tired

I just can't seem to get enough sleep. After more than eight hours last night, I took a nap and just couldn't seem to wake up. I suspect that my body is in recovery mode.

I'm happy to let it rest and relax - at least for today. Tomorrow we're hiking.

The Cedar Farmer's Market is getting to be "the" place to go on Sundays. While I was gone it quite magically expanded to almost twice its size and it continues to be absolutely fabulous. Today's haul included blueberries, fresh bread, tomatoes, eggs and baby Yukon Gold potatoes.

I am still pondering my working life. I know I can't do all the assignments the publisher wants me to do next week. I know I will have to say no. I don't know how far that word will carry.

It may well be time to re-define my working arrangement completely.

Still thinking. I am hampered partly by a work ethic that says I must do what I have been asked (told) to do and do it quickly and well and never complain or stand up for myself. This mindset demands a re-examination.

Saturday at home

It has mostly been a wonderful day of being back - getting the gardening done, harvesting fruit and veggies, hiking with dogs and dear friends in the park next door, getting caught up on all my bookkeeping and having a wonderful bubble bath.

My body feels wonderful!

And here's the "but". As soon as I indicated I was back my publisher emailed 11 feature assignments - some of them major - all with a deadline of end of week. I see no way to accomplish this. My initial reaction is to quit. And I know that's something irresponsible that I won't do. At the same time, I don't want or need the amount of stress I am feeling.

And yes, I have indicated to him that I see no way of meeting the deadlines.

And I am pondering where to go from here. I sense a change coming on.

Home

Abby and I are back home and I am feeling particularly blessed.

It's completely true that all the odds are heavily stacked in my favour.

Got up early and was on the road at 6.30. The border wait was 5 minutes. Got to the ferry terminal and caught the 7.45 a.m. ferry - the third or fourth last car on! So fortunate!

Got home (Abby was very happy) and turned on my computer only to discover that it was dead as a doornail. Decided it was time to buy a new one. Unplugged its millions of cords (why so many and what do they belong to?) and took it to Future Shop - on the off chance. Two (not one mind you - two) wonderful techs dropped everything they were doing and within 2 minutes diagnosed the problem as a dead power pack. Within 15 minutes they replaced it and cleaned it (it was filthy) and carried it back to my car.

I plugged my stuff back in and discovered at least 4 cords that appeared to have absolutely no function. (huh?) So now my computer is clean, less cluttered and running better than ever! Am I blessed or what?

Bought groceries and am cooking a huge ratatouille which I will serve with polenta. Ah - real food at last!

The sun is shining. My feet are bare - the door and windows are open - the laundry is done and the car is washed.

Home is a grand place to be.

Tomorrow I will catch up on my accounting etc. (I think gardening is the etc.) Although I did deposit the delightful cheques that were waiting for me.

Life is good and home is wonderful!

Ferndale Washington

Here I am - mere ( what seems like) inches from the border. I actually very briefly considered driving the rest of the way home tonight. I'm glad I thought better of it.

So - yesterday - a good morning hike to the top of the mountain. I considered going farther but it was pretty cold and windy up there. Instead, I had a nap after lunch and then Abby and I drove into town. After all the hoopla I was eager to see the most beautiful small town in America.

I was charmed by the farmers market in the park complete with entertainment. The lake is gorgeous and has a lovely white sand beach (no dogs allowed).

Downtown was pretty - but it doesn't hold a candle to Nelson.

So - back up the mountain - another one hour hike and then an early night. Up at 5 and on the road shortly after 6. Amazing country we drove through. Who knew that the centre of Washington State was full of mesas and towering hills?

Even better - who knew that Leavenworth was 10 times as pretty as I could possibly have imagined! - I wish I had stayed to explore. And the highway (28) from Leavenworth on is one of the prettiest drives I have ever taken. This is worth coming back for. And yes, Leavenworth is pretend Bavaria and yet, they've managed such a good job of it! Flowers everywhere! Must return one day.

I pushed on for Mount Baker only to discover (as I suspected) that the huge snowfall of last winter means all the alpine hiking trails are still completely snowed in and won't open this year at all.

No matter - in a way I was glad.  I was ready to leave the road and head home. I'm glad to be in a motel 8 with Internet access and a quick hop to the border tomorrow. I should be on an early enough ferry to avoid the big long weekend lineups.

I'm happy to have a long weekend of laundry and napping and gardening and relaxing before work begins again.

And it looks like I'm bringing the good weather with me.

Everything about this trip has been perfect - even the parts I thought weren't perfect - turns out they were.

Wednesday in Sandpoint Idaho

My life is filled with rainbows - some of them quite literal.

About 20 years ago as my ex and I left the west to go back to Ontario (a failed 9 month experiment) the last thing I saw as we left the mountains was a rainbow - and that rainbow seemed to follow me for miles - sitting on my right shoulder.

Yesterday morning, as I neared glorious Glacier - the sky filled with rainbows. Yes the weather at Logan Pass was so harsh I couldn't even get out of my car - but I had rainbows. And the mere fact of being in the mountains was perfect enough.

Driving into the Rockies fed my soul.

After the Going to the Sun Road I continued to Sandpoint - which turned out to be a farther drive than I suspected. BUT (hurrah) I am here. Well, not quite here - I am above the town on Schweitzer Mountain in a condo with hiking trails minutes from the door. So Abby and I will set out on a high alpine hike this morning.

Yesterday, after we settled in and I'd fed her, we hiked for about an hour or so - off leash of course. Abby went beserk - racing around in circles, splashing through creeks, - She was running and jumping like an unruly puppy. And I don't think it was just the fact of getting out of the car that had her so excited. I think she also likes the high mountain air. It's cool here - only about 12 degrees right now.

This is much needed day of rest.

I have some mixed feelings about this place. It's not quite what I expected. I think I should not have taken the tourist info person's advice about staying on the mountain. Better perhaps to stay in town and just drive up for the hiking. But - another big but - I am going on the assumption that this was the perfect thing to do. It had to be because I did it. Right?

Monday in Montana

The town of Shelby Montana is tiny. I would have liked to have pushed on to Browning but after almost 900 k today, that was it.

Today's observations: Until you get to the mountains, (I can see them now in the far distance) Montana is flat - reminds me of Alberta - a bit. It's interesting that while I spotted only 4 or 5 grain elevators on the prairies, I lost count of them here. No longer a Canadian symbol. Big skies today with thunderheads and rain clouds and sun and heat.

Driving - so much driving.

I contrast this with last year's trip - down the coast. That scenery fed my soul. This landscape, while interesting, leaves my longing for something else. I expect I will find my something else tomorrow.

It's been tough driving - I have a muscle behind my left shoulder blade that is so knotted I have no idea how to undo it. It started aching on the way to Toronto and came on with a vengeance on the way back. Today it almost had me in tears. The pain is relentless and constant. All I can do to ease it is move my arm around in any contortion I can think of.

What wouldn't I give for a massage?

The good news is that the back of the driving beast is broken. Tomorrow - a short drive to Glacier and then the Going to the Sun Road - then 2 nights in Idaho. After that 2 nights at Mount Baker and then an easy drive home.

Abby continues to be an exemplary traveler.

I think I may take her to Main Street to explore the town. That should take all of 10 minutes.

Sunday in North Dakota

Ah - Sunday night - in Minot North Dakota.

Today's impressions: The drive through the US is much more interesting than through Canada. North Dakota is much prettier than I had imagined and highway 2 is the way to go.

I should't worry about Abby being TOO quiet in the back seat  - she's just a good traveler - not ill. Right now I am endlessly tossing her bear across the hotel room and she's a happy and energetic camper.

Trying to buy prepared deli salads in the grocery store without bacon bits is a lost cause. Tonight's dinner is peanut butter and crackers. Abby, on the other hand, had steak - no problem at all finding that.

Minnesota has great rest stops.

North Dakota has even better rest stops.

Accommodations tonight are in a super lovely deluxe Best Western - I think I deserve it after the Motel 6 last night. Besides, I was tired and in no mood to drive farther.

Scraped my front bumper against a low stone wall pulling into the parking space. I'm telling myself it doesn't matter - a car needs a few travel scars.

I'm excited about getting to Glacier tomorrow and driving the Going to the Sun Road.

Wisconsin

I must have been mad to think I could do North Dakota by this evening! I'm still in Wisconsin! I completely forgot about the state of Minnesota.

I wonder how many people can completely misplace an entire state.

And then. there I was driving through a variety of thunderstorms and heat waves and suddenly discovered that my air conditioning no longer worked! Egad! What to do? The nice folks at the gas station opined that garages were probably closed on a Saturday. Not acceptable! After all, I have a dog in the car.

As my worry grew along with the inside temperature I suddenly noticed that when I had had the defrost on earlier in the day to handle fogged up windows, I had turned on the heat just a tad to clear the fog more quickly.

Then, when I turned on the AC, I'd forgotten to turn the heat off to cold.

Duh!

In other words, the AC is just fine. Sometimes I have to laugh at my own idiocy.

Things to be grateful for today" NPR - I LOVE it! Its interesting, thought provoking and several times today, utterly hilarious!

Scenery? Flat mostly - rolling and pretty in central Wisconsin. I plan to stop at Sandpoint Idaho after Glacier. USA Today just proclaimed it the most beautiful small town in America and I plan to check it out. It also happens to have a lot of hiking.

North Dakota tomorrow perhaps?

Stay tuned

One last thought - when driving I94 in the Chicago area be prepared for death by a thousand duck bites - disguised as toll booths in what seems like every 100 yards.

Michigan

Battle Creek Michigan tonight - about two hours northeast of Chicago. I did not expect to travel so far today but in a way today was effortless.

I woke up before 5 a.m. and left before 6. Mom got teary-eyed of course and I look back on her tiny, lonely figure waving good-bye from her porch with tremendous tenderness. As she said, she may never see me again. I brushed it off but I recognize the very real possibility. She has a huge heart - she really does. I wish she didn't drive me crazy.

It's so much easier to love her from a distance. I feel love for her now - and that's a rare feeling. I treasure it. And we did have a nice evening yesterday - a good talk. I know I helped my bro and sis-in-law out and that feels good. And I loved connecting with my nephew again - I do love that boy.  (man)

And what an easy drive today - zoomed through Toronto rush hour traffic - zipped through US customs at Sarnia (they all love Abby) - heck - the customs officer even smiled!

Drove through three dramatic rainstorms - one so severe I pulled off the highway at a rest stop and napped - lucky I was so close to a stop. All in all - a great day. Wonderful to be alone again with Abby. I love the peace of alone time. I love that I decided on a nice hotel room with a king size bed - what a luxury after a week of sleeping on a pull-out couch.

The road beckons - I love the road.

And I also love the idea of going home - I appreciate my home more that ever. And I'm anxious for the mountains - for Glacier and Baker and peaks and valleys - I am living a dream.

Thursday in Ontario

This Thursday is all about getting ready to leave and saying good-bye. It feels a lot like the Thursday two weeks ago when I started to pack for the trip out here. Happy - excited - yes, I am. The trip back is going to be so much fun and full of new territory.

Spent some one-on-one time with my bro yesterday. Loved it! Love him a lot - we are best together one on one. I am reminded how very close we were as children - inseparable. We were best friends. It's nice to renew that closeness once in a while.

But then - there's always the differences to keep in mind. He's a republican. I'm a democrat. Need I say more?

Heat today - climbing up to 40 - with humidity.

I adore the west coast. But I also don't mind getting a good ration of heat for a change. It's nice to live in shorts, sandals and tank tops.

Onward - my next report is from the road. Biggest job today - program the GPS to take me the route I want to go - the slow two-lane highway route.

Wednesday in Ontario

The Internet here is so slow - as bad as a very old dial-up connection. I know that comment doesn't sound very interesting but, trust me, this morning it is top of mind.

Wednesday - 2 more sleeps and I'll be on the road again with Abby. I love this idea of movement. I always have. I think that's why I used to travel with a Eurailpass - even when I arrived at a place where I thought I might want to stay for a couple of days, I would almost invariably move on quickly. I didn't find a place to settle until I arrived at Murren in Switzerland. That appears to be the home of my soul. I'll see if that's still true next year.

Meanwhile, I'm excited about moving toward places I have never been.

I'm about done with family. They're good in short doses. I used to envy people who had close family ties and adored being around their parents and siblings and various assorted cousins. I no longer envy them. Why would I when I relish my alone time so much?

There have been no profound lessons to learn here. Nothing I don't already know and I'm fine with that. The fact is that in almost any size doses, my mother drives me crazy. I am finally, at long last, okay with that. I do have bouts of tender compassion for her - and that's good too. I sorrow for the pretty young woman she once was.

I am filled with ambivalence about my family. My nephew Paul is delightful.

Harry Potter this afternoon.

Shopping and vacuuming up dog hair tomorrow. I want to make sure mom is totally stocked up for at least 2 weeks after I leave. I want to ease some of my sis-in-law's burden.

I'll be glad to be heading west again soon. Freedom.

Still in Ontario

Still here. And it seems to be getting better - in some almost indefinable way. My bro and sis-in-law came over for a vegan meal last night and I'm pleased to say they loved it. But what's not to like about potato pancakes? (and portabelo mushrooms and sauteed frenched beans and carrots etc.)

Mom could be so different and so well liked if she made the effort. Sitting around the dining room table last night we all had a good conversation - a rarity given my brother tends to pontificate ad make pronouncements from on high and my mother tends to be silent in company. But we sat around the table and told good stories and I think actually enjoyed ourselves. This morning, mom seemed happier too. When she's happy being around her is fine.

And then of course my bro and I had a fight yesterday. It's almost inevitable at least once when we see each other for an extended period of time. He believes he's god or emperor or some such thing and when he has an opinion on something (and he has opinions on everything) he is absolutely right and brooks no discussion or debate.

And I love him. So there. There is much to love about him. He's bright and he has a huge heart - hides it well but it's there.

Off for an oil change this morning and while Kal Tire looks after my car, I'm going to wander through the village and poke around the shops.

Three more sleeps until Abby and I hit the road again - and the way back will be huge fun. I feel it in my bones.

Monday in Wellington

Why am I so busy?

Here I am "on vacation" and I have too damn much to do.

Sigh. I suppose it's way better than not having anything to do. I think I keep myself busy because I am staying with my mother who is 95 and doesn't hear well and I get tired of having conversations with her where I have to shout non-stop.

Okay - yesterday I toured Kingston with my brother, sister-in-law, nephew and his wife. Surprisingly charming city with very old and architecturally interesting buildings made of the local limestone. Today I am cooking for the family so must do shopping too. I also still have to walk Abby twice a day and there always seems to be something that needs doing.

I have to get an oil change before I go and, because this is a small village with a population of only 1800, I have to drive to the next larger town of Belleville.

It's all good though. Another nearby town - Picton - has a movie theatre that is playing Harry Potter so I will hit that for a matinee either tomorrow or Wednesday.

It's interesting being here. I feel suspended in time. Odd. Everything feels like it is on hold until I start wending my way back again on Friday.

Prince Edward County

I arrived in Wellington Ontario at about 2 p.m. on Friday - and brought a heat wave with me. And I am not going to complain - not for a second!

I had interesting emotions as I was driving down from Sudbury early Friday morning. I remembered the little girl I was (about 9 years old) when my brothers and I left Sudbury on the train all those years ago to start a new life in Toronto. I thought about that hopeful, innocent little critter and it brought tears to me eyes. Poor little girl.

And then I wondered at that - at why I felt such compassion and heartache for her. Why not joy and excitement? A question that deserves pondering.

I'm still slightly tired from my drive - and I'm doing my best with my mother although she does drive me to distraction. I know she means well - and she's generous. But her paranoia and general negative attitude toward life is hard to live with.

Still - I'm breathing, relaxing as much as I can and doing as much for her as I can. And taking long walks with Abby to get a break.

It's working.

The trip back will be much more leisurely and I suspect a lot more fun.

Sudbury

Not quite Sudbury but close enough. I am so tired I am addled. I drove 11 hours yesterday and 12 today. I forgot how huge Ontario is and how long it takes to drive it. But now I think I should have about 8 hours left before arriving tomorrow. I'll get a very early start again tomorrow. Whew!

I love road trips but this is entirely different from last year when I meandered down the coast with many leisurely stops. This is a bit of a grind. But - I do love movement and so it's okay. Abby is completely angelic and utterly uncomplaining.

Brandon Manitoba

It's a big country. The prairie stretches on and on and on. I woke up to cloudy prairie skies and after 10 hours of driving, I am bedding down for the night under clear, huge prairie skies.

I imagined a time when buffalo roamed - herds stretching as far as the horizon. I wondered at how much land was uncultivated. I wondered too how few wind turbines I saw when the prairie seems to have an endless supply of wind. I missed the grain elevators that were so ubiquitous the first time I came this way more than 20 years ago. I marveled that in this vast land not an inch of it appeared to be unfenced. My mind boggled when I thought of Wanetta riding her bicycle across this land in the teeth of the fierce wind. I think I would rather ride up the side of Mount Robson r than brave a Saskatchewan head wind.

Ten hours of driving today. I'm pleased that at the end of the day, we have a nice motel in Brandon and that I found a big, empty field where Abby was able to walk, run and chase grasshoppers for an hour. What a blessing to walk rather than drive - and to relax into it - to breathe - to know I could take as long as I wanted. No more destinations for today.

Medicine Hat

The last two days have been a brilliant study in contrasts.

First - yesterday. Cathy and Nancy and I hiked up to Pulpit Rock (Nelson's version of the Grouse Grind) and then on up to the flag. The last part was especially exhilarating. The trial burst out into sub alpine meadows awash in wildflowers and edged with fruit-heavy boysenberries and huckleberries that will be begging to be picked in a month or less.

After the climb, Cathy played tour guide. Nelson is a city for the senses. The main street has retained all the charm that other small towns in Canada are trying so hard to recapture. The restaurants spill out onto the sidewalks, their limits defined by prodigal flower planters. The clothing and craft stores are a testament to the mass of talent that resides in the area. After touring one craft shop in particular, I felt as though my sense of the aesthetic had devoured a seven course meal. I was visually sated.

Dinner was an enormous treat - simple barbecue and salad - and delightful company.

This morning Abby couldn't get up. My hear almost broke for her. I finally coaxed her outside but her right back leg was in bad shape. Happily, the ache she had seems to have completely worked itself out now.

What a long day! Once again, sitting here in the chair, I feel like the road is still moving beneath me. Nine hours is enough driving. What a beautiful part of the world I motored through: towering mountain passes, green valleys and then, rolling green hills. Now I am in the prairie and thoroughly enjoying the big sky.

It's a good road trip. I'd love to make it through to Lake of the Woods tomorrow. And it's okay if I don't.

Abby is stretched out on the floor - she seems content. She is what matters most.

Nelson

After almost nine hours of driving, Abby and I arrived in Nelson. What can I say? I love my GPS!

Beyond that, there's quite a bit to say. We left early - 7 a.m. on a cool, cloudy morning - very West Coast. The weather continued unsettled through the Fraser Valley and Manning Park. Then as soon as we hit the high summit in the park and started down the other side, the clouds rolled away and blue skies broke through - sun and heat and sparkling blue lakes - and I suddenly understood why people vacation in the Okanagan.

Highway three is so beautiful. I grew more and more enamoured of the changing scenery and the far views of distant mountains. Late in the afternoon we pulled into Nelson. C&N have the loveliest house in the charming older part of the city. They have such taste and are so talented! Lovely to visit with them - after I managed to settle Abby down. Giving her a good run helped. I fear, though, that for her the house is Disneyland. There's so much "stuff" here and most of it within reach. And then there's the other dog and a cat - well, it's Abby's idea of heaven!

Today we're off to hike in the mountains - the sky is a predictable blue. It's nice to walk today rather than drive. When I put my head on the pillow last night to go to sleep it felt like the bed was moving - the road speeding by beneath the mattress.

Langley

We had a lovely start to the trip. Having a reservation on the ferry can make all the difference. That and a GPS. Let me give an enormous shout-out of thanks right now to everyone who told me to buy a GPS! One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received. It directed me to one of the nicest parks in Tsawassen where Abby and I walked along the dike for miles under clear blue skies with the mountains in the background. It was heaven.

The GPS then steered me to Langley and P's house. We went out to dinner in White Rock (yummy Indian food) and then a walk on Crescent Beach.

As I said - an excellent start. Abby tried to make friends with Sophie - P's cat.She wasn't having any of it. I think Abby feels snubbed. She will, however, get over it. Wait, let me check - yep, she's over it.

Woke up at 5 a.m. This always happens when I'm on the road. I'm always so eager to be up and going. So I suspect I shall be off to Nelson by 7. Had a lovely walk with Abby already. This is a very serene old established neighbourhood - beautiful place. Although how someone can live with white wall to wall carpets is beyond me. Let me put it this way - it's just as well that Abby is a yellow lab and not a black one.

Let the adventure continue.

Leaving....

I'm leaving in about an hour. The lightness passes through me, threatening to send me adrift - but wait - I want to be set adrift. That is the entire purpose here. Along with lightness is a growing excitement that manifests in my tummy and in restlessness. I want the next hour to pass quickly. Instead of taking a lot of things down to the car, I make multiple trips - eating up time.

The trunk is already packed full and there are still two small coolers to fit in. One cooler contains my stash of chocolate; the other is Abby-dedicated. Therefore it's full of raw chicken.

I carry my food with me on the road. I don't subscribe to fast-food culture. So I also have a bag full of high energy cookies for lunch and apples and bananas for breakfast. Each day I stop at a grocery store and buy dinner (salads, dips) for me and for Abby - whatever is reasonably priced in the meat section: beef liver or heart or chicken thighs maybe. We both stay healthy and happy.

That's also one of the reasons there's a lot of stuff in the trunk. I have one suitcase and one backpack. Abby has blankets and towels, food bowls and toys and a huge water jug. Yes, I travel more lightly than my dog.

I love traveling and I really love traveling with Abby. She's an amazing companion on a road trip. Without her I wouldn't stop to explore nearly as often. As I drive I keep in mind trails and parks and places to walk or run.

Tonight we will stay in Langley.

The Unbearable Lightness of Traveling

I could so easily become addicted to travel. I have done a fair bit of it in my life. Perhaps what I love best about it is the freedom - the lightness that comes with "no fixed address" and no responsibilities. It's just me and my dog and the open road. Nothing else really matters. There's no job to go to, no house to keep clean, no one to satisfy and no one's expectations to be met except perhaps my own - and when I'm on the road those expectations are very few. Just a meal and a bed at the end of the day.

This is lightness. I began to crave this lightness when I was young. I think I was ten or eleven the first time I packed what I thought I might need ( a sandwich and a change of underwear) and decided to head west - maybe hop a freight train. I wanted to tame a wild stallion and gallop with him over the rolling foothills of Alberta. Grow up a wild woman. I didn't get far - in fact, no one even knew that I'd set out. But the intention was there.

I was 18 when I really did set out - with a friend. We had a small overnight bag each, a couple of bus tickets and a bit of change in our pockets. We lived in Toronto, took the bus to the 401 and stuck out our thumbs: destination: New York City. We never made it - we did, however get to Montreal, Quebec City and Winnipeg. We had adventures.

I've had many more adventures since. I still love taking off.

And so, I've packed most of what I need. I will finish packing tomorrow and leave on the 12.45 ferry.

Happy day!

earth

I'm an odd combination of earth and sky person - maybe because I was born on the cusp of an earth and air sign. (if you put credence in that sort of thing.) Maybe that's why my favourite thing in the world is hiking in the high alpine - earth and sky.

And I love getting into the garden and really working at it - that's what I did this morning. Working in the earth grounds me and makes me feel good. So, truthfully, I'm not really that upset that my morning interview was a no-show. I sowed more lettuce seeds, hoed, weeded, cleaned out the strawberry bed, weeded some more (does it ever end?), put down more straw, trimmed the runners and watered the raspberries and the vegetable garden.

In the background, Paul and his crew were haying - nothing says summer more than making hay.

I love gardening in the sun. Oh sure, I'll go out and do it in early spring but only because I have to, not because I want to. On a day like this I look for excuses to get out there.

So far it's been a grand way to spend my second last day here.

Two more sleeps!

getting ready

Quite frankly, I'm surprised at how much I have to do to get ready for my trip - seems like a million details. Updated my laptop today and that took a good chunk of time. Culled my library and pulled out about 20 books to bring to my mom. Need to remember to bring all the dog things - everything from her favourite toy to her rabies certificate to poop bags. Need my passport and all my electronics and CDs and hiking gear and energy bars and passport and.....

the full list is huge.

On the bright side I got my banking done and my last minute shopping done. I just need to do my last gardening tomorrow, which includes setting out the new strawberry plants and sowing another bed of lettuce to be ready when I get back.

Need a manicure. Abby needs a pawdicure. Yes, it will all get done.

And then the joy of leaving - when it's all done and I don't have a care in the world other than to court adventure - and believe me - a-courting I will definitely go.

Happy

I am feeling pretty close to deliriously happy today. And, interestingly, it's not anything big that's causing this feeling. It's just the richness of the small things. The sun is shining, the door is open to the air and the light; Abby and I strolled through the fields and woods; I rescued a mama robin and sent her back home to her babies; I weeded, pruned and watered the garden - all the while feeling the heat of the sun on my skin. And now I am going to get a few things ready for my trip (4 more sleeps!)

Everything, but everything, is conspiring to make me feel good deep inside.

Including the bowl of ripe, red, sweet strawberries I just picked in the garden.

Quiet day - love it.

Full weekend

I've had a full weekend and I'm tired. I'm ready for an early night and a day of working not so much tomorrow.

P flew over today and we had a nice shopping trip to the Cedar Farmer's Market. Have I mentioned recently that it's a great market?

Bought some amazing artisan bread from Bodhi - also tomatoes and strawberries. Picked lettuce from the garden and had a great lunch of yummy bread and salad. In fact, it was so good that I am going to have the same for dinner. Why ever not? This is the joy of living alone - I can have the same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner as often as I want.

After lunch we walked with Abby and then toured down to Chemainus. All in all - a great day!

Five days to go....

And quite a bit that needs doing before I leave.

Looking forward to it. (duh - well, obviously)

Hiking

It was a perfect day for hiking the Cameron Lake Trail. Sunshine, mild temperatures - just heaven. Equally heavenly is getting back and feeling physically tired (how many of us only experience metal tiredness?) - then a hot bubble bath and fresh, comfy clothes - ahhhh.

Really - does it get much better? Oh yes - tomorrow we are flying to Tofino to walk on the beach. It's a good life!

Dang

Well darn it all - what more can go wrong today? Today - the day I had set aside for doing nothing, relaxing, watching a movie?

Okay - I did get the gardening done. But I refuse to wash my car with clouds like this overhead - that's just plain doing a rain dance, that is.

And just when I figured I could handle a sort of functioning iPhone for another 6 months, I stupidly decided to synch it. Fail! iTunes told me I had to restore it - so I said OK. And then, it started to do this crazy-making computer thing where it goes around in a circle and refuses to listen to reason! Can't restore - hardware problem. Ok - I unplug it. But then it tells me I can't use it until I restore it - but I can't restore it because..... sighhhhh.

Ok - all the way back up to Woodgrove to get a phone and pay the stupid fee. There - I feel so much better for mouthing off.

But I am so not going to do that until I've had lunch and a nap.

Anything else? Well - not really I guess. I leave a week from today. I am focusing on that. Oh yes - and then setting up my new phone later - grrrrrrr.

Deep breath.