moment was. Today that's my thoughts, how fun yesterday was, along with today and how we'll be creating more great memories. 

Working and getting stuff done is really important, and memories are created there, but the time's we get together to celebrate, those are some of our best memories. The moments we laugh uncontrollably, the moment we gather to give a hug, be closer, just enjoy the moment. 

Yep, yesterday was stellar, for me. Everyone that came enjoying the food, and family stuff, making each of us fuller, not only our bellies, but our hearts too ❤️ 

Till the next great celebration 🎉 🤗❤️

I really love our life ❤️