Good morning from the other side 😀

Polly never likes it for me to say "from the other side"  I laugh as I've said it before, I'm not saying it like that, I'm on the other side of the mountain LoL 😄

We pulled up our jack's yesterday moving to the Arbutus RV shop in Port Alberni for wheelbearing inspection and repacking, and a brake check ✔️, all checks out ok. Got in a few last visits with friends & family and off we went to the other side of Vancouver island, Parksville for a couple nights. 

Our friends in Parksville had invited us to stay in the field beside there home a few years ago, and then again when we visited them here in the spring, this time we took them up on it as we wanted to be in this area for a few days, Dr appointments, and a concert 🎶 tonight, Valdys playing here in Parksville.

We left town yesterday at about 4pm, road out was closed Tuesday night as winds and crane malfunction held up passing on the road, was closed still yesterday morning until later in the day. We of course always lucky got through in less than 5 minutes, didn't even get to call our friends which I was about to do when the cars started moving. We were really surprised, and happy to be on our way. 

We got to Dan & Bonnie's not long after, before 5pm I think, got parked and setup. A beer and some yak yak was in order now, and a viewing of our trailer also was done, Dan said "Don't show Bonnie, she'll want one" LoL, well Polly gave her a tour through it, they have a really nice home, I think Dan's safe. 

         Early morning here in Parksville

We had visited here a few times, is a beautiful place with eagles nesting close by, hawk's, deer, and so many rabbits, also this morning I hear the rooster 🐓. I guess I'm destined to be close to my alarm. LoL. I took a walk about early, through the field to the road at the edge of the town of Parksville, what a great place to live, Dan & Bonnie made a great decision to move here when Dan was done working, closer to Bonnie's Mom, and a beautiful place to retire. 

       Deer had it's eyes 👀 on me

Today we have Dr appointments in Chemainus with our Dr, annual checkup, make sure all is good 👍. Then a concert tonight, Valdys here at the museum, looking forward to this. Then move tomorrow to Courtney to visit friends there, and have a good look through the stuff we have in their crawl space, always want to reduce our amount of stuff. 

Polly's up now, a little complaint about the time 6:00am, LoL she's not used to being up so early, I laugh. Is so darn quiet now, I hear the clock ticking 

Thanks again Julie for this great clock 🤗❤️

Sun's up now, I'm about to go for a little longer walkabout, I always like to look around when we stop somewhere new. The beach isn't far away from here, maybe a walk there? But right this instant, I'm feeling really comfortable just sitting here with the sun coming up beside Polly pecking on this phone 😊

We are both happy to be out traveling again, even if just short hopps right now, just to get moving again. We talked about this yesterday on our way out of Arrowvale, we both like the travel, movement creates a certain enjoyment for us, hard to explain, but just excitement and comfort at the same time. 

Planning is long range, but I often leave bits of that to the last minute, so yesterday morning I decided to leave Courtenay on Monday and camp in lake Cowichan for a couple days before we go to Sunfest. I talked with Polly about it, she agreed as it gives us a chance to catch-up with friends in that area before we go to the concert 🎶😄

Having the trailer checked out, and the truck brakes done, that gives me some peace of mind, I feel prepared for our trip north then south now, feels comfortable. Coffee ☕ is good this morning, and sun's feeling warm, Polly by me, what more could a man want! 

Life is good 😊 love this life🤗❤️

4:27 rooster 🐓 crows this morning 😃

Polly stirs as the Rooster crows, but I'm sure she'll stay asleep, Polly's a very good sleeper, me not so much. I sleep hard, but wake early. I do like early morning so waking early just is something I'm getting used to. I remember when on graveyard shift, sleep was something everyone talked about. I will never miss that unhealthy shift, never was I so mixed up in my sleep as on graveyard shift. 

Now I can sleep as much as I want, and I can't LoL, ain't it the way! 

Today I gain another year, not like I need it, but it's unavoidable. I rise early even though I took a malintonin pill last night, didn't work. Polly has been baking cupcakes 🧁 and will bake a cake today, also bacon 🥓 🥓 & eggs 🍳 for breakfast this morning I'm told last night 😊, I'm being spoiled, and I do like it. 

Funny what we celebrate, Birthday's, Christmas, well that's a Birthday, New years, 🎉 Anniversarys, milestones they all are, they just happen with the passing of year's, not like achievement, although maybe I'm thinking wrong, it can be a real achievement to live long, many don't get this gift! 

I went to a Celebration of Life yesterday, as well as a 50th Wedding Anniversary, the man who passed I knew when he was a young boy, Carmen was 52 it was sudden for for his family & me, I hadn't seen him for a long time, he moved away from town, and so had I. I knew a few at the celebration, sat with family and talked, was enjoyable, but also solemn as how we are as someone passes, even if we call it a celebration of life. 

At the 50th Anniversary it was a celebration 🎉 there was a reinactment of the wedding vows, and some really good words spoken in the yard of their daughter and son in law, made for a fun time. I have to say it was a shock to me thinking I have friends that I hung out with when I was young that are now having their 50th anniversary, that really made me think. Up until now, it was always the generation before ours that had the 50th anniversary, how did this happen so fast! Seems like I snapped my fingers 🤞 and here we are! 

And here I am getting older today! Also just like that 🤞snap, 67 here I am. 🐓 Rooster still giving-er, we all are and do as we have been programed to some degree, we all have a way we act in a situation, the rooster Crows as he has to, we on the other hand do have the ability to alter our actions, if we choose, but some of what we do is s programed, built in.

I look back on my day yesterday and think, some thing's I just jump to, and others I hold back. At Bob & Cheryl's Anniversary celebration I saw Denise clanging on her can trying to get the Bride & Groom to kiss, like we used to at wedding's. I watched for a bit, and started looking around for a glass to klink on, I couldn't see one anywhere, all plastic forks and knives, and cups. Ahh but I did spy a wine glass on the head table, boom! I jumped up, with my plastic fork grabbed the glass and started bing, bing, bing! Bob & Cheryl had to kiss, even with their hands full of dinner, it was tradition 😁😃 we all clapped and laughed was nice. 

I'm not sure why we or I do that, spring into action sometimes, yet hang back others, but I know it, and see it all the time, I do it often. I do see some people that spring into action more often than others, they are the mover's and shaker's in life, I don't know that they are better, or more desirable in life, they just have that jump! It's not always thought about, it's just them, the are programed to do! When this happens they do this, that's them. I believe we all have this in us, and at the same time we have choice, act or not, this way or that, up to us. 

Later in the evening as I was up to say goodbye to Bob and Cheryl at the head table, I was told the story about the glasses on the table as Gary came by with a glass. Cheryl said "we keep this glass for Karen", Gary's wife who passed away to early, years ago, "it was always her glass", Cheryl said, "we bring it in her honour then she's here too". Then Cheryl points to the wine glass, and says "this one's for Bunny, Bob's sister". Well that got me 😢, I now had something else to think about.

My bladder is close to my eyes this morning, I'm not sure why, but I'm hard on the Kleenex today. Somedays are just like that, I've learned to accept this. I've learned to say inside my head, "your just a frickin sop!" LoL, as I laugh about it. 

I still haven't packed up, and it weighs on me, but this morning, and later today I'll get things moving. It's always hard to move things here when it's time to go, the time here just went snap, so fast, beginning of May to now end of July, WOW that went fast. Time goes by so fast when you're busy, and we have been, and we will continue to be, it's our life, busy and moving all the time. I like it. 

I love this Life, we both do 🤗❤️ 

Wednesday we leave Port Alberni 😃😐 happy and sad at the same time, can't really be in two places at one time.

Are you doing what you're supposed to do?

What are you supposed to do?

Not sure what supposed to do really is, I'm doing what I like, and when it's not as I like I either get it done quickly, or I get it done by someone else. Today I spent much time getting things better organized and just tidying up our trailer and the campsite here at Jack & Wendy's yard. After I finished, and went in and had a sandwich (thanks Polly) I had a nap. When I woke I felt like I could sleep more, but I do know not to, as would be awake too early in the morning. 

I think we are doing our retirement the best way for us, Are we doing as we are supposed to? I'm not sure, but we're having fun, and happy most every day, so I guess we are doing it right 👍 No matter what other's might think, we are the ones making our plans, and will do till the day we pass! 

I did my thing today, Polly did hers, we had a really nice dinner just now, Polly made a prawn dish that Wendy had a recipe for, along with stuffed mushrooms and lemon 🍋 desert that was great 👍 Life's good, we both love this new place, we've been here before, and will come again. Jack usually has a project or two for me, nothing too hard to do, but is nice to have something to do here, give back a little. 

It's warm out later tonight, be a bit before it cools down, I'm thinking a walk is in order now. Tomorrow the girls are going to the Barbie movie, Jack & I not sure what we'll do, but I think the small privacy fence will be my go to. Got a snag tree to fall too, maybe next week, that be fun. Then the little fort I want to make at Ciara's for Colton, that'll be fun too. 

I'm thinking that we are doing what we want in life, not as we should do, even if I'm not sure what we should do? LoL

Every day an adventure, not always super exciting, but always something new and different. Keeps up both guessing what's next. 

I remember some information I read about certain words, Should, Cold, Would, are all similar, I learned a long time ago is important to start with a positive attitude, and should isn't, could doesn't make it, and would is just a no go word. 

I Will do this, sometimes I think about it for awhile, kinda get the idea straight in my head, and sometimes I just go at it right away. The best way to start is "I will" from this there is no Could, Would, or Should. 

During covid times I was working in my wood working shop, and people came over with ideas, wanting to know if I could make this, or do that. I learned them to just say yes! Yes I can. Was a real good feeling helping other's with something they wanted, and gave me an opportunity to think how to do it. I made many things, at the same time I made many happy doing something that made me happy 😊😁

Win win is what it's called, that's what I call it when I do what I love, and while doing it, others are grateful. Even writing here, is a gift to me and to others, I'm fortunate to have this ability, and love to write. I'm no Shakespeare, I'm just enjoying my thoughts, and pecking at this phone beside Polly after dinner, enjoying myself. 

Now for that walk! LoL 😆

Love this life 🤗❤️

4:24 and the rooster 🐓 crows

I woke early today, I thought I finally had got my sleep in order after a few nights of waking later in the morning, but today was a setback. I started yawning last night at 8:00pm, I knew I had been really busy during the day, but I thought going to bed a little early at 9:15 was going to be ok, not likely. I laugh to myself now, I need to either stay up later, or take the malintonin pills to push me to wake later, and get my sleep schedule on track. 

Although I do like my alone early morning time, just not so early, as I get to look at what's happening in the world, even if I just brush over most of it. Today investigation was oil production in California, I was caught by a feed I get on my phone, said something about the states GDP in trillions by State, was interesting seeing how a few states didn't even have a number, as the didn't make it to the trillions. I'm still shaking my head thinking of the $$$, just so much. California was the biggest amount in USA. 

From this I got to oil production, as I was thinking of how California as a state is against oil use, although it uses so much fuel. I went down a rabbit hole as the term means, from there I ended up at Russia, and it's oil sales, and how Russia is being bent over by China as so many business have pulled out of the country, I was just wondering before I started this, what it's like in Russia right now? How is it living in a country that's considered doing the wrong thing by invading another country? 

I didn't search that, Yet! LoL 

I'm on my first cup of coffee ☕, and just finished my last gulp of that so up to get more soon. 4:39 now, and the rooster went back to bed, I'm not going to, soon the light will come, and I'll take a walk about. 

I looked at the weather forecast, going to be raining on Monday Tuesday, so I'm going to start my takedown of my tent/shop today, I know it won't take too long, but I want to get it done early, before the rains com, and I'm trying to tarp it in the rain. There goes the rooster 🐓 again LoL, I got another coffee ☕ now, I just remembered to shut off the coffee pot so Polly has decent coffee, as if I leave it on by the time she's up it'd be yuk! 

Back to packing up, I have this on my mind the last few days as I work away, knowing I'll have to soon, but I have been making excuses not to, but now I know I have to. We will be packed up, and hooked up for departure early on July 26th, as we have an appointment for service that morning at Arbutus RV, wheel bearing repacking, and brake check. We will do our last visits in Port then, pickup the trailer later in the day, all going good, then get in the lineup for outta town traffic. 

Dr appointments for both of us, annual inspection LoL, and all going well there, we will be headed to a friend's over night, then to another for a few nights before we head to Sunfest by Youbou on the long weekend. This has been in the work's since they first released the headliner, Blake Shelton. We both like him, and have been looking forward to this weekend with friends Americo & Claudette, along with one night when Cindy, Ray & Barb will join us. Going to be interesting and fun weekend we are sure. 

After that a couple weeks by the water in Qualicum Bay, before we head up towards Grande Prairie. I'm looking forward to travel, even if it's so darn comfortable here right now, always nice to have travel ahead of us. 

I messaged a friend yesterday, been awhile since we walked, I been busy with Ciara and our grandchildren, was a very nice visit we had here, so much fun. Now for a little walking again, I had just joined the group that walks regularly, and want to get a few more of these in before we travel. Chris has been a friend along time, we got closer when we attended a union safety conference one time, and were treated to a presentation on Toastmasters. After the presentation we agreed if one joined the other would, and we did, that gave us both an education we needed in our lives, and our work. 

Since then we have stayed in contact on and off, meeting up camping and walking/hiking now and then. Good friends are needed in life, we all know it, just really don't know how good a friend they are until you really need them. I walked alot here, not big hikes, but nice get me warmed up kinda walks in the morning, but when I asked about going for a walk with Chris, I didn't expect hikes, or new friends, but I got both. 

Visiting and yakin is nice, but I do like to be busy as I talk too, and walking/hiking is a great way to visit. Another friend has started walking with his daughter 3 times a week, he's finding the same, it helps, not just getting in shape, but the talk as you go helps you with thinking, at least that's what I have observed. When I walk by myself I only have my thoughts, which I like just fine, but when walking with others there is an expanded thought process that gives me something different when I'm walking. Just feels nice, so I'll continue this, and expand on it as we continue our travels this time. 

It's light now, roosters still at it, 5:15, I'll finish reading a bit more, walk about 6:30 or so my regular route here, then after some cereal 🥣 maybe a snooze LoL, I can't go into my shop too early, everyone's still sleeping 😴. 

I'm just to early up to do too much, so I read, about the crazy world we live in. I read yesterday that Pescadores restaurant had their flower baskets stolen over night, that set me back a bit, what the heck is that about. Some people have just no respect for other's property. 

I ask a few questions in my head about it, like "Where are you going to hang these? Why would you do this? What kinda people steal flower baskets?" Then I just go on, thinking how this is a shame, someone decorated the outside of there business, right on the corner of town, make it look nicer, and some asshole steals there Flowers! 

Now I've complained here, but that doesn't change what happened, what will change this behavior? Another question ❓ I donn't know, there are many things I don't know, sometimes ya just gotta move on. 

Coffee ☕ is still good, sun be up soon, Polly did a little roll about, but she's a much better sleeper than I. Yep I'm going on an early walk this morning, I see the deer most every day now, they are not afraid of me walking now, they watch, but don't run away, I can pass by within 20 feet or 7 meters in Canada, I still think in feet. The eagles scream to as I walk, is a really nice place to walkabout. Even just to the end of the pavement and back, 1/2 hour or so. 

Life is good here at Arrowvale, makes it hard to leave this year, this time, but we will, and we will be back before we know it it'll be spring again, and we'll pull our trailer onto the island again and be home. Home here is where we meet friends when we shop for groceries, and have a yak, catch-up, learn how others have had health issues, things have happened to other's that when you find out it's very hard to believe, lung transplants on men younger than I, Cancer treatment, and people that have passed.

 Is nice to see people, but I do realize we have a limited time we are here, so knowing this I make sure I do what really moves me in life now, even if it seems trivial to other's, I do what really interests me now. Polly the same, she knows what she likes and if she wants it she does it. Together we do what tickles our fancy, and this summer we will travel a little, and see friends on our way, and reestablish past friendships. Then spend time with friends and family in Grande Prairie, I have a job or two there to do, always some building of something, I like this, so I do it. 😁

Well that's enough rambling thoughts for today, I'm going to finish my cold coffee, put on my runners and hoodie, and go for my walk about now. 

I love this Life 🤗❤️

Sunday again and the sun keeps shining.

As I took a walk about this morning before the sun rose I had a little empty feeling knowing that Ciara, Chase & Colton leave the island today. I know we will be going to Grande Prairie in another month, but still having them here close every day the last 15 has been nice. A young family they are, and daily change happens. Learning so much every day, many new experiences, and for Chase and Ciara, many familiar experiences here on the island where they once lived. 

Sun comes up now, like it seems like it's done forever now, a little cooler this morning, it's funny, not laughing funny, but odd how we lull into the summer sameness thinking it will be the same kinda day forever, knowing inside that it will change to cooler raining days, just not sure when. We have had a very good summer so far, and usually we don't get the full summer experience until sometime now in July. Not this year though, been sunny and warm for along time now, and I'm used to it & love it. 

Forecast says could get rain tomorrow, that would be a welcome refresh, as long as no lightning with it. 

I'm thinking we are having the best summer ever here, and only beginning now. 

Traffic in & out of the valley has been a big concern for many, I can't really imagine living here in Port and traveling regularly for work right now. Well maybe I can, when the hump was getting a rebuilt 15 years ago or so, I was working in Chemainus, we had very odd hours to be able to get to work, line up at 7:30pm to get there early for our midnight shift, sometimes missing the time, as they started blasting early, so go home, waiting till 10:30pm, then rush to get to work. I guess I can imagine how it is working behind a restricted road opening. 

We have changed our plans to leave a little early now, we had august 1st in our plans, now going July 26th as have Dr appointment's, so no sense coming back for a few days then trying to get through again. So far we have only gone through once since the fire closure, we didn't feel locked in, as we didn't have but one time we missed something due to the closure. Lucky us, not a hardship. 

We have a week to visit a few we haven't gotten to see now, as always this next 10 days will go fast I'm sure, have to pack up my wood shop, and put it away for another year, be here a little earlier next year, start making things again in March next year. There's a wood shop where I'm going for the winter, I'm going to enjoy that I think. 

While in Grande Prairie I'm planning on building a fort for Colton, a small Play place for him. I have a possible plan, see what comes.

 

 I'll use this as a design, see how it turns out 

Pallets be the main source of building material, I really like using disgaurded wood to construct something from, it gives me satisfaction knowing that these boards didn't end up going to the landfill. Also makes me think of ways to build that is different. The cost is also a reason, mostly just time to make them into something fun and useful. So many different kinds of wood used from many different locations to make pallets. I'm looking forward to this.

September will be the end of summer, and cooler temps then, always love September, no bug's 🦟🦟🦟 mosquito's poking me 😊 then. We hope to stay in GP into October, see how it goes, will be new experience again, we have been in the spring, and early summer, but not in fall. Will be nice I'm sure, having a good friend's place to park our trailer helps alot. Will be nice to see Jack & Wendy again, we are becoming regulars 😀 now. 

It's not how I planned our retirement route, I had a plan years ago, 3 kids 3 locations, one in Florida, one in California, one in Grande Prairie, then we could do the wide circle ⭕. LoL well the Grande Prairie one is working out, but the other's ended up in Port Alberni, so the circle is kinda a line Port, GP, then wherever for the winter, Yuma this year is the plan. Will be nice to stay in one place awhile I'm thinking, I do like to travel though. 

Very still this morning, goat's baa, rooster 🐓 crowing, all in all very quiet so far here at Arrowvale 7:30am on Sunday morning. Polly is just starting to stirr, not long she'll be up. The campground will come alive too, always interesting on Sundays, the weekend camper's leaving, and campground goes back to a lull again, Friday the campers rush in, so many, campground fills up. Then Sunday morning, it starts, sounds of jack's getting raised, smell of bacon 🥓 frying, and kids playing, many come for a last look at the goat's & chicken's, a last dip in the river. Then at about noonish the lull starts, a different quiet, still kids playing, just not as many, still cars coming and going, just less. 

Us so far no plans, we had a nice dinner last night with Lyn & Andrew, Polly like usual made a really good dinner, with raspberry cheesecake for dessert. After we took a wine 🍷 tour I call it, had a walk over to Penny's camp for the night with here friends, met all of them, looking like a fun time. Then off to visit with Rachel, Nathan & Ayla, our neighbors that moved down the next level, to a different campsite, had a little yak with them, then onto the waters edge to gaze at the water and fish jumping. Then along the trail by the water to the huge Maple's, girls went up the trail, I took Andrew to have a look at the mask's in the trees. Was a nice tour we went on. When we got back the girls are busy competing in cribbage, a favorite thing they do when they get together, Polly is loving winning, Lyn gets to complain of not getting any cards LoL, always fun to listen to them 🤗♥️♣️♦️♠️

7:40am now, still quiet, I'm going for a walk now, be nice out in the quiet. 

Sure do love this life we have together ❤️🤗

Polly's pulling the shade now, the neighbors are up I hear them talking as the campground wake's up 😊

Housing? Just thought how did we get here from there?

      Our first of many Sunflowers has bloomed

I feel very fortunate to be able to do as we have, travel the country with our trailer, look about from inside our pickup, and through the windows of our trailer at much of our country and the USA, some of Mexico as well. This morning as I was scrolling through FB drinking my fresh brewed coffee ☕, it struck me. oops I'm outta coffee, got to get another ☕. As I poured another, I realized I had to pee, so off I went to the bathroom, a few steps away, as I flushed the toilet I realized I have to empty the sewer tank! Better do that now while I think of it again, as I often forget if I don't do it right away 😆

Coffee ☕ in hand I go out now, phone in hand to take care of this, I pet Penny on the way out, she spent the night here, as her family are outta town for a bit, she's a wonderful dog, and of course we give her a pet, and a few treats, we miss having a dog. 

Off to the job at hand now, is very simple, but has to be done regularly, or 😳 trouble will happen. Don't want to back up the sewer. 

i notice I've got a dog hair on the edge of my coffee, I smile 😊 going to get hair on ya if ya have a dog🤗♥️

I'm now typing and emptying the sewer, LoL I snicker, the Rooster's 🐓 going off again, Polly I hear is just waking, the robins are singing as I write. Claudette sends me a message, dam I love this life. Sun's up shining on me, sewer is finished now, is a very easy job when in one site as setup for easy access to all needed without touching anything that could contaminate my Mmm coffee ☕☺️

I finish up, and pass Penny as I go back in the trailer, she doesn't move, she can't hear good now, she's on her way out, I was kinda concerned she might have passed when I saw her this morning laying on the matt on our patio. After I passed by she lifted her head, then back to laying and sleeping. 

I wash my hands now, just in case 👍

Polly's up now, we have some conversation, good morning, how's the coffee? I tell her Claudette sent her a message, she's happy to be able to flush the toilet now LoL. Polly gets the roast out of the fridge and checked it, she's had it marinating overnight, will be cooking it in her new air fryer oven on the rotisserie today, Ciara and our grandchildren are coming back for a couple days to get her trailer and pack up her stuff she's had in storage for awhile here in Port Alberni. Then Saturday she leaves, Sunday catches the ferry and we won't see them till end of August. Penny our daughter is coming over today too, be a nice dinner, good day. 

Polly plays a game on her phone, she makes me laugh so hard sometimes, when what ever she's playing misses, she jumps, and gets mad for just a sec, "dam game" she says as I LoL LoL LoL 😆

Ok, back to the house thought, I was thinking about how did we get to this unreal but very real price of house's and rent that just skyrocketed almost overnight here on the island? What's happening here, what's causing people to gouge the rental market? Forcing people out under the pretence of family moving in or saying have to do construction, then re-rent for more than double the original price. How did it happen, and how did it happen so fast? Or maybe I'm just old and remember the little town of Port Alberni when it was loosing mills, and logging was under protest, and nothing was selling, and price was low. 

I'm not in the know about this, but I do know from experience that what happens with markets isn't going to stay the same forever. How we got here could be reversed just as easy, by something else. Somehow everyone want's to be here in Canada, and on Vancouver island, they will pay whatever the market prices are, driving prices up to where the local people can't afford to buy, or rent here. 

Some would say right away "It's not fair" maybe not, but it is what it is. We made the move outta the housing market in 2016, and so far no regrets! Moving forward we see campground prices doing the same, doubling in a very short time now. Was it COVID? Is it people trying to get back what they lost? Is it just the future? I'm not sure, but I do know on a limited budget people are finding it harder to get by on what they have available for $$ with everything rising at what seems like a fast rate. 

So far we can afford it, but if this keeps happening we may also be in trouble too, as our income is pensions, and they do not rise as fast as the cost of living. When we retired we planned to live as we have till something changed, we still do, but I'm just seeing things changing faster than the plan had in mind! 

See how it goes, being mobile we can chase the better price where ever it is, just always want to be safe, and comfortable with friends, of course by the water if we can be, but if not by a pool with friends will do 😊😆♥️

I didn't solve anything here, but I got the sewer emptied, and enjoyed writing, got a few thoughts out, and really listened to the robins this morning 🤗 lucky me.

Cereal now, a walk, and a shower, then onto my next project 😀 love this life🤗♥️

Quick 10 days with our grandchildren 🤗♥️

As I expected 10 day's went by very fast, we got some very fun time in culminating this past weekend with Americo & Claudette taking up the cabin next to Ciara for Friday & Saturday nights. What a great way to visit with them and for them to get to know Ciara and her children. Along with our other grandchildren Jesse Jet & Dax.

First day was Colton's birthday, kinda subdued as the party was happening Saturday. But that didn't stop us from having a party at Americo & Claudette's cabin. 🎉🥳🎉🥳🎶🎵 Was a fun afternoon and even more fun after. Always building great memories with these two, was fun with Ciara Chase & Jesse  in the evening.

Next day was the birthday party 🥳🎉, and that was so darn perfect, not a problem for Colton to party all afternoon and up to his bedtime 

Was a Funtastick day with so many that came to wish him a happy birthday, was just so fun🎉🥳.  Polly had been planning this for awhile, I'm lucky to get to watch at it all unfolded just as I believe Polly wanted, cake was enjoyed, ice cream cone Cake was loved by Colton and others, people enjoyed Colton as well as he did them and all the attention he received. 

Colton really liked the ice cream cone Cake 

So much love all around was great 👍

I sit here now thinking just how fast it went, such a fast time. Isn't that always the case when a great time is had, it seems to always go fast! I'm just noticing no Rooster 🐓 this morning, 5:00am now, still no crowing, hmm I'm guessing he made just a little too much noise 😲 all the birds are up chirping, but no rooster. 

Well I hope he tastes good 😊 as good as he sounded. 

Yesterday we Jet Dax Jesse and I went for another float down the river, this time we got in from further up River, off Coleman road

 Was excellent, only one time we had to get off the tubes and walk a bit, saw some sockeye salmon splash, and down I went with my mask, and saw them underwater. 

There were many people out as we went down, and much confusion at first, Jesse and I went together on a double seater, Jet had a small boat, Dax liked the tube again. On the way, where the water slowed I talked with a man that after I realized was a friend on mines son, I hadn't see since he was very young, Adam, was fun how I was talking with him as we passed by, and before long he was saying "I'll say hi to my dad for ya" was such a surprise for me, as I remember the times his father and I worked at Sproat lake division, and knew each other well. Never know what life has ahead hey!

Coming back to Port Alberni always feels nice, especially when things like that happen. 

Today we are going to Parksville to Rathtrevor beach, will meet Ciara and kids there, a stop on their way to Naniamo to spend some time with her Dad. Be nice to feel the sand under foot, and smell the ocean again. Kids at the beach always fun, when I get to the beach I'm kinda a kid myself 😀 looking forward to all the beach has to offer.

Rooster 🐓 just crowed, 5:09 guess he just slept in today 😆 good.

My second cup ☕☕ is almost empty, and it's light out now, maybe a very early walk is in order today. Be nice for a change, I missed my walk yesterday. 

Love this time here at Arrowvale, I think we'll be back next spring again sure. 🤗♥️

Words can help, but a hug goes a long way.

Mixed feelings about my thoughts lately, having Ciara here and the little guy, makes me happy and sad at the same time. More happy than sad though, just moments that a thought slips in of Chris. I'm getting better, but still his memory is so strong, especially looking at their little guy. He's so darn fun playing in the water with him yesterday, and watching him throw rocks into the water. 

Is funny how we plan and anticipate an event, then it's here and with no specific plans we just move from one moment to another taking in what comes rather than having a exact plan. I kinda like this way. Polly and Ciara did plan the exact date of Colton's Birthday party, Saturday at 2pm, will be fun to watch him with other's playing. 2 years old already! WOW that went fast. 

 The heat through the day was very warm yesterday, so getting into the water was great, today likely do the same just a different place. Colton is liking the water cautiously. Mostly he likes to throw rocks, and splash. Chase is good with him too, watching all the time for him. Ciara same, we are all careful, but enjoying his fun. Polly stayed home yesterday, was good, the way to the water was steep. Today I'll see if can make it a different place, different beach to play at, there are many places to get to the water here.

My friend Don called said he could check my brake's on our truck for me today, was good timing, no specific plans, so yes, let's do it, always want to be sure of our truck and trailer maintenance before we leave again in the fall. I drove over and Don guided Rambo on the hoist, and after some good talk he got the truck up a bit, took the tires off and we looked at the brake pads, only the front needed pads, was just the right time to have them done he said. 

Ciara came to pick me up, was nice for Don to see her, she had a thank you for the $$ that he gave when she needed it after Chris passed. They knew each other from past, was nice to see how they talked, Don got to meet Chase too, was good, plans made for Friday evening to go out to China Creek campground, and visit with the Crew there, be fun I'm sure. We left Don with the truck, and made our way home after a couple stops, then lunch and a snooze for this guy. 

Later Ciara brought me back, truck was done, and I thanked Don, was nice he understood that I had the kids, and would like time to spend with them, and time was limited during their visit, he said, "you go be with them, I'll do this for ya!" Was really nice of him. Another tick off my list, and Don said was perfect timing, brakes were about to be getting to the rotors, so caught them at the right time! 

Time is a gift we often give or get that is somewhat limited, yet we seem to think it's endless, it's not, so when a friend gives his time to me, I really appreciate it! Thanks Don👍 will have a beer and a little yak on Friday! 

Been a slow start for me today, maybe I'll go for a walk now 😀 had my coffee ☕☕ and cereal 🥣. Polly's up now, we both been pecking at our phones, enjoying quiet morning time. Nice way to start the day. 

♥️🤗