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 ❤️