Awnings are dangerous, awnings with snow load are even more dangerous 👍

Looking kinda inocent now, but at 2:30am, when I looked out the door and saw the snow belly on our awning my first thought was, Gotta get that snow off there or with more rain it will buckle the awning. 

Well I just didn't think it through. I reached my hand out and gave the awning support rod a little tug 😳

Holly shit, that was fast! The awning came down, the rod came right up against the trailer into the chanel that's mounted to the trailer, and pinched my thumb with a huge bang💥 I pulled my thumb out, back in the trailer I went, sure I had cut my thumb off, then sure it was broken. Ouch the pain, a few explaiatives, first examine it, more of this #@+#&#,  then paper towel to catch the blood, then pressure to help with the pain. 

Whooeeeff, holly crap, that hurt. Still got my thumb, and looking like I can still move it, so likely not broken. After a few minutes, I take another look and bleeding has slowed, time for a band-aid. Then giter done. Go out and get the snow off the awning now. Determined I am. Never give up on a good 💡 idea. 😂🤣🤣

I get the broom and push up on the big belly formed I the middle of the awning. Out comes the wet slushy snow. Oh yea this had to be done, or would have collapsed for sure. So I get all I can out of the one side as the support is up against the trailer so the awning is like a shoot ready to spit out the snow with a little proding from me and the broom. 

Looking at the other end, support rods were still straight out, and not letting the snow fall out. So with all my recent knowledge I thought 🤔 got to get that snow outta there, and took the broom and gave the support rod a shove, well again 💥 that  happened fast, and the rod didn't fare as well as the other side, it broke the ears off the small rod support.  

Is hard in the light now to remember just how much snow there was, and just how heavy it must have been, it crashed on the side of the trailer and woke Polly out of her sleep 😴 😳 with a start. 

Well it broke the support, but no damage to the trailer, and I then got all the wet heavy snow off the awning. Goal achieved in a wreckless way. 

I stayed up till 6am, thumb throbbing, but on its way to healing. What an education that was. Looking back I'm lucky I only go a crunched thumb, and a broken support rod, this could have been much worse. 

Awnings have always been a contentious issue for me, as I have seen the problems others have had. Wind is the usual problem, and when it's Windy I pull them in. But possible snow just didn't hit me as it was going to cause a problem. I was so wrong, a light dusting maybe, but the westcoast wet rain soaked snow, even a small amount was a huge problem. 

Thinking I'm lucky now may seem funny, but it could have been much worse, I got to learn a lesson with no long term injury, well I'll loose a nail for sure, but that's like nothing to a broken arm, or crushed under the snow load and broken neck. Yep, it could have been much worse. 

Next day I wonder in the sun, if I'll be able to get a part to repair that. So after looking at it on and off for the morning I say to Polly, Wana go for a drive with me? I can tell Polly's like, naww, but I talk her into a drive to get propane she forgot yesterday in her run to town, and ask at Arbutus RV in Port Alberni if they had the part. 

That was a runaround, the parts lady said after going into the back they had them, just needed the exact length. So I say I'll call her back with the length when I get home, and I take off. We got Propane, and some information. Oh yea, and we got to drive around for awhile 😂😂. An outing together is an outing during covid 🤣🤣.

I get home and measure and call back, tell her the length, and she says she'll check and call me back. 

Well that didn't happen, so I call back next day, and excuses came, but she put me on hold, and not sure what was next but after. Couple mins, I hang up. 

Polly says, call Parksville where we bought it, maybe they have it. So I call, and parts guy there says need all vin. Numbers and info, but that they only sell the whole unit. I'm, what? Yes he says, they don't sell parts for them, they sell the whole thing. 

Well I thank him, I now know what direction I am going, I'ma gonna make this thing myself. 

Later that day the parts lady here in Port calls, says they don't have it, but she could get a price for me on one. I say yup, that would be good. Thanks. I hang up thinking, will she actually call with a price?

Next day I hear forecast for wind, so let's bring in the awning best we can. I get Polly on the switch, and we manage to get it in and some heavy wood against it as the shock keeps pushing out. This holds, but I'm not happy to just leave it, so later yesterday I just had to take it apart, and get the tube off, then will repair today and reinstall. Fixed I'm thinking. 

Either way awning is up, and all weather can come, and no more damage can happen with the awning for now.

Kind of a long story, but yesterday when I went to have a shower and took the band-aid off, I got a good look at my thumb, yep I'm lucky, and yes I'm going to loose the nail. Small price to pay to learn a huge lesson. 

Still looking at the rod sticker that says it all. 🧐 Hmm  🤔 

Not sure that's correct as I did that, and the consequences were painful. 😂

All's good as people say, I live to fight another day, just not with an awning. Awnings in when weather changes from now on. That's my new motto. Lol

Ahh life is good, if you don't let it beat you.😁 Loving life ♥️ here at Arrowvale Campground

Awake at 4, Up at 5, now it's 6 on ☕ ☕ #2.

YouTube & I have been spending much time together lately, getting kinda tired of it now. I have learned that almost anything you can think of is on this world renowned Chanel. Many ideas I've had come from searching there. Movies I've watched, people I've got to know just by watching them explain how to make and assemble something, never seeing there face. 

Yet some are like actors, and just love to be infront of the lens. Travel videos Polly and I have watched together, and have made plans all going well to take a train trip to Churchill, Manitoba to see the Polar bears in October. The video we saw that gave us this idea was so good, and the guy who made it has done many others, but this one we really like the idea of doing this.

So all going well this summer we are  planning to leave in June for Alaska, and spend some our summer there discovering the north, Yukon, and Northern BC, seeing what we missed last year. 

A visit with our son and daughter in-law is in the mix as well, and of course Uncle Doug. Dempster highway I've been told is most beautiful, and Dawson City a goal, Homer Alaska an end to the north trip. Always talking with others as we go is the best way to get information that is recent. 

This is a dream right now as we just don't know how this summers rules of travel will be. This is a way of at least planning, even if it doesn't turn out, we have a loose plan. 

A friend stopped by yesterday, and we had a social distance talk, they stayed in the car, we stood with umbrella's. Was nice to exchange some laughs, and get to know what's up with them. We also had a video visit with friends from Washington state, we really got to know them well, and was really nice to visiting in video chat. 

I went to Beaver Creek home center yesterday and sprung for many things I have been planning to buy, with plans to build a few more garden wheelbarrows and sell them all going well. Also planning the rest of the wood I have to rip some of it up and make a few more planters. I do love to build with Red cedar ❤️

We had some very good news Saturday, our Neice had her Baby, a girl and all is good. Polly was extatic, I was kinda surprised how excited she was. Our Grand Neice. Is Polly's sisters Daughter, and Polly and her are very close. The things in life that bring you Joy 🤗❤️

Polly cooked yesterday, the other 1/2 of the turkey she bought for Christmas.

Mmm 😋 good, with brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing was delish. Was a funny feeling as I ate, as when we eat turkey we usually have company, family & friends. Just a little sad moment I had, I didn't ruin the moment by telling Polly 🙂 Polly made Lemon meringue pie too. Mmm 😋

Was a beautiful day, I got into some spring cleaning, almost like we were moving, but long off yet. Cleaned all around the outside carpets, and gave the truck a wash, washed off the front stairs. Took the wooden pallets out from under the front of the trailer, and covers up my stash of made projects. 

Clamps, finally got a few more of these as joining boards together with glue you need them. Also the belt sander is repaired, so can now do a mantle for my sister and brother-in-law. Lookin forward to seeing that built and installed. 

Rains stopped now, hope it holds off for the day. Today will be busy again. Lookin forward to another day of building. 

I walked first thing yesterday, as I have been lax lately, and if I don't do it early, I just don't walk. I believe I need that kind of exercise, so early it is.

I feel stiff and sore today, did just a little too much yesterday, but I'm close to finishing my ☕ now, 6:45. Cereal 🥣 and a walk and git atter 😁😊

Life is just so darn Good here with Polly & Bosco at Arrowvale Campground ❤️🤗

Ann feeding her goat's with ginger in the pen too, helping she thinks 😃

When the Rooster crows.

It's Just before 6am and the YouTube video I was watching has stopped, the little circle is going around as I wait for the internet to work again.

As anoying as this is it gives me the quiet to hear the rooster, I now pay attention to the light outside, and time. Why is he crowing already. I open the door, and this early the rooster sees the beginning of the day just starting. Good to observe the days starting earlier every day now. 

Last night was after 6pm before dark. Every day a little longer now. 

Snowed last night just a bit, now today all going as the weather forecast says will turn to rain, and that will be it, the last of our short winter here on the island. 

Looking forward to warmer longer days ahead. I'm planning to build some tables that will take more room and warm dry weather, so spring can't come fast enough for me. 

My plan is to use up all the wood I have before the end of May as in June Polly & I plan to leave and head up to the Yukon and Alaska. On our way up we will stop in Grande Prairie and visit with Chris, Ciara, Chase. Will deliver some wooden projects I've completed, and pat Ciara's belly and say Hi to our yet to be borne grandson. 

In planing this trip we hope to be in Dawson City on June 21st, longest day of the year, as this is cause for celebrating because the winter is so long in the north. Should be a fun time with all the northerners, that is if we are allowed to travel. 

Today will finish a house address sign for Chris and Ciara, then on to another project. This time thinking of garden wheelbarrow as requested by a friend. Just look on youtube, and many ideas, so pick what I like, and make it. No need for a pattern. 

Sure is Nice building new things every day. Loving the lockdown 🤣🤣🤣

No really, but making the best of a stuck situation. 🤗❤️❄️

February 1st already. Is it Spring?

Some of what I see makes me believe it is Spring. Many shoots coming through the leaves looking for light and warmth. Not too warm yet, but light longer every day now. Rooster crow's now as the day begins here at Arrowvale Campground. In June we will have new, smaller baby goats borne. Chicks 🐣 🐥 too. The cows will have young too, the farm keeps going no matter the world problems. 

Today I have to go to the hospital for a chest x-ray, have some problem with coughing up and running nose, so doctor says get it checked. Of course when the x-ray time comes I feel fine 😁😂

Get it done anyway now. Then Dr will call if a problem. Feeling great for an old guy right now. 

Ok at Hospital now, 4 people ahead of me. Waiting time now, never on time. 8:10, for 8:15. Should be ok

Another person comes and stands in front of me. Not sure if I got to go to window if Wait. Girl at desk is training, as another is helping her. 

I'm up, and check ✔️ in was fast, so was the waiting area, met a couple guys, both times later than mine, I'm first, CT scan, I didn't know 🤔

That was fast, now on my way outta the hospital. I drive down Redford, thinking I'm going to the Quay for a walk and look around. 

Parked, Open says the Doughnut shops, I'm there! The choices are many. Chocolate Almond, Chocolate and peanut butter chip, Salted Caramel X2. Mmm 😋 there still warm, the chocolate Almond went down fast. It was so good. I put the rest in the truck and a walk on the pier was my next desire. I just love being by the water, so much going on here as you take a look around. 360 degree full view of the town and waterfront. Calm, quiet, alone, except for 1 person that did the same walk out to view the waterfront. 

What a lucky find again today, the pier and the calm, quiet Quay was just what I wanted.

A few pictures,

then a FB video to share this time with others. I shake my head as I write, explain the feeling of content. Happy, and just remembering that delicious doughnut 😁😂🤣🤣🤣

Yep, I am very happy 😊 

I continue my stroll up to the clocktower

and up the steps

I go, as I walk up slowly, I remember my grandaughter Taylor and I walking up here a few years ago, she couldn't go all the way to the top, she was just scared of the height. 

I see a view of the town and waterfront from a much different angle now. I make a few circles, is beautiful.

This town, inlet and surrounding area are so beautiful right now. I take a few more pictures.

Then cold starts to set in as the rain starts coming a little more. Time to go home. 

It can rain all it wants now, I'm home. What a great way to start my day. I take the clamps of the rocking horse 🐎 today, sanding a little more, then the finish. Sure looking forward to seeing it then. 

Polly Mmm liked the salted Caramel Doughnut 🍩 she only ate one, I ate the chocolate peanut butter chip. Breakfast was Good 😋 

Now for the horse 🐎 Rains don't make me want to go out. But I will, when I wrap this up. 

Lyn calls, and we get the Kristy report, and more. So nice the relationship between her and Polly. 🤗❤️

Life is just so darn good. 🤗❤️