Tuesday looking forward to Canada Day Tomorrow

We don't have a plan for this Canada day, as not a weekend, and different to take the day in the middle of the week. Will work good for me though as just getting back to work, and am a little stiff and sore.

Sunday a couple that just bought a home in our community moved in, and brought with them there 36' Coachman motor home. Polly and I were just heading out to measure the size of the mat we would need for our trailer outside deck area, and here is this bus moving in! Wow was that a Big surprise. I saw it on the road an hour or so before, when I went for a walk with Bosco, but didn't think of it moving into the RV parking we have beside our house.

Polly and I met the people, Susan & Peter the seam nice, Peter was in the process of trimming up the cedar trees that were encroaching on the gate entrance area. Pete said "Don't want to get a scratch on the side, takes allot of time to get it out once it is scratched" Hmm I think he is really particular, and very motivated as he trims the branches. John shows up as I watch Pete up on the ladder he got off the motor home to trim up higher. John and I help move the branches away from the entrance.

Now Pete moves in the MH, with Sue guiding him.

OK let's take a look inside, and we all pile in to take a look at the inside, looks great, shinny marble looking floors, leather couch in front and behind the driving area and all newness is what I notice. Slides I see are at least 3, but all are in so can't get a good look at the home layout.

Now I look out our window every morning and see not our trailer, but this huge newer Bus, as Polly calls it. Still nice to see some new coming our way, new bus, and new people to our neighbourhood.

Good so see, even if we are about to leave next year, still good to have others move in and change the dynamics of our small piece of the world.

Well off to work again, knowing I get tomorrow off will make it even better today.

 

 

1st day back to work

Here I go again, back to work with mates I like and management I don't respect. Only one more year is what I keep in mind, and the next holiday in our new to us truck and 5th wheel. Spent so much time looking at our plan for the next trip, I didn't allow enough time for writing today. Will make more time for this tomorrow.

2 weeks at the cabin

Let's see... how to write all I have experienced over the last 2 weeks, in a shortened version.



Our annual June holiday has come and gone with a couple of days at home to get us back in order. I woke at 4am this morning feeling cool as the evening was smokin hot 40+ degrees, and not much got accomplished yesterday, but was a fun day just the same. Back felt sore, but will loosen up as the day goes on I expect. Throat is sore, did I catch the cold Jessie had? Coffee is good, and quiet is just beauty, I love this time of the day.

The first four days we were at the cabin Polly and I busied ourselves with getting a few things done that we knew had to be done to ready the cabin for our grand children. The dock/deck in front had to have a tune up, so take it off the main float, and push it to the beach and place it just right so when the tide goes down I can place some foam under it in the spot that was floating low, and repair where the bracket that attaches this float to the main cabin float. Jobs done, now the tide does the rest, when the float is floating again in the evening, I pull the rope and pull the float back to the cabin. Tick, one job done. Now a few beers, and dinner and Polly and I take some time out to relax. Day 1 done, and holiday is looking just great.

Bosco just jumped up beside me now, and I take a look around. I just can't finish this now, will add to it latter today, time for a walk early, before the heat starts again.

Early Start

Up early again, 6am last day of work before we head to the cabin. Coffee was a miss, first pot I skipped the coffee... LOL now got the real goods cooking. Looking forward to today, it's windy, and a little cooler today. The 14 day forecast looks good, a little worried about the wind, but hope it will calm down by tomorrow. Mmm Coffee tastes good.

Had a good day yesterday, walk with Bosco around the Diamond early, got home and decided to roll up the awning on the trailer as windy, and we were leaving for 2 weeks. Got part way through, and needed a stool to get up and hold the tie that controls the speed the awning rolls up, hmm OK now I shift to make a step stool for the stairs as I had wanted to do this for awhile and today was the day.
All went good, and in a couple hours I had what I wanted, went in the house to find the earmuffs I left in there when I went in before. Clock says 12:30, wow did time pass fast.

While building I was thinking of the tools I was using, and the wood I had saved from the chipper at the mill. What will I do with these things when we pack up to leave? What tools will I take? I like to do some wood working, will I bring the tools, and get wood if I want to do something? I will work on these thoughts later. Belt sander, air compressor with nail gun, hammer, saw horses, clamps, Geezzz, I guess these will have to go, storage for now, and maybe sell if stay on the road.

My completed step stool, worked well and Polly said she liked the hearts that I carved out of the center. Me I just had fun building it, and this made me think about our move to the trailer, and on the road. What we will leave behind, and what/how will we do what we can now on the road?
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Holiday preperations

Off to our float cabin Saturday for 2 weeks so am busy getting things in order here before we go. and getting all packed to go. Polly went to Port last night to see Shayla get her bursary for excelling in what I'm not sure. I did hear Polly say on the phone home-economics, but not sure. Polly asked Shayla what she was going to take after school finished, and she said long term care. Good to hear she will take some training after school and get a decent job. Time to take Bosco for a walk, and get some stuff done here.

WEEKEND WAS JUST GREAT!

What a fun busy weekend. Botanical beach with the Ladysmith Camera club Saturday morning was fun, as well as beautiful. I got to know one of the other members, Art better as we rode together and came back early. I'll post some of the pictures.

Then Polly says snooze when I came home, now off to Courtenay for an Italian 4 course dinner with friends. Very full of really good food. Was that a fun night, many laughs, and bed earlier than I expected, then up before everyone else, 5:30am and off with my camera to look around the town. Again some beauty pictures, was a nice time to up and about. Visited a flea market that was set up down Simms Millennium Park, got a good cup of coffee, and wandered around looking at what was for sale, and talking with people. Was a nice way to start the day.

Back to Darcy and Pat's place, everyone's up drinkin coffee and watchin the news. Weather looks like will continue nice for weeks.

After an hour or so we are off to Claudette and Americo's place for breaky she had offered. Was a really nice breaky, with Champagne orange juice and all. Sat outside at a long table, and felt very privileged to be eating outside in the sun to finish our stay with friends today.

Kisses and hugs, and off we go to pick up Bosco at Dan and Joys, then off to PA for a visit with Uncle Doug, and Ted & Cindy. Was nice to see them and catch up on all family, what they are all doing, and how it is going. Been a long time since we saw Ted & Cindy for a yak, Uncle Doug we saw last year, but was a short visit. Uncle Doug wants to take us to dinner, so Clam Bucket suggested by Cindy, and off we go for a visit with Polly's Mom, Memere for a couple hours till dinner time. Snooze for me, and visit for Polly, Louise, and Memere.

Ok up and ready for another visit, this time to Penny's to watch Jet and Dax and there friend play on the plastic slip and slide Penny had set up for them. Was fun for the kids, and fun for us to watch, brought back memories of when my kids were young. Kisses and hugs, and off again for dinner.

Dinner was good, and much catch-up about family and what everyone was doing. Uncle Doug injected every once in awhile, but mostly TC & PB yaked, was really nice to find out what was going on with everyone. Kisses and hugs, and off again to pickup Bosco from Memere's, as don't want him in the car in the sun. Another short hello, and off again for home this time.

Busy weekend hey! Afternoon shift this week, and get ready for our two week holiday at the cabin.

Up early again

Polly and I along with Bosco slept in the trailer last night, woke up to the birds at 4:30am, beautiful sounds. They all had something to sing about, going to be a warm, beautiful, sunny, hot day.

Was a fun night at the Legion, John and Carol joined us, and we shared a few stories, had a few laughs, as well as a few beers. Polly was innocent  she had no beers, saving for tonight she said. There were many people there and all talking at the same time, it sounded kinda like the birds this morning. Hmmm, I guess we are not so different hey! All excited  to be with friends, and share what the week was like, and about the weekend plans ahead. Was a nice sound to hear last night. We didn't win any meat in the meat draws, but that was ok, as we were set for dinner anyway.

Got home and Polly made some supper, was good. Some left over stir fry from last night, and rice, as well as a salad, I am eating more salads lately, and really liking it. While she did that I grabbed another beer and  Bosco and I went outside and sat in the sun, and guarded the yard. LOL Beauty evening and a week done at work. Turned out to be ok for my shoulder, still sore, but manageable pain.

We showed Anna the trailer on Thursday and all she could say was you guys.. Oh you guys, what a nice trailer, all matches, and Brown, you know me all about brown. She was really impressed. We found out that Anna did some camping years ago, and she loved it. Makes me wonder why she doesn't anymore?

6am already, got to go soon to meet others for the trip to Botanical Beach today. Get Polly a coffee, and another for me, pack up the camera, and get going.

Friday, a week complete

Once I get to Friday all seems good. My shoulder is feeling better, as I have adapted to do the jobs with more care, trying to keep away from more injury.  At work everyone is looking forward to the weekend,  a nice weekend is ahead of us, sunny and warm. Going to the Legion tonight, a few beers at the meat draw, and talk with friends about what our week was like, and what we will do for the weekend.

Tomorrow I will lead the Ladysmith Photo Club to Botanical beach by Port Renfrew for the day, will be getting many pictures of low tide, and the beautiful ocean's tide pool life. Should be a beauty day, so far I hear there will be 9 of us making the trip.

 Last time I was at Botanical beach there was over 25 years ago with my kids when they were young. Our family used to camp at Port Renfrew with friends,  Steve and Belle Cayer  for the July long weekend. Steve and I would go diving for abalone and crabs, and we would enjoy a feast afterward and a campfire to bring us all closer. I loved  camping on the sandy shore of the Indian reserve campsite, no heavy rules of the more organised campsites. Kids could play and run free to explore the beach and dogs could run free with no worry of getting in trouble.

WOW, Seems like years since I have thought of those times. We did have many good times during our trips camping, we were really good friends and camped many places mostly where Steve and I could dive. Toquart at Easter, Renfrew July 1st. We didn't have a boat then, and just dreamed of when we could splash into the water off our own boat. When Linda, my ex wife and I split, our friendship changed. I tried a visit to their place when I got together with Paulette, but not the same. Memories are still good though, and that never gets taken away.

 One memory I have from Port Renfrew is when I went for a wander one evening to see what all the hubbub was about close to the water, there was a nice fire close to the water, and people throwing nets in and dragging them back. Was I in for a treat, the people were Portuguese, very friendly and were fishing for Smelt I was told. They were very excited, and were happy to share what they had caught, as well as some of what they were drinking, some kind of wine if I remember right. They said after they get a set of the net, they would take the fish they caught and roast them on the fire, on a stick like we would do marshmallows. Just insert a pointy stick in the mouth of the fish, and push till firmly planted, then roast and eat right off the stick, guts and all.... Ewe was my first thought, till they prompted me to eat it, and when I did then I knew what all the hoopla was about. I was pleasantly surprised, man was it good.

Allot of words to describe one beauty memory hey!

 Just think, I gotta head full of them. Beauty memories.  Everybody does. Sometimes it is good to just think of the things we have done, and realize what a good life we have had... So far

New memories is what will be created this weekend, as we have a dinner in Courtenay  Saturday evening with friends. Will drop Bosco off at my sister Joy, and Dan's place so they can dog sit for a night. We plan to go to Port Alberni Sunday to visit with Uncle Doug, and Ted and Cindy.  Should be fun!

What to say today

I have committed to writing a post a day as often as I can. So what today? Well it is early, 5:30am and have been up since 4am as woke early today. Sprinklers just went off, hm thought they were set for 6am. I like to watch Robin Mead early, as I get a feel for what has happened, or what will be going on today.

I went to the internet to find info on a kid being kicked off the school bus in Edmonton, as I was informed about this yesterday by a friend when I got home from work.

Wow, hard to believe what kids have deemed OK to do on a school bus. I read 3 different articles, and saw 3 videos, from one kids view, and from the drivers cam in front of the bus. I think the best info about the incident was from the comments given by people after the article, and what they thought should be done by the school board, and the governments minister of education, the driver, and the parents, and on and on. What has happened is the kids were suspended for a week, or some say 2 days, and are back on the bus, and the driver isn't!   

What will happen going forward? Lift the rug, and sweep slowly, discreetly, with all school admin protected, and government protected. Do I have a slanted view? I have seen this before, and the only way to make this change is to do something yourself. The driver did the right thing as far as I am concerned, and still was penalized. The kid will continue, as the students will laugh, and not condemn the bully, as they are afraid of being the next one to be on his list. The kid who he beats up is trying to do his best to not take his crap, short of being the kid who causes the school system to focus on him.

Makes me think of why kids make a trip to school with a gun?

I will keep looking for what happens, as mostly this just goes away from the news after a week or so. the bigger question for me is what would I do, as a kid sitting on the bus, watching all this take place?

Would I defend the kid getting beat on? That always seem to depend on if I like the guy! If he is an idiot, then maybe I would be laughing? Maybe I would be silent? I don't know.

I do know that you, YOU have to defend yourself when shit happens, as in this world when a wrong is committed the one person you can and should count is you. Sometimes this means having the courage to ask for help, not my strong point, and sometimes it means getting into it with the person causing the problem for you. Very seldom have I had to fight, but I can defend myself, usually with words.

I have found that my best defence is offence. Don't let small shit get under your skin. Give shit back when given. Also, when a person isn't who you want in your life, then don't associate with them. You don't have to like everyone, and they don't have to like you. Many people will not like you, so what!

Off to work. Get the job done without pain. Think and watch how I deal with others.  

Stiff and sore in the same old places

That is how today feels starting out. Work was good to return to yesterday, this morning the beginning of sore feet from standing for most of the day. Stiff sore back, and tired when I wake. Sholder was really sore at the end of the day, but feels good now. As I wake first thought was tired still, and then I think well lets go, can't stay in bed.

I wake early usually, 5:30am this morning felt like a sleep in. I tried to stay awake after dinner last night so I would get a full sleep,(had a few nod offs sitting up)but it worked. Today I may be a little slower to get to movement, but all will be good. Coffee is good, but this blogging kinda slows the cup drain.

 Last night when I got home I spent a couple hours moving the trailer around, as I got a ground sheet to go under the trailer to stop the grass from growing under it. I think it will stay in our RV park for another month, before we get down to using it. Got to get the trailer licence before we can take it out for a trip on our own.

Talked with a friend from work last night about his predicament, he has been off for almost 6 months, and his ankle is getting better, but the end of the sick pay coverage is coming close and he is getting no good results from his doctor. "MRI wait" is what he has now. MRI wait, Hmm, I wonder if that would be classified as a condition? What a shit game this is, tied up between doctors and the health care lack of care. Phisio is the only thing that may be helping, but of course that cost's, and with less income that takes it's toll. We talked about what's next, I don't know if I helped him, but I did empathize and let him know about my own situation. He sees the doctor tomorrow, hope he can make some headway.

 I will call tonight and see how he made out today.

Today I return to work.

Today I return to work after being off for 6 weeks due to a recurring shoulder injury.  I learned that an operation isn't my best option, and will have to work toward making my movement less restrictive to progress. Pain is less now, hope to keep it that way while back at work. Looking forward to returning.

I have come to realize that only a year to go until I can retire, and another 6 months after that Polly, Bosco and I will begin our traveling life.  Start date is set for Jan/2017 weather permitting. This focus changes my perspective re working, just keep working  and protect myself from further injury so I can enjoy our new life without pain. Can I do this? I think so, but I have to look at how I do the work, and how I think. I seem to accept that some pain will come to do my work, I just accept this as a given.

Work. How do I approach the task? I believe the work has to get done, and a number goal should be met. Production should be constant, that is what we have been conditioned to believe. Regardless of pain or discomfort. Whiner, suck it up, man up, baby, all this plays in the back of my mind when I make a decision to lift, push, pull or any kind of force that could potentially hurt me. Keep production going, "Are we down?" is the common saying we get if the production stops. Today I will examine how I work, as I want to be in better physical shape to move into my retired life.

I will focus on the future plan when I make decisions from now on.

Thinking, talking and walking

Today I got this blog started with a first post, now will get to the story of our travels we plan, and the steps we have taken so far to prepare for our move to our new to us 5th wheel, and truck as our home on wheels. A year or two ago, Polly and I started thinking, and talking of what we will do in our retirement. Last June Polly retired, and next year I will retire. So this last year we have been think/talking more and more. Hmm (think/talking) did I just coin a new phrase? I like it.

We started out with planning to do a long trip from Vancouver Island down into the states, along the westcoast, to the boarder of Mexico and USA, then all the way east along the gulf coast to Florida, visiting every place that takes our fancy along the way. Then as the spring arrives, we would head up the coast through Washington DC and the cherry blossoms, then through to Canada again. Newfoundland, and the Atlantic provinces before we head along the northern part of the provinces abouve the great lakes till we get back to BC.  

That was the plan, and still is, but we started thinking we would go in a van, did much research and looked and drove many, then when I thought Polly can't wake in the night and go pee inside a small van, so then let's look bigger, a small motor home, well that turned into looking for a bigger one then  pulling a car... More talk/thinking, we met a couple that were on their way to a travel journey, and had just retired. They bought a small light trailer and 1/2ton truck, and were off the next day. There reason to go with truck and trailer was "we would have a vehicle when we got to campsite, and 1 motorised vehicle to maintain and insure not two" OK, change of plans.

Now look for a truck/trailer... More to study, after viewing many trailers, and trucks we finally found a 2006 Dodge 3500 quad cab diesel pickup, then a fifth wheel a 2007 Corsair Excella 29CKS. We think we did good getting what we wanted. Both had very low use, and were ready for a long period of lower cost use. During this time we decided to sell house, and take to the road permanently, till we have had enough, or have to settle down again.

 

My First Blog

Brent & Polly's Blog

 

Today I write my first blog entry.

 Polly "Paulette" my wonderful wife says to me a couple weeks ago as we are doing our daily walk  "We should blog our tirp as we go." My response "Yea, that means you got an idea for something and I will do it? right..."  she laughs once again, (she is a good laugher) and here I am doing what she said was a good idea. I agree that it is a good idea, and off I go thinking about a blog. What do I do, look blogging up on the internet, get a few looks at what others do, and why, then I get impatient and here I am writing. Well really I'm tapping,  I guess I will have to get better at the keyboard if I am to continue with this blog. 

We were out with our best friends Americo, and Claudette last night, went to our Legion here in Ladysmith for a dance, the band was Chevy Ray and the Fins. We had a fun time as usual. Dressed up like the 50's, Americo had his Elvis costume on and was ready to party! We stayed up late, and when we got home, there sat Americo and Claudette by our new to us fifth wheel trailer and truck. They got home before us, as they took the car, and Polly and I walked home. Get a couple more beers and get a couple more chairs, and we sit and talk and laugh about the nights fun.  I hear A&C talking now, they just wolk, so this tapping will now come to an end, more later.