Sunday, Father's Day ❤️

I've been fortunate to be a father on father's day for, geezz, since June 16th,1980 till now, when my daughter Penny was born. Every year I get a chance to celebrate being a father, to remember all the fun we've had my children and I. 

Today is a day to celebrate father's, all of them, as every father, (well almost every father) love's their child, even before it's born, regardless if male or female. Lucky me had the opportunity to feel my children as they were being formed in my wife's body, growing to love them even before they meet the world.

It's a real gift we give ourselves, children, with the responsibility that comes with having them. Amazing actually, that in an instant you become a Dad! From then on your always a Dad. Having children changes you, not magically, just completely really, your one moment a person in a marriage, a husband, then poof your a Dad, Daddy, and a husband. 

Looking back now I wanted to be a dad for many years, hoping to do better than my previous experience with a father. Not that he was a bad dad, just couldn't really be there all the time. He had a mental illness, maniac/depressive I was told. He could not control this, well at least that's what I saw. So my parents split at my age of 8, my brother took of to the army, my Mom moved us to Port Alberni, from Victoria, to a friend's house, a place far enough away that she felt safe, and had somebody that would help her.

Of course we my sister and I didn't understand, but as time went on we accepted, as children do, yet always wanting our Mom & Dad to be together. 

Funny how that is in a child, they have a internal connection to the two parents, that's if they had them together to start I'm thinking. 

My wife and I split too, when the kids were about same age, maybe a little older, and life changed for them as well. 

Was it good or bad? Ya never know till at least 10years down the road I always say. 

Anyway here I am, father's day in Grande Prairie Alberta, away from my daughter, and close to our grandchildren here. 

Is a still morning, sun's out now, Polly just got up, Penny wished me happy Father's Day in a message, which we often converse in now, times have changed, very easy to connect now if ya want to, just different, and instant! 

Polly making her coffee ☕ now, be a nice day I'm sure. Going to a BBQ dinner at our friend's son's place next door, be a good celebration, be a few other Father's there too. 

Polly made blueberry muffins yesterday, one of Jack's favorite, were staying at Jack and Wendy's place, Polly brought me a fresh warm muffin right out of the oven, was such a treat, first one out 👍🏻, sure was good. 

Today I have a metal mustang plaque I ordered yesterday that I'm going to pickup, a man here makes them, I ordered it yesterday at the market. I didn't expect to see that kind of metal mustang cutouts there, but when I did, was just what I'd been looking for. Funny how that goes, being in the right place at the right time hey. 

The other day I was just that, in the right place right time. A lady who was really fully pregnant, was standing in a parking lot as I was walking by, looking kinda upset. Then I realized, she couldn't get into her car, the person that parked next to her parked so close she couldn't get in her car door. I'm not sure how it all happened, but I said, "if you want I'll move your car out for ya" "Would you?, oh thanks" then as I got the key's from her she said, a little unsure "You wouldn't take my child" "no" I said , "I'll just move your car back so you can get in".  

I wiggled in, was really tight, heard her child in the car behind me, I'm guessing in a car seat, got the car out where she was able to get in, she was really happy, as was thinking shed have to wait till the other person came back to their car. 

Yep right place, right time! 

I will place this plaque I pickup today in Polly's memorial garden she's made at our place, for Christopher, Memere and Pollys Father. My way of celebrating another father, that was my son ❤️

Yep today a really good day, got a happy Father's Day from my Granddaughter too, and her being pregnant with her first child, very special 👶🏻 too. 

Yep, one more Happy Father's Day ❤️ 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Sunday morning in Grande Prairie Alberta.

Maybe I'll build one of these while I'm here? Always wanted to try it. 

Was a really good drive to GP from our home in Port Alberni. Yesterday a bit longer that I thought it would be, just felt a little long. Polly drove an hour or so, that helped, still I was really tired last 20 minutes or so. Overall been a really good trip up. Visits with friends and family as we went. Always looking forward to getting to GP and seeing our daughter-in-law, grandchildren and friends here. 

Today starting slow as Sundays usually do, always appreciate the slow of a Sunday morning. Cool now, was really warm when we went to bed, summer is here I'm thinking. 

Our grandson Jayden and his fiancee Harmony went to the MMA fights here in GP, we stayed in, watched a couple good movies, ate the leftover chicken and salad for dinner. We were both tired, was a long last leg of our journey. 

Be different this visit, a little shorter, and no trailer, our home is in a suitcase this time. No tool's to create something, or repair something, I'm used to doing that while I'm here. Be different.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Good morning Grande Prairie ❤️

Love our life ❤️ 

Part way through our trip a hickup.

Yesterday we left Peachland thanks, Jean for great hospitality & visit. Off to Vernon for a visit with Pollys brother and sister in law. On the outside of Kelowna one caliper stuck, and brake's warmed up on the passenger side front wheel. A woowoowoo sound started, was unsure if was the car or the road, was rough road. When we stopped at Val & Herb's, yep, brake caliper was smoking hot on the one wheel. Can happen anytime, glad it happened where we could get repaired.

We had a nice visit with Herb & Val, then started calling for part's, well not available, or price was exorbadent, so Val said Call Bryan, our cousin in Tappen, @BC Auto wrecking. Bryan answered, told him what we needed, he said he'd look at his stock and call back. A few minutes later he called, said no used one, but the part's store in Sorento had one, and told me the price, and said he'd help us out, would install after dinner tonight. 

Well that was a really welcome outcome for us, dinner and a brake job 😉. 

All the way to Tappen we were careful with the brakes, Polly always worried, but never a problem this trip, still no big hills, so going to get the caliper and install anyway. 

We stopped at Bryan's shop in Tappen, and had a visit with him, got to see the kittens that were born recently, kitten's always so cute. Polly picked one up, and checked it out, were not getting a cat. 

Off we went to their home, Bryan and Andrea live in Sorento, in a huge house, with a huge shop! The story goes, when they came to see the house, the real estate agent showed the shop first, as was on the road in before the house, Bryan was inside the shop, said, well take it, before he'd even seen the house 🏡 🤣 

I understand why, it's a big huge shop,

with an even bigger house. Beautiful place to raise there two boys, and enjoy the small town of Sorento. We had a really nice visit with Andrea, then her boy's came home after school, sat and got to know Harrison a bit when he came home, as we sat on the deck overlooking the lake below. Yep, I really feel like we're on holiday now I said to Polly. 

Dinner was great, after a little BBQ hickup, well small explosion 💥 really, a lighter was in the cupboard under the BBQ, and while heating up it went boom 💥 🤯, we were up and looking, thought the BBQ was on fire, but nope, the bick lighter, that was the culprit. No more lighters around the BBQ the new rules. Always something to remember the moment by. 

BBQ ribs were great, tasty and delicious. We talked after for awhile, then the brakes were the next operation, and Bryan was up for it, even after a day at work. He got to it right away, cleared a spot inside the garage, was perfect, then jacked up, take it apart, yup, could see and smell burnt, but brake shoes still good, so didn't replace them. Was all done in less than and hour, with help from his son Harrison, get this get that please son! Was nice to see them together, and Harrison understood what he was asking for, 10mm wrench, brake clean, things that made me know that they worked together often. 

Bleed the brakes, then torquing the wheel nuts, checked all of them, then a quick drive to the gas station in town, about 2 minutes away, bought some brake fluid, back to Bryan's and topped up, done. Got inside the house in time for a beautiful sunset, one like Polly and I had never seen before. First it was a rainbow over the mountain, where the Sun had gone down, then the light came in points at the top of the mountain, spectacular.

We sat at the kitchen table and yaked kids now time for bed, Moma got that done , then yak some more till dark, and I was yawning, Bryan tired too. But one more story, a little more yak, was a really good evening being with them again, good to reconnect 🤗❤️👍🏻

This morning I woke to the first light, really bright, thought yup, gotta be at least 5 this morning. Nope, 4:30am, well was a good sleep just the same. Get to watch the fog roll over the mountain over the lake. Yep, nice views here alright. 

They live where ya see the traffic of highway #1 goes by, so ya hear and see truck's moving by regularly, yet this is also where people come to spend their summer yearly, as beautiful lakes here, Shushuap area, so much to see and do. 

Just saw a logging truck go by, big wood on it, still some nice looking logs coming outta the bush. Nice to see! Didn't get a photo of the big wood, but one of a logging truck here. 

Yup, feeling very content this morning, brake's repaired, view fantastic, and complete quiet in the house, even trucks stopped for a minute just now. 

Going to be a wonderful day today, off to Valemont for tonight, booked a rustic cabin, always something new, every day another adventure. 

Sure do Love our life ❤️ 

Sunday went by fast, ready for our trip north.

Today we start out towards Grande Prairie Alberta, be a good time getting there, having visits with friends and family along the way. Connection is something we do as we travel, just stopping in for a coffee ☕ and a BS is one thing, but sharing a day an evening with family and friends like family really gives connection. 

Building something together, working together, or camping together, sharing a meal with each other, that also gives good connection. Just taking a walk with friends, or sitting and talking, that gives us time to connect. Sometimes all we get now is a message, just a few words, but that is enough to keep connected. Having some idea how each other are doing in life, how they are feeling, their progress in life. 

A call once in awhile, that definitely helps, and text here and there helps to. But a visit, where ya stay awhile, that really helps keep us updated on each other. 

We are fortunate to have many friends & family to visit, too bad we just can't always see them all on our way, but try to get caught up on our way to and back from Grande Prairie is something we really enjoy. 

Another part of the stop and visit is seeing the new places that people live, as often our family and friends have moved to different areas. My first is to walk about, and see the different surroundings. I don't walk as much now, but I can still do a long walk once. 

This trip will be different in a few ways, no trailer, that was our home, had everything we needed in it. No truck this time, we bought a small car so a little less cost, and much easier to drive, so Polly will enjoy that, as she will drive every once in awhile. Just be a different trip this time. 

It's funny how when your in one place u have thing's your doing, or planing to do, then as you plan the trip ya think of what to take with you, then the day ya leave, all the stuff that was on your mind here, just leaves, as you have transformed to travel mode, and what's coming is foremost in your mind, and what you're leaving, the jobs, the concern's, all poof gone! Until you start to travel back again. This makes me smile, as I think about the saying "How important is it?" Cause I can leave it and it'll still be there when we return. 

Transferring stuff from Rambo to, (hmm no name for our new car, maybe Rainbow be a good name, I'll ask Polly today) the stuff that we'll need, cord for the phone to charge, as GPS comes through our phone, and a cellphone holder, got one of those yesterday, always like to have the phone close to me, want to know exactly where we're headed, and when to turn ahead of time. Chair's to sit outside in, and a cooler, water, and a few travel snacks. Tool's, a crescent and a screwdriver, got a jack and checked the spare tire 🛞, wound it down, took it off, and made sure full of air. 

Pollys got the house ready, suitcase out, I have yet to pack my clothes, but we both have lists of what we want to pack up. 

Were ready, just last minute packing, then bring Rambo to Steve's shop, get a small oil leak looked at, and power steering flush is my request while we're gone. 

Yep ready!

7:30 now, I'm up, Polly still sleeping. Sometimes I wish I could sleep like that, but, then I wouldn't have the time to write ✍🏻 this. 

Looking forward to traveling again, we both like the drives. 

Raining outside now, sure glad I got all that stuff transferred before this. 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Name change happening today.

     Danny BBQing dinner Saturday night

 I'm not sure we'll keep this new name, but for now it's our latest blog name thanks Lee Biggs for the suggestion. It's aply named, as that's what we're doing now, making our place on Wood Ave something we enjoy. 

Today was built the planters day, and fix the new to us car we bought this week. A 2010 Dodge journey, low kms is what I was looking for, and dependable. Brake's we know have to be done, then tired, and a few of the minor fix-up stuff. Drives great, a lot less rough than Rambo, we noticed that right away. 

Had a part that broke under the seat, that moved the driver's seat back and forth. Took some help from my brother in law Dan Cyr, he's a magician with anything mechanical. A little quick weld, and zam it was done. Well almost, I had to take the seat out, and muck around till I got the part in place, then back together, and tada 🎉 it works now. 

I'm happy I can ask for help, and happy to be able to do what it takes to get things fixed. The guy I made a planter for yesterday messaged me, "Do you do carpentry work Brent?, I need and piece in here, with a picture. I do love to help, and this, small job's, right up my alley. I guess we all do what we can in this world, not sure we have to know how to do everything, but nice to have something's that I'm good at. 

Polly is making supper now, nayoki I'm told is the ingredient I think is pasta, she corrected me, potato based. Should be good all I know, whatever Polly makes, I'm going to enjoy ❤️

Today was a good day, most are, but today I had some really good achievement's, feels good.

I think I'll go for a drive with Polly tonight, she hasn't driven the new to us car yet, seat was too far back. 

DQ? 😋 I'm thinking 🤔 😂 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Sunday morning again, lucky me!

         The prettiest engine I saw there 

Yesterday we went to the Golden oldies car show at the casino here in Port Alberni, was a really good show. As we got closer I see so many cars, and as I usually do, I just keep going till my spot opens up. As I got close to the entrance, the lot was full of beautiful cars, and just as I'm coming closer a person gets in their car, back's up, leaves and I pull in. A shaded parking place, right up front! 👌🏻

Polly knows now, this is my attitude, I always believe there is a place right when and where I need it. We met another couple, Terry & Jan as we pulled in, and Terry made the comment, your so lucky, got a spot right up front, in the shade too! 

Ever wonder how much is luck in life? Some say if ya live good, fortune will come your way. I'm not sure that's really the way, but I have been fortunate I believe. Mind you, when the time presents itself ya have to be ready to jump. 🦘 

Holding back when the opportunity presents itself, that'll cause many "I should haves!" or "I could have!"  to be said. 

We are a week away from our planned trip to Grande Prairie to visit our family & friends there, we have been looking forward to this for awhile now. It's been almost a year since we've seen all of them. Keeping up on Facebook and other means of communication helps, but nothing like in person visits. 

Getting back to luck, I have been making planters this year again, and just when I think it's finished, that people have all they want, another person messages an asks "Can you make this?" Always a "Yes!"

That's my luck, I say "Yes" because I believe it's a gift to be able to make things for people, things they really like. 

Today I'm going to have to take the marketplace ads down, as I'll be gone for three weeks, and that'll be done with planters for the next while. Summer will be here, and swimming and beach time will be the thing then. We are all fortunate to be so close to clean clear water here on the island, ocean or river or lake. 

Today I'll finish my last few planters, and then a big cleanup in my little shop, be nice to return to a clean shop. Maybe be a little organized too, 😂 LoL. I know where things are, mostly, but could use a little more organization. 

I have to change the name of our blog too, I was reminded by a friend this week. "I know, I just haven't" I said, but today I'm thinking I will. I usually consult with my friend Paulette when big changes are happening, will talk with her when she gets up. 

Coffee ☕ is ready now, I'm going to get one. Be another lucky day ahead for me, I know. Feels good knowing that what comes will be good 👍🏻. 

Name change? Hmm Polly, what to do?

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Ever think of all the things you've learned?

I saw this the other day, a beautiful job 👌🏻

Just saw a show where they were delivering furniture and as the two went up the stairs I thought of when I worked for Wynans furniture so many years ago. I think I was 14 when I started there, Art was a really good employer, and helped me learn to do many things in the store, and out delivery furniture. Was a really good first job, taught me how to work.

Well actually watching my Mom work so many hours in her seamstress shop, that's where I learned the work long hard hours. She put in so much time to get a living for our family, Mom, my sister Joy, and I. We were really fortunate to have Mom work hard for us, she didn't really want kid's, but Dad did, so she did what was expected I'm thinking now. 

When they split, and we moved to Port Alberni, she could have just stayed on the welfare, but she was a worker, and wasn't about to get used to that. Wasn't long after we got our own apartment that she started sewing for others, and after awhile she opened a shop under the travel business that her friend and husband had, Turner Brothers travel. 

Yes, I believe that's where I got my giver from, she worked late sometimes till 12 midnight, after coming home, cooking dinner, a snooze, then back at it, when it was wedding dress, and grad dress time. 

After Wynans furniture, I went to Somass sawmill, working weekends, for really good $$$ I thought, $75 a day for Saturday's, so $150 for two days work, and it really wasn't work, I was an oiler, so was a breeze to do. 

Then after a couple years, and giving up school, I didn't work hard at that, I just never saw the importance in school, felt like was just practice, not really doing anything valuable. I then went to work for mars contracting, was a short stint, 2 days, just enough to know I didn't want to die, and that's what I believed was going to happen if I stayed there setting chokers, was literally "Run or Die!" I kinda valued my life, so outta there I was. Next I got lucky to know a foreman at Sproat lake division, an M& B operation, got on as cleanup in the shop, was a really good job I thought, decent $$ and lots of opportunities in the camp. 

Looking back now, by this time I'd learned to drive, learned how to take apart a car, transmission, rebuild it, a motor or two, and rebuild them, brakes, so many things I'd learned, things I don't do anymore, unless I'm in a pinch, then all the lessons I've learned come back to me. 

Fishing, camping, girls, getting married raising children, buying a house 🏡 or four, or five, then maintaining it, geez, I'm not even half way though, and so many lessons, now taught in school. Not that I didn't learn anything there, but the stuff the education system wanted me to learn wasn't ony radar. 

Yes, so much we all learn in our lives, and here I am still learning. Fantastic isn't it. I'm finishing this while Polly is watching Star wars, #3 she says. I say how great it was to spend time with our grandchildren going to Victoria, staying overnight, and seeing the movie at Tilicum theater, with the huge concave screen. We, Polly and I really enjoyed that fin time with our grandkids. 

Well, I gotta get up, and Go out and finish the project I have been working on now, before I get into this show and stay in my seat.

Learning is something that I believe keeps us motivated, interested, excited about what the day brings. 

We have been planning another trip, to Grande Prairie, be nice to see all our family and friends there, and along the way. Nice to have so many to spend time with. We are fortunate. 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Weekend train training was Great!

Take em to the "Train Station" has a Yellowstone sound to it, but today going to the train station was really interesting, not threatening, just great learning for me and a couple others. 

When I joined the Western Vancouver Island Industrial heritage society I had no desire to become a train 🚂 🚃 🚃 🚃 operator, but after a few days at the train station, I got asked if I wanted to attend training, and yup! Of course I said I'd go, learning always has been interesting, and the last 3 days have tested my mental abilities, and yep I passed, got my rail Rules card. Now a little on the job training, and I can do a few different Jobs that the train needs people for. 

My desire is shop work, but conducting be another interesting position. Not sure where this will lead, but I'm always up for new and interesting. Just meeting the people I did in training was Great. Corey our instructor, Tim, Madock, Nolan, and Richard, our RR representative for the industrial heritage society. Getting to know them all just a little better was really good.

Moms day today, Sunday was a good day, got a few flowers for Catherine & Paulette, her Memere from Taylor our granddaughter was good, first thing in the morning. The girl's at Quality foods really came through, I'd paied for the flowers the night before, they had them ready for me first thing in the morning, even though I'd asked for 9am by mistake. 

My head is still full of thoughts of train lingo, not something I'm used to. Tomorrow planters again, as that's something I'm well versed in. 

Polly had a great day too, many visits with friends and family, and messages from granddaughters made her day. Was a really good day for both of us. 

Watching hockey 🏒 tonight, L

Last Canadian team doing really good tonight 👍🏻, Montreal doing great. 

Sleep will come easy tonight 🤗

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Hot early this spring, we are not used to.

Weather is something we talk about often here on the coast, as is so variable. Lately we have had the best warm weather, yet still talking about it. Now I hear more saying "Sure need some rain." Or "Going to be a bad summer." & "Not enough snow pack on the mountain's." Best is "Sure is hot out." 

I laugh, I'm sure many more I've heard, just not coming to me right now. Me I'm just really enjoying the warm weather, although I hide from the heat in the day, open the doors and windows in the evening, and early morning both doors, get the chill happening. I love the early morning. ❤️ Quiet, cool, and light out early now, that's really nice. 

Today Sunday again, poof, there goes another week. Planters been my focus lately, but I have this Murphy bed that we picked up during the winter, I want to install it in our spare bedroom, although I'm worried it will be just too big when folded out, be nice fo company to have a decent bed to sleep in. 

I have a couple planters to finish today, and a trip to a friend's place to give an address planter as a house warming gift. Then Polly wants to go to Canadian Tire, get a few more plants. Later a birthday dinner for our grandson Jesse, 18 already. WOW, yep times flying by. 

Polly and I get to enjoy the early morning sun as it shines in between the blinds creating many different colours and shapes as we watch. The quiet of early Sunday morning is our gift I believe, nice to peck on this phone and enjoy the peace and quiet. 

Coffee ☕ is good, I've been up awhile now, chatting with Penny, and now a few other's, a morning ritual I love. Worked on train 🚂 flatdeck yesterday, getting it ready for the July 1st weekend at Harbour Quay, be a big celebration I'm sure, many community groups involved. I'm looking forward to a summer here, seeing all that we sometimes miss with travel. 

Dinner last night our first time eating out on our deck, shish kabobs on the BBQ, was great. Looking forward to more of this.

Then cards after, rummy 500, Polly was happy to beat me best outta 3 games. I let her win LoL 🤣 

Our sun coming in the window changing fast as the sun comes up. 

      Polly's wooden man looking bright 

Almost 8 now, second ☕ coffee, energy is building. 😄 Soon I'll be going out, and Polly will be making her Cake. 

We both loving this not so mobile life ❤️ 

April 28th A Day of Mourning for lives of workers that have died due to workplace injuries or diseases.

I'm up early today, I took time before I got up to think of this day, April 28th. I read an article about it yesterday. The thought of this day has meant much to me as I worked in an industry that has had many deaths due to injury on the job. Some have injury that changes their lives forever, and don't die, life altering accidents. 

Always I think of how fortunate I've been to have made it out of logging and saw milling alive, with all my limbs attached, and able to walk. I'm fortunate to have be able to make it to retirement. As I age some of the accidents I've had, the effects have caused limitations, but I'm still able to walk and talk, and think. 

I know it's a day of mourning the death's of people who were working, but I think often of the amount that don't die, that are different because of a workplace injuries. I'm sure there's an account of them, but we don't see that advertised. 

Injury that changes your life, yet you still have to go on, that's a real challenge. Not discounting the death's, just thinking of how many people are still alive, yet injury effects them the rest of their lives. 

I tried to get that information, I googled how many injuries, but even pointedly asking for injuries in BC in 2025 I got this,

 "According to WorkSafeBC, there were 138 work-related deaths documented in British Columbia in 2025. This includes 79 deaths from occupational diseases (such as asbestos exposure) and 41 from traumatic injuries. While this is a decrease from 146 in 2024 and 181 in 2022, it marks 138 lives lost, say CP24."

I'm going to look a little bit more, might have to call WCB, now called WorkSafe BC and get the answer. 

I've had my experience with them, not my favorite place to deal with. Not going to repeat my experiences, just that I believe this company is not what it pretends to be. 

Today I'll stop at 11am, a moment of silence, and think. About all the times I remember listening to the calls on the radio for radio silence, ya know there's been an "accident" someone is injured. Then the talk after, about what people thought, who died. Sad days when a father isn't coming home, or a child has been injured. Ya see young men and women are someone's child too. 

So many people are effected when an accident happens, it doesn't just cripple the person, it cripples all he or she knew in some way. 

Life goes on. For the person that died it's final, for those they leave it's difficult, but final as well. Those that are injured and have to go on, that's something I'm not sure gets the attention it should, yet here we are. 

I sigh, big breath and sigh. We used to assemble at the epitaph in front of our Union Hall, I remember doing that many times. This year I'm looking on line for the assembly today, nothing posted, and our Union Hall is closed down now. I see flag's will be lowered at City Hall, but no gathering as far as I can see. 

         Momentos from a time passed

I'm thinking now I'll go down to the next best place, the Western Vancouver Island Industrial heritage society building, our old arena building. A group of volunteers meet every morning of the working week, and I'm sure some on the weekends too, have a coffee, and a talk, then go about their own job for the day. Meeting with them is closest to going to work as I get now, talkin about work mostly, people we remember, accidents we would like to forget. 

Yep, that's what I'm going to do today, coffee and a visit with friends I've made after work. 

If ya read this, take a minute at 11am, it's worth a thought. Or better yet, come to the industrial heritage building and sign up, we could always use another member. Next best thing to working. 

Sure do love our retired Life ❤️

Some mornings are different, today was.

     My shadow shows my standing hair 

I woke this morning and layed there a bit as usual, thinking. Then somewhere in the thinking I realized my back wasn't sore as usual, at least not as sore as usual. I felt pretty darn good, so up I got right after I thought of Christopher for some reason, I'm not sure what exactly I thought about, but I do remember thinking I miss him. 

Up I got, and went about the day ahead, was 5:25 good sleep I said to myself, the day was getting bright already, nice to see the light so early. Polly is up now, her first move is to check her cake she'd made yesterday for our brother in laws birthday dinner tonight. "Yep, it's solid" was her comment, it's a cheese cake, so had to be refrigerated to become exactly as she was expecting.

 I find out now asking Polly what it was that was solid? "The lemon 🍋 curd" I understand now, Polly is concerned about keeping it cool while we travel to Qualicum Bay, as that's where we'll be going today for dinner with her sister and brother in law. Ice under the cheese cake, that's the answer. Now the conversation goes to "cooler, what size will we need?" I say I chuckle now, wording always funny between us. I say "the small cooler or the bigger small cooler?" Polly laugh's, wording LoL 🤣 

I say "will it fit in the small cooler, or do we need the medium cooler?" Change my words. After a little size check, I realized it would fit in the medium cooler, if the cooler was laying on it side. Done, ready now. 

I like to be prepared, not leaving it to last minute, then rush, just feels better knowing when we get ready we have a plan that works. 

Getting back to my thoughts this morning now, I made coffee ☕, and as I was drinking my first, watching reels on YouTube, I saw one with Robert Duvall in it, always liked him, so I watched it. Was about his truck engine quit on the road as he was traveling. I still haven't finished it, but got to a part where he was asking the mechanic as he sat in his shop, who the picture of a young man was in graduation 🎓 clothes. Mechanic said was his son. 

Well that got me for some reason, I just cried a little, missing him, remembering Chris in his graduation gear. I think it's funny how we work, but not the ha ha funny, just in a moment, with a thought, our grief comes back, just poof, just like that. I blame it on my allergies now as I write, so Polly doesn't get concerned. Then it goes away just as quickly. 

7:45 now, I have a planter to finish sanding this morning, man will come at 10am to pickup. I'm finding this building is good for me, keeps my mind busy, and I really like working with wood, just feels good seeing what I create. 

Anyway here we are, another Sunday morning, I shake my head, man the week's are just flying by. Busy is good, enjoying the moment, getting messages from our granddaughter's mostly, my daughter, and friends regularly makes me happy. Connection feels good, keeping up on the lives of friends and family is important too me.

I walked with a friend Chris yesterday early, was a good walk, short, my knee still hurts, but hopefully get it replaced with a new one not too far away. On our way home, we met a mutual friend Don, who's walking with a friend, he introduced him, but that name just didn't stick in my head. Anyway Don was just talking to this guy about me, and how I'm going to put my name in for City council. I happy to hear he's going about spreading the word, but I had to say to him I've been thinking about it, and not sure right now, as after going to a couple meetings, I realize it's a huge amount of time I'm going to have to commit to it. I'm questioning whether I'll be up for that much time? 

I can see he's a little disappointed, but "I really want to make sure, so I'll continue to go to the meetings, and see if I do make the solid commitment" I tell him. Not something I'd take lightly, so I want to be sure it's something I'll be able to do.

8am now, Sunday, should I start sanding now? I'm thinking I'll wait just a little longer, Sunday morning. Polly just saying to me " I can't get over how fast the weekend goes, Sunday already, they just go by so fast" I smile 😊 my thoughts too. 

I guess I'm finished for this entry, looking forward to a walk on the beach today, always love the feeling of walking on the warm sand, and the feeling of the water, even if cold, then the smells of the ocean. Be a nice day I'm sure. Polly says Lyn has promised a beer 🍺 for us, and a nice dinner. What more can ya hope for on a sunny 😎 Sunday, dinner, friends, and a walk on the beach with Polly ❤️

Sure do Love our life ❤️ 

Are we the sum of our experiences?

       Polly's Flowers from her garden 

Are we the sum of our experiences? I'm wondered this morning, "We" I say loosely, as I'm only going by my experience. I know what we have experienced is what makes us, but is there more? Do we examine our thoughts and change? Or do we just take the person we have developed into at its face value?

I'm not sure, as looking back at the person I am, and remembering the person I was at a young age, if I've changed, or just developed from that to this? 

I go hm now, a Short hmmm. LoL, you know what I'm talking about, just thinking am I changed because I intended to, or did it just happen? I'm not sure, but I'm happy with the person I've become, always something I can improve on I know, still I'm content, and still discovering me. 

Today after the last 8 months in our new to us home 🏡, changes, planting, grass cutting for the first time in years. Polly is so content to, out planting flowers she bought yesterday, Gladiolas and Shell flowers. Going to be beautiful I'm sure. 

I planted the two blue berry 🫐 🫐 bushes I bought awhile ago last night, our purchases are like our life, random, not a real plan, just something we liked, so we bought them, and planted them. 

Kinda like our thoughts, we take what we like as we see things, or hear things, then decide what fits for us, and what doesn't. Choice is what's important here, we have a choice. Looking at what I read about many places in our world 🌎 I think we are extremely fortunate to have not only choice, but freedom mostly to do what we want, well alot of what we want. 

The further north ya go, I believe the freeer we are, in that rules loosen the further north ya are. Although I'm quite happy here, after traveling as much as we did, gave us a really good look at what here is like compared to other places in North America, as well as other countries.  

Shayla just called, our granddaughter, her husband is about to make some changes at there New to them yard. Got an excavator there, and going to change things, we had a short talk, as she's busy, but nice to communicate with her, even just a short conversation, get to know what's up. 

This morning had a short conversation on messenger with my sister in law, know what's up with her day, and she ours.

Talked with Penny this morning quite a bit, understand what she's been up to. 

A message on Snapchat from our granddaughter Taylor, drinks out she shows, we hoping that'll change, but she's young. A message from our oldest grandson, he won at the casino! Polly of course interested in that 🎰, is one of her interests. 

Feeling like all ducks in a row 🦆 🦆 🦆 today. 12:20, and still sitting here, pecking on this phone. 😊

Off to visit a friend today that's had a tough time lately. 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Excellent day today, Excellent 👌🏻

Photos were available, but I didn't take them, instead I listened better than usual,  I still thought about the photo ops I saw, but I didn't take any. Well at least I thought I didn't, but surprise I did take a couple early in the day. 

I started today with the thought of going to the industrial heritage society building to ask what happens when people apply to be members. I learned there is a group that meets in the coffee ☕ room at 8am, before they start doing things that need attention in and around the building.

 Asking what happens once a membership is complete, I was told the person could come in and get busy doing many things, batteries is one that was brought up, cleaning up, as many shelves have been emptied due the a push to lighten the load of things that were here that we're extra, not needed. So what's left needs to go back on shelves, and much needed to be cleaned up. 

Also a train car that's being rebuilt, that needs loads of love I'm hearing, I didn't look at it this time, but I will. Another thing I heard was about the topper off the Ukrainian Church here in town. 

After I left I went around back to check it out. I'm still thinking about what this could be used for? Whoever built it did a wonderful job 👍🏻.

After I took Penny to her Dr appointment, then as she was going to be awhile I went for a walk around the dyke, something I hadn't done for awhile. I parked at Blair Park and started off walking past others that were about to take a walk too. After I got going and was passed by a few, a woman (Richelle I found out was her name) rolled up with her little dog ahead and her son in the stroller. We ended up walking together, talking about her dog, and how she has to give it back to her parents, as she's going to Powell river to house sit. 

We talked about her future plans, going to Costa Rica to pet sit for someone, she and her "daughter" (I found out my presumption was wrong) are real travelers. Richelle told me of this site that costs little and hooks ya up with others that are looking for petsitters, for this you get a house to stay in while you look about the new area you now live in for awhile. I'm interested, I joined it later in the day, after she sent me the link. 

I'm always amazed at just how quickly connecting can happen. Was a nice walk and talk we had, after I thought I was back at Blair Park I turned off, then realized after I walked down a paved trail I had turned off a little early. So after a few minutes about turn and as I approach the dyke trail again I saw a pic for guitar 🎸, bent over and picked it up, 

WOW was my thought, Black Sabbath! 

As I straighten up walking towards me was Bob Emde, what a surprise. We said our hi's and yak took up really easy, I worked with Bob setting chokers many moons ago, a really good guy. We walked and talked all the way past Blair Park, up to the bridge where he would turn off to a trail to his home up the street. 

Then we said goodbye a couple times, always something else to continue talking. Then out of the blue another good friend, Brian Chipman tapped me on my shoulder, WOW that was a surprise, I introduced the two of them and said, almost as announcement ho surprised I was meeting two of the best (I'm not sure how I said it exactly) but top quality people! 

Both really good people, was great to have a conversation with them both. I thought a photo, but resisted, as would have changed the moment. We all could have yaked for longer, but Bob was headed home, and Brian was continuing his walk around the dyke, so I joined him, checking my phone if Penny had messaged, but no. So off we went, Brian and I never at a loss for words. After much yak, and connecting again, we met another couple on the dyke right where I stopped to pickup the pic before, Brian was surprised as it had been along time since he had seen this couple, was a nice meeting, but I had to go, Penny called. 

Off I went, picked up Penny, and brought her home, she was ok to just go home today, not hanging out today. 

Off I went home myself. 

Polly had been busy getting our dinner ready, and cleaning up, happy I came in telling her of my meeting people, she's always joking that I'm making friends, "Oh do tell" she'll say as if she sarcasticly surprised 😂. Now I get a message from our granddaughter in Grande Prairie Alberta, "Hi, are you busy?" 

Well that was a really good message, never to busy for a yak with you, so I called and we had a long yak. Polly was just about to go out to get a few things she needed for dinner, so I talked with Taylor for awhile inside, then showed Taylor our flowers in the garden.  Then Polly came home, as I was about to show Taylor the planters, and my shop, she hadn't seen it before. 

Was a good conversation, I started on the assembly of the planters I've cut up already, so I took the phone in and Polly yaked with Taylor till her BF came home. Was nice to talk with her. 

I finished assembling the two boxes just as the rain came again, so closed the doors, and into the house for a little bit of leftovers, and a snooze. 

Didn't do much the rest of the day, but was really happy with my day yesterday, nice to have one that feels perfect. 

Hmm, after writing this I'm headed to another perfect day ahead, starting with coffee ☕ ☕ and finishing this blog. 

Life is good, sure do love our life ❤️ 

Decisions decisions 💭🤔

  Blood pressure pills seem to be working 

Sunday again, love early Sunday morning, I woke at 6 this morning, is 6:50 now, time doesn't slow down lately. Busy days, and TV at night. Yesterday I decided to give my shop a really good organization and sweep out the sawdust I've been making, was a bigger job than I thought it would be. 

Polly went with her sister to the inside garage/clothing sale, then to play a little Keno. I had a mission, so I didn't join them. I started early, so did Polly, cleaning and changing the sheets, all in order by noon. Off she went, and I continue the moving the wood that has been in my way out to a covered storage area in our yard. I just couldn't operate in that confined, stumble of a shop anymore. 

I'm thinking of continuing today, see what Polly has planned, if I do, things will get much better as I continue to make new things. 

I've been looking at these two branches I saved from the fire 🔥 this winter on a trip to Courtenay visiting friends. I got a couple pieces of wood given to me by my brother in law, one would make a really nice table top. With the Planters being on pause, I'll make something new I'm thinking. I looked at the possibility yesterday as I was moving things around, I'm not sure yet, but be nice to be creative. 

Coffee ☕ is ready, I plan a walk this morning too. I have not been walking lately, but today that's going to change. 

I'm quite comfortable here listening to the clock tick, and the coffee pot make the sounds it does as it heats, then stops over and over. So quiet. Outsidethe birds are so busy building nests, spring is a real treat, if ya take the time to enjoy it. 

Different walking here, at Arrowvale I was in and around the animals, and the forest. Here I start out in the town, but still not far from the forest. Just gotta go!

Belly is rumbling, coffee ☕ is calling, gotta go.

Sure do love a Sunday morning 🤗 

Love our life ❤️

Hurry hurry, Dr appointment in Duncan

And here I sit, rushed down to this office, filled out the 3 sheets of questions, back and front, ready for the Dr, at 11:30, now it's 12 and still I'm waiting. I'm guessing that's not too bad, considering it took over a year to get this appointment. Knee surgery is what I'm asking for, been a very sore knee for quite a few years now. 

My regular DR said wait till it wakes you up in the night before you start asking for a specialist. Well if I keep waiting, I'm going to be just sitting in a chair 🪑 all day. So I'm asking to see if I can get more mobile again. My walking has suffered the last few years, I can still walk, but often I pay for it when I do. 

A short walk slowly, not too bad, a little more speed, and longer and I'm going to be in pain for awhile, maybe a day or two. 

Oh well, just the way it is is what we all say, but is this how we should accept the system we have in place? I'm not sure that anything can be done, accept maybe become an athlete, too late for that, or a politician, they get good service, or rich so I can pay for the extra service. 

Are there other options? I just don't know it's now 12:10, still no call. I guess I'm just used to my regular DR, as almost always on time. 

Well I've looked at some new planters I can make, Mom on them will be something for Mother's Day, many options for this year. I wonder this year why it is a little slow getting orders for planters? It's just beginning, I'm sure people will be wanting them soon. 

Dinner out tonight with friends, watched a really good hockey 🏒 game with a friend last night, they won! Go Bulldogs! 🎉🎉 Polly went to the casino while I was at the game, Winner! 😁 The way she told me was fun to listen to, love her enthusiasm for the game's. 

Oh, hey there the Dr calling me in, Nice. Dr Popovic orthopedic surgeon, now a bunch more questions, then decision, want surgery or? I'm asking about length of time the pieces last, 25 Year's! Ahh that's great. Then I asked, if I say no now, will I still be able to get back in? No problem she says, just call and the secretary will give ya an appointment, or even a phone appointment if I choose. 

Fantastic, she answered all my questions, that feels good knowing I'm ok to wait till I'm sure I want the surgery. 

Ok now we take off back to Port, next decision, where to have lunch? I say Dog house, Polly says Alice's, so I set the gps, to find out how long, and on our way by, we decided the Hideaway, by Chemainus.  Lunch was good, fish & chips, Polly paid, and off we went home. Another day done almost, except for dinner now. 

Retired and Dr appointment, kinda go together 😂

We were on the road again, for awhile 🤗

Love our life ❤️ 

Easter Sunday morning 🐰

             Polly's memorial garden 

I wonder how Easter got associated with Bunny's and egg's? I see my grandson went to see a bunny that was set-up like Santa visit. I got a video of this, he was kinda uneasy about it at first, I would have been too seeing a 6 foot bunny sitting waiting for ya 😳 to come sit beside him. 

Today I'm quite content to sit and enjoy my coffee ☕ and peck on this phone - computer - camera I'm holding. 

I was surprised a little seeing my daughter still buying candy gifts for her son's as they are young men now, 17 & 19, just seemed way past my expectations to still get Easter baskets. I'm not sure there is a exact time that ya stop, but I kinda thought in early teens. 

Still is nice to get a gift I'm sure. Today we'll go for another Easter dinner, had one on Friday at Polly's brothers house, our sister in law made a really nice dinner, turkey and ham, with everyone bringing something different. Made for a real good time. Was a fun time alright, 16 were expected, but 2 didn't show. Still was a nice dinner, and 2 young children with and adult that acts like a child sometimes made for fun time's. 

Dan has some really nice cars, so got to show my other brother in law Danny his cars, he really liked seeing them, and his shop. 

Just got a call from our granddaughter Taylor, it's her birthday 🎂 today, she's calling to say thanks for $ for her birthday, we like to send $ rather than a present 🎁. Much easier, and they can choose their present then. Had a nice visit with her, and Polly got up too so was nice to hear from her. 

Her brother Jayden has a birthday tomorrow, born a day apart, three years apart. Wow, I'm just thinking how fast that time went, from being young children to now, young adults, on their own, working and living on their own. Seems such a short time ago 🤗. 

Polly is now looking at a new vacuum, tired of the one we have she's said, "going to get another one". Amazon is where she's searching, "Yep! This is the one!" "Different colours" I hear her mumble, I'm guessing I'm going to have to order today. "Finally had enough of this old one" Polly says. Okay, whatever keeps ya happy 😊 I say. 

And in an instant, we can tap away on the phone, and in a couple days a box will arrive with her new machine. "So did ya order it?" I ask. "No I didn't, I don't know how to do that." Guess I gotta show her, but good for her to know. "Nope, u order, I don't have an account." is Pollys response. So I did. 

Today we will plant the flowers I bought yesterday, just starting Polly off, more to come I'm sure. I built a fence or trellis that has flower boxes on it, for Pollys memorial garden she's making for Chris, Memere and Pepere, her Mom and Dad. It looks good now with all the flowers Polly planted last fall, now coming up, but she wanted a backstop kinda fence, so that's what she got. Today we'll plant the boxes. 

I got a couple grape/blueberry plants too,

be interesting seeing these come to fruitation. Life in a not so mobile home 🏡 is giving us another shot at gardening. 

Always change in our lives, 

Love our life ❤️ 

Sunday morning once again 🤗

Love Sundays ❤️ as it's the day many take off to reflect on the week past. Some cut their lawn, do their shopping, visit friends or family, or take a hike on a unusual trail, or a drive to another place, beach, or park. Some go to church. Today I'm not sure what we'll do yet, how we decide when no sure plans have been made is left to the morning getup, and what we talk about. 

A drive now with gas and for us diesel prices makes us think just a little more about the trip. Buying another car & possibly selling Rambo has been on our minds lately, but Polly said, "let's just wait a year, see how things go, see if we decide to get another camping trailer, just wait, maybe buy a small car." I agreed, so am looking at cars, and not sure what will be our new vehicle. 

6:40 now, coffee ☕ is ready, was a late night for us, we went to a birthday party Ivan turned 39 again, 🥳 🎉 then a dance last night, was fun to dance for a change, been a long time since we really danced as much as we did, knee told me so this morning. Was fun, meeting people we hadn't seen for a long time, and seeing others from a distance, a wave 👋🏻 was nice, I didn't feel I had to talk with everyone. Beaver Creek Hall is along way from town, but was a good time had by many. 

I made a sign yesterday in the back of the Santa I'd made for Christmas, was a spring sign, one welcoming the 🌞 celebrating the beginning of warmer weather. I used all acrilic paint, except for the black on the eyes, I didn't have any acrilic so I use this other one that washed away in the rain last night, so a redo is in order today. I wanted to make some changes anyway. Was fun to paint again. 

I made a birdhouse for Ivan, thought he could use it at his camp in the summer,
they go to the same place every summer, a beautiful campground on the inlet, not too far from town. Well have to go visit him and Wendy this summer for sure. 

I'm not sure what I'll make next, I also have a bed that folds up that I have to make a decision on, do I cut it up and use it in my shop as a bench, or do I try to reassemble it to use in our spare room? It's been sitting in our sunroom awhile now, gotta decide soon. 

I have a bad habit of collecting things and saying I'll deal with it later, well later can take a long time, and things start piling up, so this I'll deal with this week for sure. I want to get our sun room ready for our sunny mornings, not a storage room. For now I'm going to get a coffee ☕, and read a little of the news about our world, then hopefully Polly will get up, and our day will develop. 

Yep, sure do love our life ❤️ 

Why do I cry when people win against evil?

Watching Equalizer 3 again at the end I teared up, and wondered why? I know, I'm not surprised, just wondering what triggers it? We all want to win, have the good guys win, and even though I know it's just a show, I'm completely absorbed in it. I'm hoping that the good will overcome, and whenever it does I'm overcome with a feeling of? Happy, peace, righteous, just feeling the good won! 

Looking at the story, it ended with the bad guys getting killed, But! There were more, and in one scene the head bad guy says if it wasn't me selling the drug's somebody else would. 

Making me think he's right, as looking about in this world the war on drugs as it was called has not changed things, drugs are even more available now than before. No matter how many people get arrested, or how much of the drug's have been taken away, the street always seems to be full of what people want. 

So the feeling of the good guy wins is temporary, as the bad seems to win overall, as another steps up to take there place if one falls. 

Delema is what to do? What to believe? What's good? What's bad? Who's to determine that? 

We all have a moral code, not all the same, but our own code to live by.

Criminal behavior is operating on there own moral code, I'm not sure what that is, but I'm sure it's not mine. 

Reading what's happening in our world now I'm always thinking with my moral code. Others in this world are operating with their own moral code, criminal? Not that the laws, or the lawyer's or politicians are labeled as criminals, in their minds they are performing under their own moral code. 

Mostly I try not to think about it too much, but I do just the same. 

Hope is what we have to hang onto, hope that it will be ok in awhile, maybe next week, next month, next year! Hope is really how we endure this bazaar time in our life. 

What can we do? Write ✍🏻 a letter, speak to you representative? Buy this, don't buy that, exercise restraint. Travel less, spend less. Us right now, we are enjoying this moment in time, our retirement that is closer to home. Worry is a waste of the moment, so just for today I'm quite content to watch a good movie, call our good friends, and sit beside my Love, even as I write she's watching another cooking show 😛, to my benefit. 

             Just had to eat the last piece 

Love our life ❤️ 

Patient's. No not in hospital, in me!

Sometimes I have patience, most times but when I fired up my laptop today I found myself wanting it to be as fast as my phone. I realized it's just not from the same era, made at a different time, in a different way. My patients in time gave me opportunity to check out what I had on my computer that I'd forgotten. 

I tapped into my memory of time's gone by, so many great memories. Starting with memories of our sons photos, then cabin photos, and friends, and videos I made on July 1st, at Saratoga Beach with Americo & Claudette ❤️. Yep a lot of great memories, even a huge file of Africa memories, that was a good look at how beautiful that trip was, and the memory of just how I was feeling after Chris's funeral, as it was just a month before we went to Africa, a very tender time for Polly and I. 

Patient's was rewarded today, still so much different with a laptop vs the ease of clicking on the screen of my phone. 

Last week Polly & I watched a few videos on DVD that I'd recorded on our video camera many years ago, when our grandchildren were younger. Was fun to see and remember when our grandchildren were so young, and the fun time's we had with them. We are both really happy with the time's we took to enjoy their youth, happy to have not only a memory, as well as video to watch to remember. 

I've always loved photos, and video fits right in too. I learned that just taking a video wasn't like making a movie, as to make it interesting and watchable for others, ya have to edit it, get the interesting parts, and delete the less interesting parts. As the one taking most of the video, I can watch most all of it, but others, not so much. 

I don't have to show them off, just enjoy them myself, with Polly, but a few I'll bring out for the kids to watch as they will get a chance to see themselves when young, be fun to watch them watch themselves and others in the family. 

Some of the DVD's don't play, so I'm going to try another DVD player, see if I can get them working. One really special one I want to get working, I remember the time we really want to show our granddaughter Shayla, as well as others. There was a time when we had Shayla and Jayden for over a month when Catherine was injured. That was a really special time for us being so close with them, daily enjoying the daily fun we'd had together. 

Nice to have some recorded, that we can see with them now. 

Rain is persistent today, going to be staying close to home today, I know I won't melt, but not wanting to go out in it. 

I worked at getting my little shop just a little more organized the last few days, trying to get a for sure plan of how I'll lay out the best way for the work to flow. Just so much in it, hard to decide where everything will Go. Maybe today be the day it gets done? That's if I don't go building something else 🤣. 

Friends to visit this afternoon, dinner out tomorrow, another birthday 🎂 to celebrate 🥳, Saturday a dance, and another birthday celebration 🎉 🎉 🎉. 

Busy is good, 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

Sunday morning, early spring now 🌞

Snow/rain forecast, I'm thinking be warming up, and the rain is a coming. Had the best sunny day yesterday, building a couple more planters, installed 5 planters I made on a neighbours deck. Good productive day I say. Polly went to Parksville with Lyn, of course a little shopping, and a trip to the pub for a Keno possibility, they do enjoy there time together ❣️ I got to enjoy my time building. 

We all have our own interests, whatever turns your? Or another is whatever floats your boat! Me I like working with wood, and just enjoying this in my retirement is perfect for me. I also enjoy writing here, well pecking on this phone computer camera, LoL who ever thought we'd have so much power in the palm of our hand? 

Polly gets me a coffee ☕, and on her way said to the little box we got from our grandson Jesse, "Google Play 70s music" 🎶 🎵 and it does. Amazing I think that we can order something to do what ya want with a verbal order. 

Mmm  😋 ☕ coffee is good this morning, I just had to turn the music down a bit, "Hey Google, turn down 10%" and it does. Life is good, even with all the pains and creeking and older body has. Long cool woman in a black dress just came on, yep great way to start our Sunday. 9am now, no solid plans today, dinner at Penny's is cancelled, Jet's got a cold, so doesn't want us infected. 

I'm sure I'm going to get into my shop for awhile as I stuck lots of wood in there yesterday to dry out a little, the black I need to paint the trim with needs dry wood to stick properly. Thinking back to the last few days, I've been busy in a good way, weather has cooperated, tee shirt 👕 weather. Content to sit this morning though and peck here a bit.

We have been thinking of what we'll get as a camper for our summer, and travel, just not sure what'll work best for us. Polly a definite no to a camper, small pull trailer be just a little too small, started looking at small fifth wheel trailer I'm thinking this be best, then keep Rambo. We did talk about a van for sleeping in, but no toilet be no good for us. Anyway no decision yet, mind that's kinda how we roll, a little talk, a little research, then a little more yak. 

Well come to terms with it in the future, till then we keep thinking, keep looking. We have been asked many times now if we miss travel, if we miss our trailer and way of life. Sometimes we do but mostly we're very happy with our new home, all around just very happy and surprised how quickly it all came to pass. Content is how I'd describe it. 

Now the order from Polly "Hey Google shut down" and the TV goes on. I LoL a little as a program gets picked now, Polly is very good at the remote. I'll be heading out to the shop pretty soon, not to interested in the TV early in the day. 

Yup Sunday morning 

Sure do love our life ❤️ 

How do you write after the loss.

Watched the wizard of Oz last night, sure was fun to see again, been so many years since we had seen it. So much we never noticed when we last saw it. 🧙🏻‍♀️🧹

Woke this morning to Polly coming back to bed, tied, 1-0 for USA she said. Our feed was buggerd she said. Both of us have colds, I took a pill when I was awake at 2 am, Polly stayed up, she was awake at 1:30, it's taking it's toll on us. Anyway, now I couldn't go back to sleep, so up I get and get the TV back on line, and now 1-1 tie 2nd period ends. 

Polly says she's done, staying in bed, I'm watching the 3rd now. Great play, but no goals so off to OT. Didn't turn out in our favor. Darn I say in other words, was expecting a different outcome. Oh well, someone has to loose, even though I'm not really alright with it. 

So now what? Watching a few videos, then to a series we were told about by our granddaughter, maybe that'll take the sting out. I think it's day 5 for me, Polly just getting to her worse day, cold always an unwelcome hack, hack, feeling. I always say, oh! I'm feeling better today, well let's hope this time it's true. Polly have another couple days before she's better. Just something we have to go through once in awhile. Been a long time since we've had one, and many have had it in town this year. So our turn.

I made 4 planters this week, but have no desire to make more yet, early in the year. I'll get energy again sometime, just coasting right now. We have watched a lot of TV this winter, different when we stay put, not traveling as before. We did have a busy weekend last weekend, was nice to see everyone on Sunday, people we don't get to see often, Friday and Saturday, birthday and a dinner/concert dance in town visited with many here in Port too, made for a busy weekend. 

Had to turn down a dinner invite yesterday and and couple birthdays, oh well can't go when not feeling well. Today we are starting a new series Mayor of Kingstown, Taylor Sheridan I see again, man how many series has he written?

Well so far seems like a good interesting show, will see as it goes. 

Sunday morning rains, weather has changed now, warmer & even with the rain ☔ is appreciated. On to a movie instead, Grace & Goliath, is a fun movie 🍿. 

Even when we're sick 

Love our life ❤️ 

I gotta cold, watching Canadian team play.

As the second period ends, Crosby is off injured, game is 2-2. I'm saying team has to step it up! As the commentors talk about how big a deal it is having Crosby put out of the game, Czech's really pounded him. Polly goes to "Is Crosby married?" I'm like 😜 "what's that got to do with Crosby being outta the game?" We catter about it, me saying "if she was a trainer giving him some attention, then I'd understand, but I don't get the switch being" "I wonder if he's married? 

Well between periods I learned Crosby and his GF been together 20 years, she's a sports illustrated model, now we know. I know we think differently, that's something I already knew, but in this case I was just learning again just how different we think. 

Polly is more competitive that I am, so she's more invested in the game, yet we both want our Canadian team to win. I just laugh at how different we think about the same game. I have a man cold, maybe that's why I'm not thinking about correctly. 

That's always a joke, "man cold" but I gotta say, feeling really shitty making my thoughts different I believe. Along with all the other stuff I gotta deal with getting older, that just compounds it. Good thing our teams performing good 👍🏻, but so are the Czech's. 

Nervous now, feeling like the game between Canada and USA already predetermined, but we have to win this one. 

On another matter, Rambo went to the transmission shop yesterday, I think the whining underneath has been truly diagnosed, is the overdrive unit on the back end of the transmission that's got problems. Steve didn't have the tools to be able to take this apart, so we've decided to trust the job to B&A transmission. A busy shop, but expect to get to it this week. Be nice to have all good again. 

Ok games back on, Polly watching the baby she calls him #17 Celebrini, young player making a name for himself during this Olympics. Polly's armchair coaching is getting really animated as the time starts running close, "ohh no, ooohhh no" Polly saying "big trouble!" Czechia score's😜

Ok now "Go go go, don't stop!" The armchair coaching gets very aggressive. 

As I'm replying to a message from a friend, wohoooo! Polly screaming, leg's flopping up and down, she's really into the game now, I am but Polly is really on it! 

Great way to spend our morning, hockey 🏒 game Canada back in it, 3-3 now. Polly full coaching now, "where is the little 19year old, let him score the goal!" 

I got say excited she is, good game alright. A breakaway, and a save, "good boy" Polly says, yep fully invested now. 

I'm going to watch, oops, period ends now, or coming up. I'm going to cut it off now, watch the other period, hoping that Canada will win, as I listen to Polly coach them to the win we're hoping for! 🇨🇦🏒

Go Canada!

Love our life ❤️ 

Sunday travel day. Hockey 🏒 day too.

                            6-1 

A little sore today as I woke, back just not as I'd like it, sitting last night at the Elton John performance got to me. Was a fun evening, with friends, dinner was great, the performance was good too, after he got the equipment to perform properly. Best part being with friends Don and Bev Lloyd, along with their family. Lyn and Andrew came too, made for a really good evening. 

I think the planters I was making yesterday helped me make my back sore too, standing too much. Sometimes I just don't have patience for my limitations, just wanna do what I want without having to adjust for my limitations. Thinking about it now, I'm freaking lucky I can do what I can do. 

Enough of the bitchin, today we travel to Courtenay for a fire 🔥 on the beach with friends there, or best friends are busy with their grandsons birthday 🎂, so they won't be there this time, but the rest we look forward to seeing. Not a long distance, but the travel we both look forward to, sometimes I miss the getting out on the road we have been used to with our trailer behind. 

This time will be travel in our friends van, as Rambo still not repaired, got to go to the transmission shop tomorrow, overdrive unit I'm told is the problem. Gotta get it right this time 👍🏻 not always sure what's making the noise. 

This morning the Olympic hockey 🏒 game is our start, thanks to Steve reminding me. Canada vs France. We really haven't watched much yet, but since I started watching the curling as my grandson was interested, got me seeing the big call by a swedish team calling the Canadian team cheater's. That's a huge deal, big story this morning I read. Who ever thought I'd be following curling. That's life, surprise around the corner, just never know. 

Today's hockey game I believe is determined, Canada will win, the game that really is a test is Canada vs USA. No Russian team's this round of the Olympics, I'm still in awe of this, a war that continues while we watch Olympics on TV. I shake my head as I can't really believe how odd our world is. We are so fortunate to be where we are, and enjoying all the benefits we have access to.

3-1 for Canada now, not a wipeout, Suzuki hits the post, Polly says "Ahh, ya heard that hey!" Polly plays her game on her tablet, and deal's out her play by play🏒🤣

4-1 now, yep going to be big score. Funny how we expect our team to win. Nice to have a really good team to cheer for. 

Well that's our plan today, will travel to Victoria on Wednesday, visit a friend there in hospital. Then next week to Chemainus for another Dr checkup. The life of a person who stays put now, I wonder if this will change? I was looking at trips to Thailand the other day, Polly got excited, I'm thinking we will wait till the fall, be our next big trip. Who knows where we'll end up? Kinda nice to have a surprise every once in awhile. 

Goalie is down now, new blade, amazing, just pop in a new blade, and back to goal tending. Things really have changed. 

Gotta get ready now, lucky us today, OMG, a penalty shot now 😯. He score's with his parents on camera watching. Celebrini, scores, now Crosby scores, yep going to be a wipeout. Crosby setting a record. 

Travel day, 

Sure do love our life ❤️