November 20th, 2018

Remember my tumble into the mud the other day? My right leg continues to remind me of my klutzy ways! It could have been much worse, I'm glad I only bruised myself and didn't sprain my knee. It's kind-of interesting, the day before I did this, while Ron and I were hiking the trails I was sort-of battling the inner fire fighter/SAR remnants in my psyche. Instead of being able to fully appreciate the beautiful surroundings, I couldn't seem to stop running "what if" scenarios in my head.  What if we get lost, what if we come upon an injured person, etc, etc. After that, on the news there have been several instances of ill prepared folks being caught out in the woods for a night or two. I do carry water and my phone, but I think I am going to add matches, a big garbage bag, a bandana, and a whistle to my dog walking attire. Maybe I will be able to more fully appreciate my environs if I feel a bit better prepared for the unexpected.


Meanwhile, Ron is still battling with some esophageal woes. He was feeling bad enough on Sunday morning that we made a stop at the ER instead of church.  He has been given some medication that we are hoping will help him with his symptoms until he can get in for a scope next month.

I have a cookie exchange coming up on Saturday, so I made some Venetians- Yummy! This is the plate of "rejects" I will need to dispose of in the mean time. Maybe Ron will be well enough by the week-end to help me dispose of the treats I get in the cookie exchange.  I will also be demonstrating how to make almond Roca, so I'm sure he would like to be able to help with "taste testing" that too.

November 16, 2018

The sun was mostly out for a spectacularly beautiful day today. Ron's feeling a bit under the weather so I took the dogs on a walk by myself. We walked about 1 mile East of our house on a trail that parallels the ocean along the clifftops. Some times we were walking through shoulder high sword ferns and at other times through low growing salal. I will snap some pictures next time. It was really peaceful, relaxing, and quiet right up to the point where I tripped over a log into the mud on our way home.

A long overdue update. . . Nov 15, 2018

 We have moved again! Since the kids are all adults now, Ron and I decided we no longer needed to support and maintain a 2500 sq. ft. residence in town. We moved to our dream spot on Gabriola Island in July of 2017. We are just down the street from his mum's summer place. This is the area he has spent many vacations since the mid 1960's.  I fell in love with the low-key "hippie/artist" vibe of the place the first time I visited in 2004.

We now share nearly 800 sq ft with the 3 cats and the 2 geriatric dogs. Some of our kids drop by for the occasional visit. Adam and Dax both live out of province and find visiting more of a challenge.

Our 1/2 acre yard abuts to an ocean fronted regional park. We get frequent visits from deer, raccoon, pileated woodpeckers, junkos, bald eagles, ravens, hummingbirds, chickadees, and lots of spotted towhees. Once in awhile we will spot an owl or cooper's hawk.

 It seems I only manage to spot whales when my mom is up for a visit, though I see river otters, sea lions, and seals almost daily.

  We have made a lot of changes to our place, since it was a summer cabin when we moved in. Of course, there is still a lot to do  We have also had a few serious health challenges as a family in the last few years. . . cancer (now gone),  mental health issues for several of us, serious bouts of ulcerative colitis, getting a pacemaker for Ron, etc, etc, etc.  I am hopeful we are getting all the health issues resolved for awhile.