Vancouver Island again

Just returned from another trip to Vancouver Island.

Fanny Bay - oyster shell beach

Beautiful sky and calm water

 

Nine months ago

Nine months ago today

he held my hand

for the last time.

New murals in the city

I enjoyed another trip into the big city with my sister this morning 

to discover and photograph new murals for 2021.

The murals at this location (21st & Cambie Street)are on either side 

of small community gathering places with picnic tables, chairs 

and weekly events that include family games.

I couldn't resist this sign...so true!

The murals are a reflection of diverse talent. They brighten the urban landscape and provide surprises around every corner. Some are tucked into alleyways and others are on the sides of homes. I hope that all are appreciated and that "taggers" will respect the artists' work.

MASKS

After happily receiving my second jab of Pfizer vaccine I finally felt comfortable enough to enjoy a morning coffee and freshly baked scone at the local cafe. The owner had placed tables outside and I could sit with my coffee, writing book and watch people pass by for an hour.

When the mask mandate was lifted, the owner and all of the staff immediately stopped wearing masks. She had never installed a plexiglass shield between staff and customers but the distance between us was about 5-6 feet so I was not too concerned. I continued to wear a mask while picking up my order.

Everything was looking good. Covid numbers were dropping. People were rejoicing. But, before too long the Delta variant started to surge. Once again I am anxious about going to the cafe. The staff are all around 20 years of age. They are not wearing masks and they are talking to each other and me while preparing my order. Is my coffee contaminated? How are the scones handled before landing on my plate?

I hate this feeling of fear that has been regenerated! In the meantime I will enjoy a home brewed coffee and toast in the morning. When the urge to people watch is overwhelming I will sit in the local park with my writing book and observe the oddities of dog walkers.

It is my very strong feeling that the mask mandate should be reinstated, not just for public spaces but also for cafe and restaurant staff!!

New painting...The Empty Chair

End of July update

 

It feels as though the past few weeks have been very busy. I travelled back to Vancouver Island to join my sister in Victoria on July 8th where she was scheduled to have angioplasty at the hospital. We hadn't even checked into our hotel when a vehicle backed into my car causing damage to the right passenger side panel. We decided not to consider it as an omen!

The next morning I deposited my sister at the hospital at 7:45am. Unfamiliar with the city, I finally found my way to the downtown area where I hoped to have a quiet morning coffee. Everything was closed. I wandered for about an hour before finding Tractor, a funky little cafe with freshly baked scones. After a bit more wandering I decided to head back to the hotel and have a nap while I waited for the call to pick up my sister. At 1:00pm she texted that she was still waiting...and not happy! Feeling hungry I decided to explore Cook Street, an area of historic houses and shops. With an amazing burrito and a cold bottle of water in hand I drove back to the hotel again. At 3:00pm she texted that she was fed up and ready to leave!   Five minutes later she sent a message that they were wheeling her in for the procedure...thankfully! It was 8:00pm when they released her and we drove to the hotel!!

She had a 95% blockage of the main artery and the doctor inserted a very long stent. He did not want to deal with another 70% blockage at that time saying that, if necessary, she could have a stent inserted at a later date. Due to her history of chemo and radiation treatments he felt that she would not recover well from bypass surgery so that was not an option for the future.

We spent another restless, sleepless night worrying about whether the incision on her wrist would start to bleed again. The next morning we drove back to Campbell River, relieved not only that it was over but also that she had remained at the hospital instead of leaving in frustration. She is enjoying much easier walks now and fully recovered from the trip.

Back home in Langley I am continuing with my volunteer shifts at Penny Pincher, Greek lessons online, Strata Council Treasurer responsibilities and some random painting.

These are all quite small...the next one is much larger!

Cooler temps and colorful display

Thank goodness for cooler temperatures! It is still around 32C in Langley during the afternoons with the humidex but the deadly heat has travelled eastward. BC is now dealing with wildfires and loss after months of Covid sadness and isolation.

On a brighter note I wandered through town yesterday and discovered a wonderful display.

They dance in the breeze

casting colored shadows

on the shops and ground.

Visiting family on Vancouver Island

 

I returned from Vancouver Island on June 29th at the end of the hottest days on record in BC. It was the first time in one year that I was able to visit with family in Comox and Campbell River. The first two days were wonderful as temperatures were warm but not overwhelming.

A lovely stroll through Filberg Gardens with Heather and Chris

Filberg flower stall was inviting

During my visit we enjoyed delicious meals and many rounds of Trivial Pursuit with August who was soon to turn 12 years of age. He has a phenomenal memory and he was able to answer most of the questions in fierce competition with the adults...regardless of the category! Very impressive!

After two days in Comox I drove to Campbell River for a visit with my sister Tara. That was when the heat really hit. Fortunately they have air conditioning in their house so we were comfortable during the day and enjoyed good sleeps.

We drove into the city to see their contribution to the local Banner Project.

It brought back memories of the Salmon Arm Banner Project!

It was supposed to be a two night visit but Heather suggested that it was too hot at their home in Comox so I should stay an extra night in Campbell River. I was very thankful and did not hesitate to enjoy a third night at my sister's. 

June 28th was my grandson's 12th birthday so I headed back to Comox for one night to share in his celebration. Of course it was the hottest day on record...and their bedrooms are upstairs in a two level home! My son-in-law took me for a swim/float that afternoon which was heavenly. We enjoyed a delicious dinner, black forest cake and gift opening.

Despite the heat (around 40 degrees) August had to test drive his new electric scooter!

We all struggled to catch a few hours of sleep that night. There was no air movement at all which is unusual for Comox. The next morning I headed for the ferry at Duke Point and, since I had a reservation, my car was on the top deck where there was a breeze!

The next few days, as temperatures moderated, I spent in recovery. It was my first solo trip in years and traveling to visit family without John was emotionally challenging. 

I discovered yesterday that I will be making another trip to the island next week. Tara will be going to Victoria for an angioplasty and possible stent. The hospital suggested that she stay in Victoria for the night before and the night after the procedure...so...I will join her in Victoria for the two nights and then drive her home to Campbell River.