Burnaby, Dam Ford, Charm , Trek e-bike

I was up at at 630 am on Friday morning. I was surprised at how quickly I was stowed. I had the lines in and was just about to drive off when I recieved the 8 am phone call from Dam’s Ford Langly

“I’m so glad I caught you. We left a message earlier in the week but our tech is unavailable today so we have to reschedule your maintenance appointment.”

2 weekend I rescheduled and now it was their turn to reschedule me.  I felt like I’d done three practices runs and was now really good and transforming from a stationary home to a mobile home.  Next week would be fine. I was still waiting for Traveland to let me know when they could replace the hydraulic pump motor.  

I had a free weekend and I’m really not that creative about recreation tune,  

I walk Madigan and bicycle to off leash parks as a special treat.  I could have swum but didn’t . I don’t like the pool when there’s lots of people there. It’s the summertime crowd.  I liked the river walk.  

Saturday I enjoyed my MD2 virtual  meeting.  Then I drove the jeep to New Westminster to hear my friend play pop and blues, originals and covers at the Royal Centre. A lovely day.  Madigan was happy to sit outside and enjoy the smells and passing people and dogs.

We enjoyed live music. Older I’ve not been to them this year. Young I was at so many.  This was a delight.  Yimchee, the guitarist who plays with my friend Charm is a regular virtuosos on his instrument. Another man whose name I missed, was a guest pianist and he was all jazz and blues. Charm’s voice is definitely jazz and blues but she did Cohen’s Hallelujha as well.  Mostly emotional and relationships songs.  I enjoyed the Bad Boy blues song she’d written and her pussy cat song reminded me of a more musical version of friends.  Madigan was find till the nearly the end when he became restless and wanted more walking.  I was glad to say hi as I was leaving, her fans wanting to talk, while I wanted to get Madigan away for a walk before he became disruptive.

I watched Midway on tv.  Now I’m watching the Hindi history of the Kargill war between India and Pakistan’s 1999.  Incredible movies .I’m reading books from the Empire and war series, two of the Anglo Zulu series and now Afghanistan and Punjab conflict with the Guides.  I d been reading westerns and am getting a sene of the parallel eras and events, the British on the horses in the Raj overlapping with the American civil war and Wild West.  

Rob, the welder is riding across the country on his Harley and post pictures.  

I continue ambivalent and sexy changes and what adventure of identity would be more challenging by gender. I’ve begun reading Origen and also St. Theresa of Avila.  The issue is surrendering and submission.  For the young it’s reproduction and family.   Indian only removed its anti homosexuality laws in 2018 compared to England who legalized homosexuality in 1968.  Many immigrants from the Middle East and Africa and Asia are historically decades and sometimes centuries ‘behind’ as I believe, the advanced of civilization or culture. I certainly don’t in anyway support killing gay people or torturing animals for food. I disagree with pedophilia and slavery and yet understand that all these practices were apart of the collective past.  Only a couple of hundred years ago sometimes half or more of the population was faced with extreme poverty while today it’s less than 10 percent .  

The oldest law of the world is the Chinese law of the fish ; there are big fish and little fish and the little fish must be fast and numerous.  In the past the children served as workers for the home and farm and warriors.  I loved Bishop Spongs writing on the Catholic Church’s efforts to ensuire reproductive missionary position.  Now we have machines.  Given the history of the royalty, such as English King James of Biblical fame no one concerned themself about lovers on the side male or female as long as you did your duty and produced and heir.  The peasants had to just reproduce.  

Now sex is no longer all about reproduction since the advent of the Industrial Revolution and the birth control pill and civil rights and LGBT,  Over population was a lite recognized by Buckminster Fuller . Climate Change Alarmism is a hoax too. The climate is changing but we’ll not going to die yesterday as Al Gore deceitfully proclaimed. Urban dwellers and university undergrads are too quick to jump to conclusions. I had the maritime records and knew of the atolls and chirping axis among other things that people in the city didn’t comment on. The controversy was driven by policies and negativity. The aetheists are generally prone to depression and negativity compares to those who posit a loveing God or reincarnation and the multiple generations of use for the planet.  Elon Musk is now producing the means to inhabit Mars.  AT the time of Christopher Columbus some Europeans thought the continent was overcrowded then there was the development of Canada as the breadbasket of the world.  Expansion of agricultural advances.  Today we are more and live long and healthier.  

Sunday I was glad to make church but somehow thought it was 10 30 the church time of Christ Church not St. Barnabus . I’ve been having these time mishaps, running late more than usual and going to the clinic a week early.  It’s summer and I guess I may be a little burnt out wanting a vacation.  With all the days I’ve been at the vehicle tech centres I’ve not been getting the swims I’d hoped for in August. My plan had been to park by a lake and go swimming each day. Maybe at the end of the August or beginning of September. Costs have been high with the horrible taxes and constant tales of government corruption with third world Liberal scam after scam being exposed.  That’s disheartening.  

I’m not so disturbed. I’m more mellow.  I’ve gained acceptance and feel less compulsion to drive forward.  I’ve been reading and lying on the couch and watching television at night and walking the dog.  I’m trying to lose weight eating more salad and bicycling.  The future is bright and these measures I’m taking now will pay off in time.  

I’m doing some self care.

I’m not writing the books I’ve planned. They wait.  I’m preparing for the expedition south and hope to be able to do what I’m outfitting for now for years to come. It’s a life and an adventure.  I’ve really made progress lightening up and transforming my life to be more free.  I often think of FOY.  I like my AA meetings.  

Thank you Jesus

 

Thor Hydraulic System and Life On the Lean

I am experiencing life on the lean an expression of sailing in tropical seas.  Today it’s the hydraulic jack system down and waiting for a new hydraulic motor. Nick from Traveland RV Mobile serviced who did a great job of fixing my slide came out and showed me how the jacks worked and how in a pinch I could bring them in manually.  He was a helpful when the slide didn’t come in. So much is elcetronic.  Right now there’s a slight lean forward but I’ve still got the slide out and I’m going to be able to make the Dam’s Ford appointment tomorrow.

It’s been a fine week. Laura was here Friday to Tuesday. Just good company and dog walking and swims in the pool.  I wass thankful on the weekend for my MD2 doctors recovery meeting on zoom Saturday morning then my chiropractic visit with Dr. Ready.  I missed church. My comment being I’m a summer pagan and winter Christian.  Despite the day of rain I enjoyed the sunny days walks about the park with Laura and Madigan. I also enjoyed riding the power assisted Trek Verve to the off leash dog parks and letting Madigan run free.  

I’ve had a lot of work and have been trying to keep up with the beaurocratic forms. A lot of disability forms and school forms.  The school year is starting in a month and these disability forms have to be in. I couldn’t book Carolyn and Ragina in at the office so they drop by at 630. Laura and Madigan headed into the bedroom while we all did the various school forms and disability accommodations for BCIT at the table. I was rewarded with a loaf of Carolyn, the little chef’s, incredible bread.  They were at Denman Island and I’m enjoying the Colour that the holiday week painting in the country brotugh to Regina’s paintings . I have a painting of hers and am grateful.

Laura left in her red smart car with Madigan barking his goodbyes and then Nick came and diagnosed the hydraulic problem I was so thankful it was electronic and not mechanical.  I ‘m praying instead of worrying which I fear manifests negatives but I’m still prone to catastrophizing about machines and repairs costs.  A long history of maintenance of the SV Giri so I could expedition on the ocean.  Now this Thor land barge is having it’s challenges but the vehicle is on warranty and each challenge has been discrete and addressed though the big slide problem solved over several days in the repair yards of Traveland was a trial.  I was able to work in their office in the day and stay in my home at night.  I feel like all of the demons are being expelled and look forward to some good road trips this year.

I’ve been hoping I can move out to the country by a lake for a couple of weeks and possible after the Friday Dam’s visit I’ll be able to look into what’s available.  I’m booked here till Sunday and will book another week so I can have a visit from the mobile service to have the pump replaced.  Today the propane guy is coming.  I’ll ask Merry Maids to come next week.  I feel busy.  Yet I’m muddling along.

It’s busy in the park.  Nick thinks it’s because of the wild fires in the north causing people to head south to camp.  Vernon has serious forest fires.  Years of ‘Climate Change’ lies and not addressed appropriately forest management or catching arson’s.  That’s begun again though Carney and the WEF have cut the forest fighting capacity while increasing the NWO agenda.  it’s infuriating to see all the money going to foreign affairs which is unaccountable and to causes which don’t align with my own concerns. I was upset that Carney celebrated Palestine when even Bill Clinton said they were just interested in killing Jews.  The Iran war continues and I keep hoping the regime falls so the Iranian people can be freed. I’d love the Ukraine war to end so that Russia is not pushed into the arms of Communiost China which is so belligerent. Their invasion of Taiwan was stopped by the attack on Venezuela and Iran curtailing oil supplies to China.  We are the richest of nations in natural resources but our government has tied up production and distribution with its own self serving policies for domestic votes.  I like that the Americans are standing up for their nation and against the globalism and tyranny and beurocratic Neo communism .

I read social media Facebook and X and catch some of the news but really don’t know what’s happening. My patients are collectively concerned about the inability to plan for the future and the high cost of living in Canada compared to other G7 nations.  The Islam immigration and failure of open borders continues to plague the west. I just can’t account for how it became a think. We have 2 million immigrants who have been rejected and are waiting to be deported but they can’t be found.  We’re only 40 million people I just keep feeling that if I was as inept as our federal government is costing as much as it does I’d be out of work. I’m mostly doing diagnosis and psychopharmacology so with the shortage of mental health resources and the need for appropriate medications I seem to be muddling through. I’m most pleased when some on gets off drugs and alcohol and turns their lives around.

I was pleased to be at peace enough to look up a tree, the sweet gum tree and a hedge, the white cedar hedge. I remember Scotty saying years back to get out of my head and ‘get a flower book and learn the names of flowers on the way to the meetings rather than rehashing resentments.” I did and I’m still curious about what’s outside and am thankful I regained that interest in biology I’d lost during my last divorce dealing wither her and the chaos then and all the nefarious behaviour.  It was such a terrible time and today I ‘m alive and blessed and still interested in biology.  

I was at my men’s meeting. Burnaby Fellowship and glad to see George. We gave him his cake and medallions last week and met his friend who won the intnerations awards for singing harmony.  I enjoyed seeing Neil and Dan.  Ward was there celebrating his 10 year  and I got a picture of George with his 50 yo of abstinence.

I’m thankful.  Really very grateful.  Thank you Jesus for all your blessings and your sacrifice.

Thank you God.!

BC Day, Monday,

Friday Laura came over. I’d stowed and closed up ready to take the Thor to Dam’s Ford for Service. The trouble was the jacks didn’t retract.  I called Traveland and tried to trouble shoot by phone without success.  Traveland Mobile RV service will be out Wednesday. I’m hoping it’s a fuse.  Regardless the Friday and the rest of the weekend were free so Laura could come earlier.  Madigan was so pleased.  

I barbecued steaks. 

On Saturday I made a trip to IKEA and was so impressed with all the store had to offer. I didn’t find the stick on mirror I’d hoped for but did find a very thin mirror I could use with the Velcro double sided fasteners.  With Laura’s help I mounted a mirror on the back door and really like it. I’ve another one the same which I don’t know how I’ll use. The big stand up mirror I’d had can now go to storage or be given away.  

At Canadian Tire they ahd a fruit mart so I shopped for nectarine and plumbs and cherries. 

I only received half my check. Garry has separated them in two in the past but I didn’t know this time if that was it because the cheque was so small. I was able to pay taxes but went into overdraft. The bank has inrreasing fees for these things and I’m just annoyed at the high taxes high cost of living and that I just seem to be living cheque to cheque.  I did buy a Trek bike and rack actatack rack but I ‘m selling the Vespa and that’s not concluded.  Then there’s the rifle the government buy back program targeted but I’ve never received the money from that.  So I had a day of feeling poor when I wasn’t and called the clinic that confirmed I had money coming. When it did I felt good but I’m not too spiritually awake as I want to achieve my goals without more stress considering all I’ve done is work and I see the government wasting money it’s taken so long and hard for me to acquire. Even now I still owe the bank money for my car and motorcoach home.  The fact is I’m very happy with my life now and grateful for all my blessings. It’s just that I relapse into catastrophizing and stinking thinking on occasion.  Such a little trigger and I’m back where I had no money for food and I’m paying off the debts my ex acccured.

Poor me- I’m so quick to slide into self pity. I’m really thankful for the tools of AA that has taught me to accept birds can shit on my head but that doesn’t mean I should let them make a nest in my hair.  Life is good. I have to resist the self pity pity parties.  I used to be so angry and sad whereas now I’m working on gratitude.

I enjoyed my zoom doctors recovery meeting and the visit after to the Chiropractoer. My back is so much better than it was and I’m able to walk fine.I even think of hunting in the fall again.  

Traveland this Wednesday and dams’ Friday and Jeep has a reccal so another appointment there.  Meanwhile the Merry Maids came last week and my home was so clean and inviting.  

Laura has been eating, showering, reading and walking the dog.  I’ve been joining her in reading and napping.  It’s been hot and sunny weather and since I cleaned the filters of the air conditioner I’ve had cool interior.  

I’ve focused on prayer and living in the day.  ODAT.  I’m taking eye vitamins and ibuprofen and asa and sotimes spironolactone.  Just like dad did I take vitamins and meds sometiemns psychologically.  It’s all psychosomatic.  I need to exercise more but I’ve ridden my Trek bike to the mall a couple of times already.  I’d like to be by a lake so I could swim each day.  I might yet get some time to do that but I’m enjoying Burnaby.  Laura is house sitting the next two weeks.  She calls coming to visit me from the city ‘going to the country’..  Burnaby is a suburb.  She drives over in her little Red Smart car.  Madigan is so happy our ‘gang’ enlarges.  I’m really relaxed with company.  This reading westerns and napping then eating and watching the Rookie Blue series, despite its occasional heavy handed political correctness is fun.  Rookie Blue is a soap opera of beautiful women and handsome men juxtaposed with police action.  As Laura says cops in general don’t look like that.  This is true for all of the illusion of television and escapism.  

Propaganda is rampant.  The Ukraine war is winding up.  There’s a shift to the right along with America and the open borders invasion is being stemmed in America and Europe.  Poland who never allowed it is a success.  

I’m just annoyed with the high costs of living in Canada but should be thankful for the health of my extended family and my dog.  Expectations are preformed resentments.  I’m blessed to be here on a holiday with Laura and Madigan.  I have a pool to go to but I resist it because it’s normally so busy in the summer.  I have a car I could drive to a dog friendly beach with but I’m lazy. I walk around the park with him so he has his daily poops .  Yet i have the Brunette Lake and Brunette River walks I could do more often. I did fast another day and I’m alive and thankful.  

I’ve been reading Mystics of the Church and am not driven know samadhi or nirvana. Perhaps the good is the enemy of the best. I’m paying my taxes, doing service and work. It was last week I gave George his 50 year cake and was honored to celebrate his success and inspiration.

I’ve missed church the last couple of weeks. I say I’m a summer pagan and a winter Christian. I’d rather be outdoors in the summer than in church it seems .  Much of the vehicle maintenance and work are for the 3 months winter expedition south . I’m aiming for that. I’ve got a hunt planned for a week beginning of October and head to Palm Spring early December. Laura is flying down to join me then it’s FOY and Algadones and Arizona.  Right now it’s perfect here and it’s a grand day but I’m sometime in the future not quilte living one day at the time in the presence of God.  At least I meditated today.  

Madigan has taken to wanting to play at night when Laura is here waking us then napping during the day.  First world problems with a crazy dog companion.

I enjoy seeing pictures of the nephews and great nephews and great neice as well as the God kids.  I’m in a bit of a mental spiritual limbo. Life is good and I’m muddling along, thankful 

We identified the Sweet Gum Tree with the Green seed gum balls (fruit) here in the park. I liked putting the picture in the Grok and asking for idenfitication.  I really do like AI of this kind and may again move to using my voice more to ask questions of identification of the plants and tress. I have apps for all these, like stars and flowers and birds but am too often in my head and not appreciating the wonders around me.  Walking Madigan with Laura I checked out the name of the Sweet Gum Tree even though I’ve passed it a hundred times.  Naming of things. I remember my first heart in recovery Archie recommended I stop thinking - I was in the past of fear and resentment going over and over the lies and betrayals at the time. I got a wild flower book and distracted myself. I regret that I struggle to remember all the naming I’ve done but it’s problem staving off dementia.  I loved being with my brother Ron walking in the woods with Dad as he would name plants and the foods of the native. I most remember him pointing out Rose Hip.  The gum tree fruit is used for wounds, diarrhea and as chewing gum.  That was a native use but it’s used for incense as as a soap ingredient.  The balls are used as decoration on festive occasions.  So much to know.  I’m going back to reading Louis L’Amour last treasure series.  

Travelland Mobile RV Service

I so appreciate Traveland Service. I bought my Thor Hurricane 29 Motorcoarch there and they’ve been so helpful.  On Friday I was about to take the Thor to Dams Ford for the engine maintenance.  However I decided to pull out an extra lawn chair to take with the other things I was putting in storage.  I didn’t notice then that I’d yanked on some wires as I did it.

In the morning when I was all set to leave for Ford the Slide didn’t come in. 

 I did the check list of things that are listed to check on the panel.  I had the brake set and the ignition on. I’d leveled the Thor when I set it up.  The C hassis battery said I had more power than need.  13.2 Volts.  Nothing. 

The fellow at service took me through the list and noted that the slide motors were not engaging. He then recommended I look underneath at the slide controller and see if the lights weren’t on. They weren’t.  He said he could send out his mobile service then because there was nothing more I could do with him on the phone.  

On my own later I looked at the slide controller unit and found some wires disconnected and firuged that was the problem but I wasn’t sure which wire connected where and didn’t want to wing it as the tech was coming anyway.  Dams rebooked my visit a week later and were gracious ‘these things happen.’

8 am Monday morning Nick Jansen this sharp young man arrived and greeted my dog who as usual thought the visit had come to play with him.   He was ready to have his little duck thrown for fetch and disappointed Nick and I proceeded through the checklist.  Nick checked the main power switch for the battery at the stairs.  He turned the ignition a couple of times.

He showed me that the panel had a host of information that I ‘d not known. There;’s a locked and un locked feature for the bunk, awning and slide.  

Under the slide in the last storage area he said, “Yes those wires should not be disconnected.”  He then reconnected them and tested the voltages and ensure the controller was powered.”  Then he proceeded through the original checklist but the slide remained locked.  The bunk and awning now had power though.  He checked the fuse box and showed me that the fuse for the awning was good still. Then he returned to the panel.

The power said 13.2 but he turned on the generator which in a minute brought the power up to 14.  

The little symbol for the slide ‘unlocked.’  He tested it and it now moved back and forth.  Bringing it all the way in he looked over his accomplishment and then put it all the way out checking it then on the outside.

What a feeling!!!

My slide was working. I’d learned a whole lot more about my Thor and I was free.  Nick tidied up and threw the duck for Madigan who was just pleased we were focussed on the priority. Fun.

Thanks to Nick and Traveland I was agin mobile.  Before leaving he used ties to ensure the wires from the controller were secured along the wall and not at risk of being caught when I was pulling things out of storage.  

I was very thankful and so appreciative of Nick’s technician training and knowledge. He told me a couple of more things “I learned at school’ about electrocinics, maintenance and prevention. God tips.  

He was gone just after 9 and I was able to get to my work thiankful I had learned so much and this had happened here in Burnaby near Langly, Traveland’s base. 

 

Trek Bicycles, Burnaby

I had the rack for a bicycle.  I followed Jerry from Rack Attack’s advise and phoned Trek. My first mountain bike had been a Trek which I left when I bought my Harley from Trev Deely.  

I phoned Trek and spoke to Jack who was really knowledgeable and helpful.  I told him I want’ an e bike for city and trail that had a rack from my 20 lb cockapoo and would bit on the new behind my jeep Rack Attack bike rack.  

“We have a couple of bike’s here. The Verve who saw is in stock and there’s are sever others that would work.  When you can come in we can let you take a test ride to see what works for you.

I’d thought maybe I’d wait a week or two. I didn’t need a bike immediately but the store opened at 10 am and I was there just as it opened.  

Jack was great in person and the store was really dog friendly. He liked Madigan my cockapoo and saw the Harley box he rode in.  

“No problem, it will fit on our bike racks. I’ve a black lab and I tow him behind me in a trailer.” Jack said.

I really liked the Vercve right off. He showed me a Borrego mountain bike with really fat tires which I would have liked for bow hunting. Years before I tried a mountain bike which had worked well for travelling in the wood quietly but I went back to a quad because it freed me up to look about more and carry game home. I saw myself using the bike mostly for trips to the mall, trips to the dog park and riding  on trails.  I travel with my Thor motorhome and carried my Vespa 300 tech on a rack on the back. It worked really well until I was in LA. The 12 lane free way was too much for me on the Vespa. I’d ridden my Harley Electroglyde on American freeways but that’s what the Harley is made for. Now I had the Jeep Wrangler and just wanted a bicycle for exercise and quick trips. 

Thankfully all the bikes were built for a heavy load, more than Madigan and I together.  

It was great to be back on a bicycle.  The Trek low ride Verve 34 was perfect for me. It was really easy riding and the Bosch e bike electronics were the best. Such an advance in a few years over my original e-bikes.  It fit well on the rack.  Jack and the delightful service tech showed me how to manage that. I paid and they had it all together waiting an hour later.  Madigan and I had gone for burgers at Wendy’s.  

I had  added the saddle bags remembering how important our had been when we bicycle camped  across Europe in the early 70’s.  I also had a new yellow green helmet with red back light and a mount for a Go Pro.  

Now i look for ward to adding some go pro footage of me bicycling to add to the quad and Harley footage I’ve already taken. It’s just that the design has come so far they think of that. 

Amazing.

I thanked Jack and the service tech and drove home.  

Just like the Rack Attack stop I was in and out of Trek in a couple of hours.  Efficient and just an all round good shopping experience.  

Normally shopping tires me out when I arrived home and unloaded the Verve 3 and parked the Jeep I was ready to take a ride to the mall for mail.  The power pedal assist worked great on the flat and low hillls between here and there but I had to walk the bike up the steep hill on the way back because I wasn’t in gear and was carrying a lot of groceries. The Bosch tells me to lower gear and I have to do that or I’ll be caught like I was stopped and having to walk the bike up the last 20 feet.  Basch actually has a ‘walking assist function’.  It goes for low power assist called ‘eco’ to the high power assist called ‘turbo’ I think.  I was amazed I could do it and see that with practice I’ll lose weight as well and my knee I’d torn the ligament it tolerated the whole experience well. Now I’ve a new vehicle for the mall trips.  Next up will be taking Madigan for to the dog walk park.  

I saw a review from a guy in his 70’s who really loved his Trek Vervc. Older I appreciated the consideration and the positive attitude of the Trek folk. 

Thank you Trek. What fun!!!

 

Rack Attack, Coquitlam

I mentioned to my colleague Dr. G. Horvath who cycles back and forth to Squamish on the sea to sky that I planned to buy an E-bike but that I had to get a rack firsr that would work with my Thor Motorcoach and the Jeep Wagner I tow behind it.

“Rack Attack” he said, “That’s the best place to get a bicycle rack.’  

He would know so I called Rack Attack Coquitlam on Blue Mountain Streeet by #1 near the IKEA store. Ipoke with Jerry.  We discussed my concerns over the phone. I was impressed with his knowledge and choices.

Next day I drove into their shop. I had my jeep.  I told him I didn’t want to be lifting onto the roof . I showed him a picture of  the 29 foot Thor Hurricane with the Excalibur hitch attach between it and the Jeep Wagner that H&E hitch had installed.

“It could got above the hitch but I think it would be best behind the Jeep.” Jerry said. He was looking through the computer at the various combinations.

“I didn’t want to lose the use of the back gate as that’s’ where I put my shopping especially weekly groceries.”I said,

He showed me a couple of swing hitches which would open with the opening of the gate.

Definitely skookum.

The carrier itself was state of the art. I could see what my colleague Gary liked them. He has bicycles that cost as much as my motorcycles so he really wants something safe and sturdy.

Jerry had the swing bar and carrier in stock

I paid the few thousand for the set up.  

It really wasn’t that much more than the carrier I’d had for my motorcycles but this was really well made by comparison.

They did the installation in the back giving me time to take Madigan for a half hour walk in the nearby park.

When I saw it on the jeep it was perfect.  Everything had a lock too.  

Madigan liked it and I could see he want to pee on it to make it his.

“You can’t do that in the garage. You’ll have to wait till we’re parked in our parking lot.”

Given I really like my Jeep I was thankful this rack didn’t detract from the appearance. Vanity. While I was there a very sporty young lady drove in with her new Range Rover and had a 4 bike bike rack at the rear of her car.  I felt i was definitely in the healthy athletic set and tried to pull in my gut.  

“Where would you recommend I get an e bike around here, I’ve had several but the last one was a company that went out of business and the battery couldn’t be replaced. I’d like something where that wouldn’t happen.”I asked

“I’d try Trek Burnaby or Citi-bikes. They sell the most dependable stocks that have been around for years.”  

I really thank Jerry at Rack Attack and made a plan to make my next stop Trekj. 

 

Burnaby Journal, Monday , July 20, 2026

I took my Jeep into Journey Jeep.  It was my 4th visit since the little dashboard light came on saying the Circle A with exclamation mark was not happy.  There was a recall part install first then a new battery and then another little battery replaced and finally the door electronics were reviewed a second time. The problem in the end was the car sensing when the door closed and opened. I’m just thankful not to see the warning light.  It’s very positive.

Then the really big event was Madigan’s grooming. I had to give him Trazodone and Gabapentin at night and then in the morning.  I can only get him to take pills with vanilla ice cream.  I’m anxious when he’s at Dr. Biernecki North Shore Vets but that’s only because I’m anxious about anaeszthesia.  Every time he gets groomed he does well. Laura had come over a day early so was there Thursday afternoon when we picked him up. He was more growly than usual and acted a bit stoned that evening.  Friday morning he was well.  They said he was a little overweight.  Me too.  The stout crew. 

Laura likes to eat and rest and read and watch tv . So that’s what we did  I barbecued steak and made a bacon sandwiches and ham cold cut sandwiches. We had the chilli I’d made and frozen and I even made and omelette.  WE had a burger I barbecued on white bread.  We didn’t get out o White Spors or order in Me & Eds Just an at home weekend I did some work but not much..   

I finished reading a Louis L’Amour western and China Gordon biography.  We watched the new Rookie Series in the even.  We walked Madigan and celebrated when he pooped.  We talked with Mack and Shane, Helena, and Ernest.  Not very social and superficially so.. I did the Saturday doctor recovery zoom meeting.  I swam a couple of times and sat for a bit in the hot tub.

Not too busy. Not too shabby.  

There’s so much I could have done.  I’ve the storage locker to reduce.  I’ve an e bike and swing hitch I need to find .  I was paid so was able to manage the bank and pay the Tax Free and credit cards.  

I carried on.

I read and slept.

I was comfortable in family, Madigan Laura and I.  

The wars continue in Iran and Ukraine.

The big event this week is taking the Thor to the Ford for maintenance.  All is well except the forward HVAC has not worked since I bought it.  They didn’t have a part and said hat the part was no longer available.  It’s only a few years old but the generator and Thor A/C will work alternatively .  I sometimes think it may need to be fixed in Yuma.  For me to take in the Thor I have to stow and bring in the slide.  II stuggle with that a bit. Like weighing anchor and docking.  It’s a challenge but I’m gettin better at it.  

Now I’ve had a coffee but feel like a nap.  Laura left this morning so Madigan and I were up at 530 and saw her off at 6 am We are blessed by her visits.  So kind.

I still don’t know what I’m going to do when I grow up.  This years big challenge was to add the hitch and Jeep to the Thor. The test will be the drive south this Winter.  It’s a long haul. Laura is jointing me at Palm Springs and there’s FOY Bombay Beach and Algadones and Yuma. I’m looking forward to having the jeep with me.  

I’ve felt the outsider again and realize that the most distinguishing feature is lack of children.  Raising children has been the primary activity besides work of most I know.  

Thank you God for this day. Thank you for this weekend. Thank you for Madigan and Laura, my family and friends, my work and patients and associates . Help me to be of service. 

Thank you for George. He takes his 50 year cake in a couple of days.  Thank you for Sobriety, AA and the church. Thank you for educations and learning.  

Thank you Jesus.