Home Safe (Whew!)

I had such a good visit with Steph, Gord and "the boys", Chase and Sanchez, (who were thrilled to have Grandma arrive with all kinds of stuffies, squeaking balls and doggy treats!) Between city driving, which I am not up to, a car that needs some work done and was grumbling, and pelting down rain that made visibility difficult, the drive home was challenging. I reminded myself, when I managed to avert hydroplaning by the skin of my teeth at one point, of this morning's poem "Protection", said a prayer to invoke some, and was determined I wouldn't turn the car off till I was in my driveway safe and sound.

It was a great visit, so nice to see Steph happy with her wonderful man, Gord, with whom  she laughs a lot. They are totally on the same page, and it does my heart good to see her happiness.  Six more weeks till Baby Bella comes home, and we can't wait. 

Chase is twelve now and showing his age. He has the same look in his eyes that Pup had towards the end - when they know they're old, and there is a parting coming up ahead. His muzzle is whiter, his step is slower and our "little man" is getting on. He is such a good boy. Steph showed me a slide show of photos she made of him, set to the music "Thank You for Loving Me" and when I watched it, I was a blubbering wreck, so recently did Pup pass away, and now Chase getting old.

Steph reminded me that all she can ask for is that they have happy and good lives while they're here, and for certain Chase has that. If I can find a way, I'll post that slide show for you fellow dog-lovers.

Steph and Gord showed me around their neighbourhood - winding trails down to the water, through the forest, and the pocket of the bay below. Their suite itself looks out on forest, with Butchart Gardens in behind. A lovely spot, some twelve minutes outside of town. You'd never know you were so near a city.

A good visit, and a grateful return home, where Jas was happy to see me. From Cathedral Grove on, I was back to a more manageable level of traffic:) This Island rocks!!

Beachward ho!

My daughter-in-law, Zenny, loves Vancouver Island, the forests and the ocean as much as I do. She and Jon had a dream of moving here for years. They finally made it a few years back. But then Jon's work took him to the Okanagan, to Penticton. Much as many people covet this location, I know, as an ocean-person, what it feels like to be landlocked in a deserty terrain, with only fresh-water lakes around. The landscape may be pretty, but feels wrong. The trees arent the right kind of trees. Ripples dont do it for wave-watchers.

So when Zenny's work slowed this winter, I enticed her here for a visit, promising her a trip to the beach, balm for both of our souls.

THIS is what has so far prevented it:

Front yard.

Back yard.

This is most unseasonal weather for the Island. In the course of one day we have sun, wind, sleet, hail and confusion.

Tonight the sun came out and there was color across the evening sky. This drives us crazy as it means at the beach, a glorious winter sunset is unfolding.

Argh!

We are waiting for one day of clear roads, to make a run for it. The mountain pass is deadly in slush and snow. Zenny needs her "ocean fix" before returning to the desert. And I need one just because it has been so long since I had a good, satisfying beach walk, heard the waves, breathed the salt air.

Meanwhile, I am living like a queen. Each night she prepares some delicious thing to eat, refusing to let me wash one dish. Tonight was an incredible quinoa salad with prawns. Be still, my heart!!!!!

I told my sister Lori we have been sadly misguided, in our lives. We thought we needed husbands, when what we really needed was WIVES!!!!!!

I am so determined the weather will give us just one day at the beach, soon. Then I will have to relinquish her to Jon, and begin hunting and foraging again.