How do we support each other?

Friends support each other by caring enough to ask "How ya doin?" Often we say "Da ya need a hand?" or "What's up?" 

or "Wazzzz up!" This has been my experience with friends, and neighbors are friends too, right next door in RV parks most everyone is a neighbor, and many are friends. Often if ya have a problem with something, someone else has had that happen before, so ask around and likely your problem gets solved, either someone comes to help, or you go help someone else. Just the way it is. Period.

YouTube has helped us too, as many things that need fixing have a video fix already made there, and I'm learning to look there before tackling things, we'll sometimes 🤔

Yesterday, well Sunday before we went out for a visit I decided to take the microwave down to install a piece of trim that fell of while we were traveling across the southern USA. I said to Polly I'd do this when we returned, and after trying to install the trim with the microwave still in place, I realized I was going to have to take it out. Did I look on YouTube? Nope, I just decided to take this molding off, then that piece, then here there's what's holding it in, 4 screw's! 

So take out 2 then call Polly, "here hold this while I get these last couple out." "Well that was freaking heavy" Polly said as she held the microwave, as I quickly put the drill down and helped her. We got it placed on the stove, and then to the counter before I had to shower and get going for our visit with a friend. I know, not exactly how I shoulda done it, but sometimes my energy comes, and I have to work with it, as that's just me.

I got the molding reinstalled on the microwave, not how it is supposed to be, as the two tabs that it was attached by were both broken off, but I've learned many times, more ways to "giter done" than the way it was before. Polly helped me reinstall it, and it was heavy, but once supported by the bracket on the wall, and I helped her hold it till I got a couple screws it it, all went well. Polly is very happy, all polished up now, then she said "now I'm going to have to clean the oven! That'll be a big job" I agreed, but didn't offer to help 😆

What I started out with is the fact that we all help each other in life, really, we try to support each other as best we can, everyone in a different way, yet we care enough to help our friends and neighbors. 

Countries generally do the same across the country, help each province, or state, depending on how your countries divisions is labeled. 

My concern, as many of us have now is that instead of trying to help each other right now, countries are putting up barriers blocking each other, not helping each other. This really doesn't make sense to me. Just thinking if I was beside another RV neighbor, and they were struggling to get something out of, or into their trailer, I'd go give them a hand ✋ ✋ or two, I wouldn't put my truck in the way so they couldn't get it in or out! 

I might be oversimplifying this situation we are in right now, but geezz, I think the powers that be in our world 🌍 are loosing it! I shake my head daily thinking how we are really nailing a coffin ⚰️ shut by not helping each other, instead standing in each other's way. 

What can I do? How can I make a change in the direction our countries are going? Election, that's what's next for Canada. Will that change things for the better? 🤔 

I'm not sure, actually I'm not sure of much nowadays, so mostly I watch and wonder what's next? 

Then I go about my own stuff that has to be done, shaking my head as I go. 

Today I'm going to finish setting up my little tent,

so I can place my tools, 

then start on the few projects Polly wants me to do. Then I'll be on starting on a few others, and then more. This is something I can do, Oh and shake my head as I go, watching countries pretending they don't need each other, as many people in the countries believe they do need each other.  

How does the saying go, do to other's as you'd have done to you. Hmm, I wonder what's next? As always I'm hoping for better, will see what comes.

Love our life ❤️ even when unsure 🫤 

10 days already Crofton now Port Alberni

Syopped at a favorite beach on way home from Courtenay

Boy that went fast, visiting many friends and family so far, been really nice. Working on getting my shed up, placing the pallets for the floor, and bolting the braces together was tough on this older body, a long with moving all the wood here. All is stored away now, sheds weather proof, now to setup the tools, and make the benches solid. Feeling like it was a big job now. 

      Had another visit with Shayla too

Been really a busy time, love it, we both enjoyed all the visitors here and in Crofton. Tomorrow I go to the loggers meeting at the industrial heritage society be good I'm sure. I have only been in the building once since it's been the Industrial heritage society, so looking forward to seeing inside, a long with all the working friends from many years in the industry. 

Went and signed our tax return today, was ready last Tuesday, but our busy life didn't allow us to get there till today, well along with our forgetfulness 😄  getting a few $$ back be nice, going to need it seeing everything going up in price every day now. 

Polly just brought our the cheezies, nice to have Hawkins, as only in Canada. I've noticed more flag's, Canadian flags around now than ever before, sticking out of car door's, and on the front of house's, the box of a truck, just many more. The economic attack on Canada has brought out some nationalistic people that never felt they had to do this before. It's interesting what it takes to have people feel threatened, and wanting to pull together. 

In Canada really not boasting about our Canadian ness, now though it seems the thing to do, buy Canadian is the way now, well at least as much as we can. I'm hoping this will change for the better soon, but right now it's looking like More is coming. 

Well the cheezies taste good 😆

Soon it will be Easter 🐰🐣, then next May Long weekend, then summer will come. It all happens fast, so we plan now for the times we'll be tubing down the river, and swimming in the lake, as we did today with Dax. Was nice to make plans ahead, he's got plans for concerts he wants to go to as well. Boy's growing up alright. 

Took Jet home yesterday, he talked so much that Polly said when he got out of the truck in Courtenay that she had never had such a fast trip to Courtenay, he kept us listening steady to his plans, and his problems, all his life, was really good 👍. 

Been a really good 10 days, sure went fast!

Looking forward to more as the week's fold into months. Our 5 months here are going to go by fast I'm sure, but will be much fun. 

Love our life ❤️ wherever we are.

10 years since we started, and here we are again at Osborne Bay RV resort.

        5am this morning Crofton view

Our trip over to our Island was quick yesterday, our discussion was varried, so much emotion coming back to the island, and going to the place we started out from 10 years ago Osborne Bay RV resort. This was something we didn't plan as much as we just had a little extra time, and a Dr appointment on Wednesday that I didn't want to drive here again after driving up to Port Alberni. Mmm 😋 coffee ☕ is really good this morning, water makes a difference. 

As we approached the island driving through California then Oregon then Washington States, our plans developed. Polly came up with the idea of going here, as is central to people we'd like to visit as well as the Dr I have to see on Wednesday. 

Anyway driving here from our last truck stop we stayed our last night in USA was really nice, as soon as we made the turn off I-5 onto highway 101 Polly was ecstatic! I looked it up to spell it correctly (feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement.) yep that's exactly how Polly was feeling, she described it to me something like that. 

Me I was all about the look as we drove, we have been this route many times over the years, it's a preamble to getting back to the island, and very similar to the island, some narrow roads, and bridges, tall wonderful trees, Douglas fir mostly, until you get next to a river or creek, then maple or alder, tall and bare although some had started to grow there leaves already. 

Spring time, what a great time to return. We only stopped to take a pee, and take our coats off, too warm now. The day changed as we drove, from a wet road, to a dry one, and from clouds to the most beautiful sunny day, perfect for our return ❤️ I can't really put down here how emotional this time was as we drove past places we said, I remember this, I really like that, we should stop there sometime when we aren't putting the trailer. Yep, from the junction to Port Angeles ferry we had so many memories, was really kinda overwhelming, comfortable feeling. 

Coming back home 🏡 I'd say the feeling was, and yet we weren't there yet, but the surroundings were so much like home. I said at one point "I could live here" as the places were so similar. When we arrived in Port Angeles, as we drove through we had memories of going to crabfest, and staying up late, drinking too much, and talking till too late in the night. We have had some fun times here. 

We landed at the ferry dock, the young guy waved us right in, asks for our passports, looks gives them back, then measured our rig, 50' was the determination, hands me a ticket saying "after you park, just go to this office and pay, go into lane 7". Hmm I think now, lucky #7. That's the day Colton was born, Polly always says "he was born on the seventh day of the seventh month he's our seventh grandchild". Lucky us 🤞 🍀 

Well that's good, so off we went and did as he said, the weather was warm, we didn't need jackets, so we locked the truck and trailer, & headed to the office to pay. Polly was paying this time, as I left my credit 💳 card at the gas station before our last stop, was a different way, the woman said just leave your card, fill and pay after. Of course I forgot to get the card back, I remembered when we stopped at the truck stop, so that night while I was eating my A&W fries and burger, I was also on the phone to Visa, canceling my card, and getting another sent to our address in Port Alberni. No extra charges were on it👍

Anyway after Polly paid, was foreign for her to pay for the ferry, but as I said, I had no credit card now, so Polly was on the hook 😁

Our trip across was great, talking with our granddaughter Shayla, will see her today I'm sure. 

Off loaded & going through the boarder took a little time, but once we were at the kiosk they sat in, the woman had few questions, then wished us safe travels, and off we went. Heading through Victoria was a little bumpy on Douglas St, but all went well, and soon at Goldstream, then Malahat, then Duncan, then here we are in Crofton.

I can hear the cars loading or unloading from the ferry now, we are right close to the Saltspring Island ferry loading dock here in Crofton, it look a bit to think what the sound was. Getting light out now too I noticed as I looked towards the sound of the cars loading.

I decided time for a walk about here, been a long time since I enjoyed this walkway. Fresh coffee ☕ in hand I walked to the right, naturally as that's to the beach, and the really nice walkway. Nobody out yet, just duck's and other birds and the sun just started peeking through. 

         I'd forgotten how wide this was.

The walk was similar to my memories, just a little riprap added by the beach, my thoughts were darn, that's not like I remember, but after looking, it wasn't much, and what will it matter when the tides down. 

The sand was so soft, that I didn't remember either, I've spent much time here, walking this beach, all the way down till I couldn't anymore, and back again. Beautiful place to spend time at again, I'm looking forward to a beach walk this afternoon with our granddaughter Shayla and her fiance Carl, also Pyper their pup. See how the weather holds? Getting foggy out now. 

        Sure going to enjoy this view 😊

Polly is up now, ferry leaving with a big blast woke her up in a start she said. 

We had a nice dinner last night at the Bell 🔔, was exactly as we remembered, felt great. Met our neighbors we are camped beside there, getting Keno tickets was in order, no big wins, still Polly was really happy to play again. 

How quickly we fall back to our remembered ways, feeling so comfortable here, except for the cool start 🥶 brrr. I might have to dig out one of my warmer coats🧥. 

Fog is lifting a little now, hope to see some clearing later. Still, sure feels nice to be back in BC, will get even more comfortable when in Port Alberni at Arrowvale ❤️

Love our life ❤️ we do.

Politics, the most pushed ad on my FB!

Lately I've noticed that my FB has been so many faces and opinions about the politics of many nations, Canada is just one! I scrolled past many, but always one or two faces that get my attention. Today I'm changing that, my views are mine, and I'm not stopping at the BS anymore, just flick by is my new attitude. 

We made it to Port Angeles just an hour or so ago, enough time to have a great lunch at a bistro close to the water, with the best hosts, they have olive oil tasting and balsamic too. Was a really good experience, Polly learned about the health benefits of this, while I walked across the street together a coffee for meand a chi tea for Polly. 

I'm not much for the keep me healthy stuff too much, but the sandwich and the chips were great, along with the coffee Mmm 😋.  Now after a short walk back to the boat, sunny day and so darn quiet, water is calm, expecting a really nice ride across to Victoria. 

Back to our Island, staying a few nights in Crofton, at Osborne Bay RV Park and enjoy friends and views we remember from when we started our travels. The Bell pub tonight for dinner be nice, and just the views from our trailer as we have a site close to the water. 

I remember our start, we lived here for almost 5 months before we headed out on our first round north America trip. 25,000 Miles our first trip, sure was a beauty. Now looking back as we've completed that kinda trip 3 times, all a little different, all really enjoyable. We've seen so much, people places and made so many friends in so many places. Sure been a great run.

Today Polly and I started the conversation about what's next? As we believe we likely will not be going south this next year, so what now? What else do we want to do? Buy a property? A mobile home? An apartment? Or move to another place? 

We aren't sure, but we started the conversation of what's next about 2 years before retirement, so I'm thinking this be about the same, not a decision we have to make now, just thinking about what's next? 

Today what's next is Osborne Bay RV Park, and visiting with friends south island. I'm sure I'll get a walk on the beach in there, always loved that place. 

Passengers have started to load, a few minutes and we go too. I'm full this time, guess I'm not having the clam chowder I was hoping to have on the boat. 😦

Island life here we come ❤️

Sure love our life ❤️

Traveling faster then expected this time.

Home 🏡 is a draw that ya just don't know till you start the trip home, how it'll go. Today we are in Oregon, at Seven Feather's casino parking lot, we both donated last night, as usual to help the casino pay for the parking lot they let us stay in. 

We drove through the wildest rainstorm yesterday as we started up the sisqu mountain pass, Polly said she couldn't see the road, I could so we continued, only about 5-10 minutes of the heaviest rain I've ever been in. Road turns into a river instantly. Some people pulled over, but we kept truckin up the hill towards the sunny side of the hill, up top was like a different place, wind, but no rain there. 

Grants pass was a different story, it started raining about halfway along, and continued till we went into the casino. 

On our way out, was like a different place again, no rain, and this morning so far no rain. I do remember spring on the coast, and am prepared for this, but when traveling from so warm to shower and cold, It is a shocker. 

Pants today, I knew that would happen too, but till yesterday short's. 

One more long drive today, then a quick hop onto the ferry ⛴️ tomorrow and we be back on the island. Stay at Osborne Bay RV resort a couple nights, got an appointment in Duncan on Wednesday, get a few visits in over next couple days. 

We parked in the same place as many times before, away from the majority of the cars, and bedroom slide out away from the highway. Made for a decent sleep 😴 

Well Polly has finished her wrapping up the trailer, so off to get fuel ⛽, then On the Road again!

Sure do love our Life ❤️

Rooster 🐓 crows at 4:30am & I laugh.

I'd almost forgotten the rooster 🐓, till this morning waking early, got up at 4:22, couldn't sleep anymore. Made coffee ☕, then sat down to peck away on this phone, looking at FB. Then a familiar sound came in the distance, I chuckled, rooster you sound good. 

I'm thinking that's because it's like being back at Arrowvale already, yet here we are in Barstow, California on our way home. 

We have had a really good year, traveled across Canada, visiting with many friends and family as we went, then a tour of the East Coast of USA through Boston, New York, Virginia, Myrtle Beach, & Port Canaveral on our way to Crooked Hook RV resort. After a really great winter there, meeting new friends, and seeing others we remembered from 2 years ago, we traveled across the South till we got to Yuma, where we visited our friends there, took a cruise, and played cards again in the famous Fortuna Poker room. 

Sure was a good trip, so many really good people we have in our lives, friends and family at every stop, and when we stop in a place where we don't know anybody, darn it doesn't take but a day, and we've met someone. 

Connection can happen in just a few moments, a few words, and a feeling, I like this person is what happens, and off ya go from there, talking and getting to know each other. 

I looked outside just now as I wrote, and the geese are flying over, heading to there place for the day, sun will be up soon. 6:13 now, sky's getting light.

I went out for a better look, going to be a beautiful day. Saw the dog that guards the park out, he looked at me I at him, then he walked back into his home, I hear him out now barking at something or someone. 

I'm at the end of another cold, cough cough, blow my nose, been a few years since we had a cold, but this year we both caught it, and needed some antibiotics to kill it, then after all good, comes back, or another starts. Oh well, be over soon I'm thinking. 

Yesterday on our way here Polly and I talked about leaving the warm, as was getting too hot in Yuma, 99°f was too much for us. The conversation was about going north, and having to put pants 👖 on again, neither of us like that idea 😦

Rooster has calmed down now, other birds chirping, and some doves hooting at each other, spring is here for sure. Polly is just getting up now, sky's bright now, I just might go back to bed for a bit lol. Got a little coffee ☕ in my cup yet, have a little yak with Polly first. Maybe a little breakfast. 

Nothing earth shattering here, just content to travel north now after a really good trip East, South, then West. 

Another trip around the sun, 😎 going to really enjoy our trip north again, this is #9 winters south. Sure has been great, not sure what next winter will be right now, but I'm sure will be great as always! 

Love our life ❤️ 

How do you want the end to be?

Always thought the end would be as wonderful or better than the beginning, as I'd be more aware. Looking forward now I'm not so sure that's what will be my future. I see more of my future looking at others and their end, not so great. Our Mind doesn't always continue to the end, and if that doesn't go, then our health gets distracted by all sorts of "issues", some slowly take you, others grab ya quick. 

What I have observed is we can't usually choose how the end will come, unless a terminal disease gets ya, then you have a choice that's ok, and legal in our society. Imagine that, something the powers that be, something your given the right to choose 😀

I know we always have a choice, but taking in consideration our friends and family, we do keep truckin as long as possible usually, besides the fact that we kinda like the living part, till it becomes something that's painful, or just darn not enjoyable anymore. 

I'm sitting by the pool right now, swim was great, sun feeling very warm, the smell of the woman next a chair between us, slapping on sunta lotion, or sunscreen, not sure. 

Took a break from writing, talking with the guy next that just came to the pool, has a MH and from spruce Grove, Alberta concerned about getting home on his own this year as first time by himself. Quiet a good conversation. Even though Polly doesn't drive, I happy we travel together through this life ❤️

Another swim is in order, getting hot 🥵 

Ok, what next, we are going to Naked Date farm today, with Dale & Jane, their first time, be a nice afternoon I'm sure, a beer, some lunch, and a few dances to the music 🎵 🎶 there be nice. Always enjoy this place. 

Poker tournament tomorrow, then pack up Monday and away we go north slowly. 

Not thinking of the end! 

Sure do love this life of ours ❤️

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