Family!

Lydia and David arrived just before 8:00 Tuesday night and it was a very spirited reunion. Steve had done a lot of meal preparation, so we were soon at the table on the deck having a fabulous simple dinner together in no time. We were joyously reunited.

The party moved into the living room where there was lots of wine and laughter. I bailed at ten to go to bed. The party continued and when I woke up Wednesday morning, all the dishes and mess of the night before were waiting for me. (My crack-of-dawn plant watering was delayed.)

 All morning if someone called for me, I replied: “You want Chris who washed al the dishes?”

Tim, Steve and Lydia got up early. We had a lovely spa and then Steve, Lydia and I went for a walk to pick backberries. On our way to a nearby patch we past a home selling eggs, so we bought a dozen of the most beautiful eggs I have ever seen. I’ll definitely be going back again.

Reunited with Tim and David, we ate and after that everyone seemed fine with hanging around Pinecone Park. Lydia and David baked a blackberry pie and then everyone hunkered down to one of my favourite games: Doing a crossword out loud together.

I guess we’ll just hang out here until we go, at four, to the night market. It will be my first time.

Steve and Tim Arrive

I left home at 8:30 am on Monday to meet my friends for our dog walk and it was already 20°! What a fabulous day for visitors—not just mine, the island is crawling with them. The local newspaper says tourism is raging on the island; our winter population is about 2,000; right now it’s estimated to be 4,500.

I had a final hour alone in the quiet before the arrival of the hurricane. By 10:30 I was pretty antsy so I called Steve on Facetime and talked to him whilst he was waiting in the terminal in Vancouver. Then, at 11:00, I was off to Silva Bay to fetch he and Tim. His sister and brother-in-law don’t arrive until tonight.

By 11:30 am (Monday) I was wondering where the plane was. I checked my phone for messages; there were four missed Facetime calls from Steve: Their flight wasn’t until 1:45; their flight back to Vancouveris at 11:00 am on Saturday. I was antsy again by 1:00 pm.

Then … There they were!

We drove home and I really enjoyed hearing his praise for the beauty (as in tranquility) of the yard. He and Tim liked having the studio to share; they were tired from Pride celebrations and their trip, so Tim took a nap whilst Steve and I did some catching up. He means so much to me still; his appreciation for the island and my home were incredibly well received in my heart.

At 4:30, I got into the spa. Then we assembled on the deck to just chat and snack with drinks before we made dinner together. I loved making our supper meal like a family. We ate and I killed the party by going to bed at 9:00.

This morning, Steve surprised me by rising at 6:00. Tim rose shortly thereafter. By the time Steve was up, I’d finished the watering and all my duties and so we all went for a walk with Sheba along the Trail to Nowhere. They loved the walk in the early morning fresh air.

Then we made a picnic lunch and went to Drumbeg and didn’t come home until 3:00. They loved my favourite spot and enjoyed a nice long walk along the beach. It was a spectacular day—30° but with a nice breeze on the coast where we were.

Now, they’re resting. It’s early Tuesday afternoon and we’re expecting Lydia and David tonight, so we’ll go shopping for dinner supplies.

Steve Day!

Finally, Steve day is here!

The weather forecast could not be better for the visit of Steve and his entourage. I’ve heard via mutual; friends in Vancouver that Steve is worried about being bored out of his mind here. Personally, I don’t know how one could be bored here; all you have to do is go for a walk on the miles of trails.

Sunday was superb—the calm before the storm. The weather was excellent, my back/rib felt fabulous and I had no heavy duties—no landscaping—so my wrist didn’t hurt all day either. I made turkey salad for sandwiches so we can chill here once they arrive.

It’s wonderful to have nothing pressing to do this morning. I’m going on the small doggie walk this morning, coming home for a bit and then going to the dock to meet Tim and Steve.

I’m glad I have a plan to visit Dianne, DR, Jane and Dana soon after Steve et al leave. I often feel rather bereft of joy when I part from either Steve or Lydia; with both of them here, their departure will be very sad but I can look forward to visiting my friends at Nanoose Bay in the spectacular ocean-side cabin Dianne rents.

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The mass shootings in America have me angry about the complacency of their leaders. Every past president, senator and member of the House not committed to gun control, past and present, is culpable. They disrespect their constituencies with their lack of action.