Thursday , September 19 to Sunday, September 29, 2019 (Oceanside RV Resort, Saanichton, BC)

Thursday morning started off with lots of sunshine...it looked like it was going to be a warm, sunny day. But by late morning, the clouds had moved in and it was much cooler.

Steve worked on a couple of maintenance chores...installing the replacement centering roller on the boat-loader and then spraying a lubricant on the squeaky arms of the awning...
While he did that, I settled in with the laptop to catch up on a bunch of expense recording, banking...and odds and ends

At 1:00 friends from nearby Sidney, Dan and Barb came over. After a tour of our rig, they all headed out on a beach walk down  to Island View Beach. I continued working on the laptop.
The First Nations hunters have thrown 3 deer carcasses in the creek for the birds and crabs to clean up...
Just over an hour later, they were back and we all got into their car and drove up to Fresh Cup Roastery Cafe and enjoyed some coffee and great conversation. It's always nice to catch up with long time friends, especially when we haven't seen them in quite awhile!

On the way home, Dan and Barb offered to stop by Blind Repairs by Rod so we could pick up our repaired day/night shade...thanks guys!

It was raining by the time we got home...and it basically rained the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Friday (September 20) was a foggy to start but it burned off and ended up being a pretty nice sunny day.

Steve tackled another chore on his "to-do" list...cleaning the Fantastic Fans.
While he was working on that, I decided to get out for a bike ride...and not just around the campground. I rode to Michell Farms (a local farm market) taking the Lochside Trail...
The Lochside Regional Trail is a 29-kilometre (18 miles) trail that runs from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The trail is a popular route both for commuting and recreation. It is frequented by people walking, running, cycling, skateboarding and riding horses.
About an hour and 10 kms (6.21 miles) later, I was back home....not only was it great getting some exercise, but it was nice just getting out!

After lunch, Steve headed out to run a couple of errands...I stayed home and did some baking...and watched a steady stream of motorhomes come in. Another caravan from the US has arrived! This one is from Fantasy RV Tours.

Saturday (September 21) started even foggier than yesterday morning. But by the time we were ready to get on with our day, it had lifted.

Steve got out for his walk and while he was gone, I made the sauce for lasagne...that way it is ready for tomorrow when Rob, Angie and the kids come over for dinner. I will just have to put it together.

After a water break when Steve got back, he headed out to tackle his chore for today...polish the wheels on the truck. I decided to get out for a bike ride. I did really well on my ride yesterday, so thought I would tackle a ride to Save-On-Foods in Sidney...about 9.5 kms (5.90 miles)

I rode the Lochside Regional Trail heading north this time. I stopped for a rest at Tulista Park in Sidney for a break...the Washington State Ferry that runs between Anacortes and Sidney was in....
I made it to Save-On Foods, picked up lasagne noodles and romaine lettuce for dinner tomorrow...not too much so that it wouldn't be too heavy in my backpack. After sitting with a cup of coffee, I started my trek home. I got home just as Steve was finishing his last wheel. That was a great ride, I'm glad I had no problem!

Sunday (September 22) was a rainy day...making it one of those "good for nothing" days. We basically just chilled inside all day...watching TV. Nothing very exciting.

Just after 4:00 Rob, Angie and the boys arrived. Luckily the weather had improved by then and the sun actually peaked out a bit too. The boys immediately donned their helmets and took off on their foot scooters.

The rest of us sat chatting inside...still a little too chilly to sit outside...while the lasagne was baking in the oven.

The adults ate first...
...while Conner and Bryce came in and out of the trailer, riding their scooters and playing in the playground. It's okay...we fed them afterwards!
It was a school-night, so they wanted to get the boys to bed on-time. After big hugs, we said goodbye and they headed home just before 7:00. So good seeing you all...have a good week!

Monday (September 23) was another rainy, good-for-nothing type of day...definitely an inside day as it poured out!

Steve watched his TV programs while I took care of some things on the laptop...mainly corresponding with Juan at Bernal Dental Group in Los Algodones, Mexico where we have our dental work done. If you recall, I had a bottom molar extracted last May and will need a dental implant. I plan on getting it done at Bernal Dental this winter, so thought I'd do a price comparison.

Last May I was given a quote from my dentist here (who did the extraction)...the complete process from extraction to implant to crown would cost $5875...yes that is for 1 tooth! Juan sent me their price list, so I was able to do a price comparison...the cost for Bernal Dental Group to do it is $1920 US. With the current exchange rate of $0.7552 (which fluctuates daily), that is $2542 Canadian...a savings of $3,333!

Unfortunately I had to have the extraction and bone graft done in May due to an infection...so I have already paid $1150. I will have the implant (post) in January and my final appointment will be next fall when we go back down south (there has to be at least 6-8 months before the crown, etc can be placed). The rest of the process will cost $1550 US/$2052 Cdn (split between the 2 appointments)...a lot cheaper than the remainder of $4725 if I were to have it done here!

By 2:00 the rain had let up enough to walk the laundry up to the laundry room...and that's where I spent the next couple of fun-filled hours...whoo...hoo!

Tuesday (September 24) morning Steve captured a beautiful sunrise...
Steve headed out shortly after 7:00 to take the truck in for a service. I stayed home...cleaning up the trailer, completing a shopping list and re-watching the education video for my upcoming knee surgery. I also got a phone call from the Pre-Admission Clinic at the hospital..I have an appointment next Monday to meet with the anaesthetist and the pharmacy. Only 2 weeks to go until the surgery!

It was almost noon by the time Steve got home...that was a long morning for him...waiting.
Luckily no issues were found.But at least he managed to get out for a walk...

Steve here...there's a beautiful walking and biking trail around the airport so after dropping off the truck I decided to check it out. This is the Lost Airman of the Empire Memorial. During WWII Victoria International Airport was a major air base...
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Opposite the entrance...
This was the location of the base hospital...

Each Coopers Hawk feather has the name, rank and age of 179 dead airman or women killed during training. The youngest I found was 18 and the oldest was 55...
The memorial overlooks the airport, Saanich Inlet and the Coast Guard Base...

I had a huge grocery shopping list, so after lunch we headed into Sidney. Steve dropped me off and then went off to take care of a few errands he had.

A couple of hours later, we were back home and Steve was carrying bags of groceries into the trailer...and I was putting them away. There, all stocked up for now...I plan on making some pre-made freezer meals for when I am recovering...and Steve has to be the chief cook!

We had a beautiful start to the day Wednesday (September 25)...lots of blue sky and sunshine. Steve headed off for his walk and about 15 minutes later, I was off on my bike. I had an eye appointment at 11:30 and was happy the weather was co-operating so that I could ride my bike. It is 8.5 km/5.3 miles and took me about 40 minutes, taking my time. I stopped to take a picture of our favourite waterfront walk (or ride)....
After my appointment, I ran a couple of errands...and then started my trek back home. It was now cloudy...what happened to the sun? On my last leg of the ride, I heard a big truck and a horn honk...it was Steve. He had taken the truck back to BMT to have a touch up done on the recent paint job done on the bumper and boat loader.

By the time I got home, the weather had drastically changed from the beautiful sunny morning. It was cloudy, a strong breeze had come up...it was now darned chilly out. Rain is in the forecast for tonight along with a cold front coming in, in the next few days.

Thursday (September 26) was one of those days where the morning just slipped by...I was taking care of a bunch of odds and ends on the laptop while Steve was out for his walk. It was almost 11:00 by the time I got into the shower!

Steve washed and waxed the boat before putting it back on the truck...and with his work done for the day, he relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. I decided to get out for another bike ride...this time I did 30 minutes, going out of the RV park and down to the waterfront. I rode down to the end of the spit, back and then did a couple of loops once back in the park.

Friday (September 27) started off with sunshine...but we knew it wasn't going to last. A cold front with lots of rain and wind is in the forecast.

Steve got out for his walk...and encountered this little fellow. On yesterdays walk this friendly little guy ran out of the bush further up the trail for some lovin and did the same thing today. It has a collar and tag so must belong to someone in the RV Park or reserve.
As predicted, the rain started around 1:00...so we basically hunkered down inside watching TV.
It came down in buckets along with some hail for a brief period...
The rain was relentless all afternoon...not a great travel day for Earl and Allison coming down island from Royston. They arrived just after 4:30...we watched as they drove by in their truck and camper, expecting them to back into an empty site behind us. But they were given one five sites down from us...too bad, they have a little further to walk up to us in the pouring rain.

We enjoyed a wonderful evening with them...dinner...
And after dessert, numerous games of Rummikub...
And of course, Abbey...
It was going on 10:00 when we all called it a night. A fun evening with great friends!

Saturday (September 28) ended up being a beautiful sunny day...but breezy and cool. Steve headed out for his daily walk...having company today. He, Earl and Allison, along with Abbey did the beach walk down to Island View and back.
While they were gone, I did the mountain of dishes from last night and cleaned up inside.

The reason for their trip was Allison had a luncheon in Sidney with some of the nurses she had trained with.

We had a relaxing afternoon inside...although it looked beautiful outside with the blue sky, it was just too chilly to sit out there. Other than about 20 minutes of riding my bike around the RV park, I sat knitting while Steve watched TV.

Earl and Allison came over around 4:30 for happy hour (thanks for bringing snacks!) and then about an hour later, we all headed out for dinner. Of course, being a Saturday night and not having made reservations, our first choice at Mary's Blue Moon Cafe had a 40 minute wait. So we went to our backup plan...the Prairie Inn. It was busy but we managed to snag the last table for 4.
It was going on 8:00 when we got home....time for Rummikub! This time we played 4 games and we each won a game!

Sunday (September 29) was a mixture of sun and cloud...actually more cloudy. Steve met Earl and Allison at 9:00 again this morning for a walk. This time they walked the spit...
Steve got home about an hour later...sounds like they had a good walk. It was tough walking on all that loose sand!

About 45 minutes later, Earl, Allison and Abbey dropped by to say goodbye. So good seeing you...thanks for coming down to visit this weekend! After big hugs, they were off. See you in Q...if not before!

It was a pretty chilly day today, so we basically spent another relaxing afternoon inside. I finished working on a pair of slippers and then, since Steve edited pictures, I thought it was about time to get another blog update done.

Just before 4:00 we headed over to Rob and Angie's for a visit and dinner. Rob has been getting everything ready for his upcoming hunting trip next weekend. He is spending his annual hunting trip with Steve's good buddy, Jim...and Steve gets to go this time! Well...for a few days anyway. They leave next Friday morning and on Monday, Rob will drive Steve out from their camping spot to Lake Cowichan and I will pick him up. Needless to say, there was lots to discuss between Steve and Rob! We enjoyed a casual dinner of grilled burgers, a visit with our grandboys....here is Conner showing Grampa how far he has progressed on his flight simulator app...
...and then after big hugs, we said goodnight and headed home. A spectacular sunset over Pat Bay as we drove along the inlet...we just missed the best part...
And there you go...not super exciting as we sit here waiting for my surgery. We both can hardly wait to hit the road again! "Hitch-itch" has set in!


Tuesday, September 10 to Wednesday September 18, 2019 (Oceanside RV Resort, Saanichton, BC)

Steve was packing his suitcase and I was just finishing in the shower when our daughter-in-law, Angie called just after 8:00 a.m....our oldest son Rob had just been taken to the hospital by ambulance. Apparently he had sever pain in his back, radiating to the front and had uncontrollable shaking and sweats. We told Angie, we had to pick up a rental car and drop the truck off but would be at the hospital as soon as we could.

We were at the airport picking up the car when I received a text from Rob...he had a CT Scan and they had found a kidney stone that had passed into his bladder. Steve had wondered if that could be the issue...and it turned out he was right. We understand they can be extremely painful. They had given him some painkillers and he would be able to go home. Whew...thank goodness!

I had reserved an intermediate sized car to be picked up at 9:30 but they didn't have any available. Our choices were a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Sienna (mini-van). When we said we weren't happy with either of those choices, she offered a Mustang GT Convertible...well, okay, that's a no-brainer! LOL The only drawback was that we now had a convertible and there was nothing but rain in the forecast for the next week! Here is a picture of our wheels for the week...(Steve took it when we got over to Chris and Angela's place in Coquitlam)...
After picking the car up, I followed Steve around to the other side of the airport to BMT where he dropped the truck off. They will have it for the week to repaint the front bumper and the bottom part of the boat loader.

Steve's turn to drive the car...WOW...sounds tough, goes like stink, and is very comfortable to drive. So much nicer then driving the truck!

Back home, we loaded our suitcases into the car and had enough time to stop by the house to see Rob before we caught the 1:00 p.m. ferry. We are headed over to Vancouver for some appointments and to visit Chris, Angela and Isaac. Poor guy had been in a lot of pain and was still going through waves of it. After about 4 days and another trip to the ER, he was finally feeling better.

We had an uneventful trip, arriving at Chris and Angela's at about 3:30...and the start of a lovely few days with them! Isaac relaxing on the love-seat beside Gramma...
Wednesday (September 11) we were up and out of the house before 8:00 and on our way to Steve's dermatologist appointment in North Vancouver...reminder for Steve, do not make next year's appointment so early in the morning! It took us an hour to get there with the heavy morning traffic...and once finished, 20 minutes to get back!

I dropped Steve off and then headed out to do some shopping...leaving Steve to enjoy some alone time (since Angela and Isaac were also out).

Dinner tonight was a meatloaf recipe that I wanted to try...it turned out pretty good!
The forecast for Thursday (September 12) was 100% rain all day...so we were surprised to see bits of sunshine here and there and no rain as we headed out to Mission (about an hour drive east).

We picked up replacement self centering rollers from Load It Industries that built our boat loader and instead of taking the Trans-Canada Highway back, we decided to take the more scenic secondary highway #7 that follows the Fraser River for part of the way.

We pulled into The Gillnetter Pub, which is on the Fraser River in Port Coquitlam at about 12:30. Although we didn't get a table on the patio, we still had a view as the restaurant is tier'd with an upper and lower level. Our table was along the balcony on the upper level....not the best picture...
Just as we got back to Chris and Angela's place, it started to rain....and it just poured all afternoon and evening!

As usual we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon visiting with Angela and playing with Isaac. Chris was a little late getting home due to heavy traffic...don't know how folks deal with the traffic here everyday! At least Chris doesn't have all that far to go to work!

Friday (September 13) morning, I was watching the traffic on Google Maps to see how long our trip into Vancouver to our doctor's appointment would take...about a half hour with the current conditions. So with our appointment at 11:20, we decided to leave at 10:30 giving us plenty of time to find a parking spot and a little leeway for changing conditions. It only took us 20 minutes and we got a parking spot right out front...figures!

To top that off, our doctor was a little behind...doesn't happen often, and the wait is minimal compared to our old doctor. But we were done and on our way home, arriving just before 12:30.

Angela and Isaac had gone out...and I decided also, to head out for a little shopping of my own, leaving Steve to enjoy the last few episodes of a series he was watching on Netflix. Kind of crazy going to Costco on a Friday afternoon but I thought I'd see if I could get a parking spot easily...and lo and behold, I did! What luck...or just good timing!

I was back home a couple of hours later....Steve was just watching the last episode of his program and then decided to get out for a walk. The area isn't the best for walking because it's either up or down...pretty steep streets. But he got a good 40 minute walk in.

Chris got home shortly after 6:00 and we sat down for dinner while Angela waited for her friend to pick her up. She went out with some girlfriends to enjoy dinner and drinks, leaving the rest of us to have a quiet evening at home. Issac enjoying a little Grampa time (or should I say Grampa enjoying a little Isaac time?)...
We all enjoyed a lazy Saturday (September 14) morning. Breakfast time...
Isaac refused to have a morning nap...the little monkey! Of course, his mom and dad wanted him to have one because we are meeting "The Oaks Clan" (Steve's cousins) at 1:00 for lunch. Oh well, he was, for the most part pretty good. We spent a fabulous couple of hours at Brown's Social House catching up...it was hard to get everyone in the picture but the server tried! Left to right around the table...Cam, Bev, Esther, Paul, Chris (with Isaac), Angela, Nicole, Nick, Glenna, me, Steve, Cheryl, Grant and Rob. Okay...some of you are going to want to make a wise crack about that sign...it says Moby Dick Seafood and Steaks :)
As soon as we got home, Angela prepared and put the ribs in the oven for dinner...and then we all had a pretty restful rest of the afternoon until Angela's parents arrived.
A delicious dinner and a great visit with Lucy and Luigi...so good seeing you both!
Sunday (September 15) morning it was time to gather all of our things and pack our suitcases. With big hugs, we said goodbye to Chris, Angela and Isaac...thanks so much for all your hospitality! We have one more night before heading back to Vancouver Island...and we're spending it downtown at the Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel.

We got into our room, a beautiful one-bedroom suite at about 2:00. The bedroom...
 The living room...
 And a small kitchenette...
 And the view looking down from our window on the 8th floor...
We relaxed for a bit and then went downstairs for a beer at Original Joe's Restaurant and Bar. Chris had worked downtown at Microsoft a few years ago and recommended Red Racer Taphouse (across the street from Microsoft) as a cool spot to go for a beer...so we walked the few blocks to check it out...
He was right...the atmosphere was great and the beer good as well! But after our beer, we decided to walk back up to Original Joe's for dinner (and yes, more drinks!). That way when we are done, we just have to wander over to the elevator and up to our room!
We had a great evening...and a perfect date night!!

We were pleasantly surprised on Monday (September 16) morning to find that there was a 10:00 am ferry sailing back to Vancouver Island. After the summer season, they usually just sail every 2 hours on the odd hour.

Our first stop once on the island was to fill the gas tank of the Mustang...not exactly a fuel efficient car but we wanted to wait until we got back to the island for the cheaper fuel prices. I think we were down to about 80 kms left in the tank, at least that's what it said but who knows how accurate it is...but we made it! Whew!

Our next stop was to pick up the truck. It was ready however Steve was disappointed to see that after they had sand blasted the rust off the boat loader mounts, they had just painted over the rough areas that were left without smoothing it out. The foreman agreed those areas should have been filled in so it will be ready the next day...geez! We were supposed to return the car tomorrow, so I called to extend it for one more day. The extra charge is only $15...sweet!

Tuesday (September 17) was a major rain day...it just poured! Everyone keeps saying we need the rain but enough is enough...we want the sun back!

We dropped our day/night shade off at Blind Repairs by Rod nearby that Steve had found on-line. Actually it's a fellow in a mobile home park with a little workshop. This was the blind that was Steve's first attempt at restringing one a few weeks ago. For some reason the night shade keeps slipping out of it's track, so after removing the blind and valance a few times with continued failures Steve had enough. Hopefully he's able to fix it!

After that, since we had the car for another day, we headed into Victoria and Mayfair Mall. I have been wanting a new phone for a long time, so we ended up at a Best Buy Mobile store where I got a new Google Pixel 3a cell phone. Yay!

After a stop at Steve's old office to say hello, we headed home...where we hung out for a bit waiting for the rain to stop. Steve didn't really want to drive his clean truck home in the rain! But it wasn't to be...I dropped Steve off  at BMT to pick up the truck. When they called earlier to say the truck was ready they said to bring our spare key because they locked Steve's in the truck. The foreman grabbed our spare key and checked in the truck and still no key, so the hunt continues...Geez! Once home the rain had let up enough for him to hose the truck off so it still looks fairly clean.

Wednesday (September 18) was a much nicer day than yesterday...the morning cloud gave way to mainly blue sky in the afternoon. But the fall chill is in the air!

I dropped the car off at the airport and once back home, Steve headed out for his walk down to Island View Beach and I got to work on the laptop. I have a lot of "work" to catch up on...stuff to order on Amazon, budget, blog....

And other than a bike ride early in the afternoon, that is basically where I stayed for the rest of the day. Steve did a bunch of odds and ends and then sat out in the sunshine for a bit.

That brings us up to date again! Less than 3 weeks to go until my knee replacement surgery...countdown is on!



Saturday, August 31 to Monday, September 9, 2019 (Oceanside RV Resort, Saanichton, BC)

Saturday started off cloudy with a few sprinkles of rain but by mid afternoon, the sky was blue and the sun was shining. The breeze was still a little chilly though.

Steve got out for his morning walk while I did some work on the laptop...getting a blog update done. After lunch we headed into Sidney to pick up a few groceries. Rob, Angie and the boys are coming over for dinner tomorrow and Thrifty Foods have pork ribs on sale...perfect!

Once home, and with the groceries put away, I took my knitting and went to sit outside. I started off in the shade but quickly moved into the sun...that breeze was just too chilly. Steve took care of a couple of things outside and then decided to watch one of his shows on TV.

We were both sitting outside enjoying a beverage when Nancy and Rob popped by for a quick visit...always nice seeing you!

Sunday (September 1) we had a mixed bag of sun and cloud...but the main issue was the cool breeze off the water. I think I changed clothes 3 times....starting with shorts and tank top; ending with pants, sweatshirt and socks and shoes.

I spent the morning making a Chocolate Coconut Torte for dessert tonight...along with preparing the ribs for the Instant Pot.  We are looking forward  to Rob, Angie and the boys coming over for dinner.



As usual, Steve went for his daily walk and saw a couple of young ladies riding their horses on the beach...
We were sitting outside waiting for the kids...it was about 3:30 when they pulled in. The boys immediately put their helmets on and went out on their foot-pushing scooters...while the rest of us moved chairs out to a little piece of sun. Unfortunately, the sun was short-lived, so Steve ended up getting the propane fire out.

We sat chatting for an hour or so and then I had to go inside to get dinner started, so Rob, Conner and Steve joined me...while Angie and Bryce went down to the playground.

I figured the boys would prefer homemade pizza rather than ribs, roast potatoes, corn and salad that the rest of us were having...well, I was half right. Conner ate pizza but Bryce waited and joined the adults. "You make the best ribs, Gramma!"...I think he liked them LOL!
Having already eaten pizza, Conner relaxed in Gramma's chair watching TV while the rest of us ate...
After dinner, they all headed out for a walk to see the view from the rock bluffs and then down to the beach. Apparently they spotted a couple of deer a few hundred yards away in the field below. I stayed behind cleaning up the kitchen...the dishes will wait until morning...and then sat relaxing with another glass of wine.
It was an absolutely gorgeous evening along the water, calm and warm...
They had spotted five sea otters in the water and before they new it they were running across the beach headed for the bush. The one just to the right of Conner's head had what appeared to be a flounder in it's mouth...
Once they were back, we had dessert...it was good but the crust, mainly made of coconut, is a little too much. The chocolate filling was okay, but with 8 oz of unsweetened chocolate used in the recipe, it could have also used a little more sweetener....bottom line, it looked better than it tasted!

Around 8:30 our company collected all of their things, packed them in the car and after big hugs, were off home. A lovely visit with them...and after all the fabulous meals we have enjoyed at their place recently, we were glad to reciprocate.

Monday (September 2) was pretty much an RnR day. We watched as most of the RV's in our area left...we were the only ones left in the pull-through sites...

I decided I had better go up to the office and pay more $$ on our account...while I was there they said they had a big group coming in today. And sure enough about an hour later, the first of the RV's arrived...and it was a steady stream afterwards. They are a group of Americans from Adventurer Caravans on a 38-day Northwest USA and Vancouver Island Tour. We chatted at length with a couple on the tour parked across from us (had to see our truck)...along with another fellow who was the Caravan tail-gunner. Nice folks.

So other than that bit of action....not much else happened today. Steve got out for his daily walk and I sat knitting...not very exciting! LOL

Angie dropped the boys off just before 8:00 Tuesday (September 3) morning...the start of a full, fun day with our grandkids!

After a bite to eat for breakfast, Steve, Conner and Bryce headed off on a hike...leaving me to clean up the kitchen and do a little housework. It was sunny today but a little chilly with the breeze, so a sweatshirt was required. From the rock bluff...James Island shrouded in fog...
Across the marsh...
Taking the upper trail the boys ran around the sand dunes...
Checking out one of the many forts along the beach...
Checking out one of the tidal pools for sea creatures...
Steve had asked the boys if they wanted to walk down to the campground at Island View Beach and they said sure Grampa. Normally it's a good 25 minute power walk for Steve each way...they were gone almost 2 hours! Time for a little relaxation! After that, we all did some bike riding...and then it was time for lunch #1, leftover pizza from Sunday and some cartoons...
After lunch...more bike riding, including a ride down to the beach at the end of the spit...
Conner playing with his make believe driftwood boat...
Bryce wanted Grampa to go look for crabs under the rocks...
They both now have apposing driftwood navy boats...
Next up was lunch #2...around 2:00...noodles and cheese (similar to KD).

We were all chilling inside late afternoon when dad (Rob) surprised us. He was here to pick up the boys...instead of mom. I guess Angie had gone home early, not feeling well.

Late Wednesday (September 4) morning we headed off into Victoria...Steve dropped me off at the Med Grill in Royal Oak where I met 2 former colleagues for lunch. We enjoyed a wonderful hour and a half catching up...so great seeing you, Gwen and Lynn!
After dropping me off, Steve continued to Mayfair Mall where there is a parking lot big enough for Buster and went into the food court to A and W for his lunch.

Luckily there is a pick up/drop off area in front of the restaurant where Steve could pull over. After a quick hello from Lynn and Gwen to Steve, I got into the truck and we headed home.

The rest of the afternoon was uneventful as Steve went out for his daily walk and I sat outside in the sunshine knitting. Once he got back, I took my bike out for a little riding around the RV park. Unfortunately, I wasn't out long...my knee is starting to not like that motion. That sucks...it was one thing I could do for exercise and getting out and about. I sat with the ice pack afterwards. I'll give it another try tomorrow though.

Thursday (September 5) morning Angie stopped on her way to work to drop off Bryce's foot scooter. The boys also jumped out of the car...they look so cute in their school uniforms! Today is the first day of school...Grade 1 for Conner (on the right) and Junior Kindergarten for Bryce (left). They were very excited!
Bryce only has a half day of school today, so we were there at 11:15 to pick him up and take him back to our place to spend the afternoon with us. This was his first ride in Buster...
Being used to only travelling in the back seat of their car he loved the view from up there...
After lunch and changing out of his school uniform, he and Steve headed out for a walk to the rock bluff...
The rest of the afternoon was spent riding his scooter while Gramma and Grampa rode their bikes, time at the playground and just chilling.
Rob arrived at 4:30 and after chatting for a bit, he and Bryce headed off home...a good day!

Friday (September 6) was really exciting....it was laundry day! LOL!  I spent a lovely morning up at the laundry room...on a brighter note though, I did meet some lovely folks there.

So other than Steve getting out for his daily walk and me riding my bike around the RV Park for about 25 minutes...that was basically it. He saw some wedding preparations at Island View Beach...a pretty setting...
Saturday (September 7) morning Nancy picked me up at 10:30 and we headed into Victoria and Royal Jubilee Hospital. I had an appointment for a series of x-rays of my knee...I also had chest x-rays. Since it was Saturday, it was very quiet in all of the out-patient clinics. I had a short wait before I was taken in for the x-rays...and about 15 minutes later, I was all done.

We went to Starbucks for coffee where we sat chatting at length...and then we headed back out to the Peninsula. It was 2:00 when she dropped me off...thanks for being my chauffeur, Nancy! I thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was so nice spending time with you!

We got home to find Steve sitting at the picnic table working on a broken day/night shade. It was the one he had worked on before but there was still a problem so he was going at it again. No luck...the night shade won't stay in it's track so we will have to see if we can find a blind repair shop in Victoria.

I spent the rest of the afternoon working on the laptop....budget stuff mainly...while Steve watch his recorded programs on TV.

Sunday (September 8) morning Steve headed out for his daily walk while I was in the shower. Luckily he had taken his umbrella with him as the rain started a few minutes before he got back.

Our friends, Rob and Nancy picked us up just after 12:30 and we were off to the Spitfire Grill where Rob had arranged for a group of old school buddies to meet for lunch.

We spent a wonderful couple of hours chatting and catching up. Lots of laughs as they reminisced. After vowing to make this gathering an annual event, we said goodbye. Such a fun get together!
Left to right around the table, Jim B, Dan/Barb, Nancy C, Nan B, me, Steve and Rob C...We've kept in touch with everyone except for Dan and Barb...it's been years so it was great catching up with them.
Rob and Nancy dropped us off at home and Steve immediately started to prepare to take the boat off the truck. Buster is finally getting his front bumper painted this week, so the boat loader will have to be removed.  As we were about to power the boat down, Rob and Nancy returned...to give us a hand with the boat. Good timing guys...thank you Rob for taking over for me!

Monday (September 9) we woke to a cloudy sky and rain. It was a pretty lazy morning as Steve waited for the weather to improve so he could go out and wash the truck. He has always made sure our vehicles are spotless whenever they are serviced. That way he knows every mark on it and hopefully they treat it better. It was noon when he decided to get to work and headed outside.

While he was doing that, I did some baking and then worked on a blog update. By 1:30 the sun even popped out but there were still tons of clouds hanging around.

It was over 3 hours later when he was finally finished. In the meantime, RV's were arriving and right across from us a brand new Montana pulled in. Well, it turned out to be our old next door neighbours! They had moved out of the house about 20 years ago! She immediately recognized Steve...wow, what a small world!

With the work complete, we decided to sit outside for a drink. We don't have any sun by late afternoon, so took our chairs out to a little spot near the road that still had sun. Good spot to meet folks as they walked by...including a cute little 8 week old labor-doodle. So cute!

Well, that brings us up-to-date once again...tomorrow we are heading over to Vancouver for appointments and to spend some time with Chris, Angela and Isaac. Looking forward to it!