Whistler Ridge

I’ve just come in from lying outside in the sun.  The view here is magnificent.  Laura was on one lawn chair. I on the other.  Madigan jumped between us. I’ve finished my book Seven Days of Hell chronicle of the massacre of the Black Watch on Verriere’s Ridge.  What a terrible thing war is.  Operation Spring.  So many dead and wounded.  Thanks, cannon, planes, mortars and machine guns against humans.  Sheer terror.

It was raining this morning and the mountains across the valley were shrouded in white mist.  Now there’s clouds and sun and blue sky.  Yesterday we had a fun visit from Laura’s sister Carolyn and her husband John.  Their dog Molly had to stay inside in their new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.  

I’ve attended two on line meetings Friday and Sunday. I’ve been very grateful for my 27 years and the gifts of recovery.  It’s wonderful to feel the support. 

My big exercise event was walking Madigan to dump the garbage at the entrance.  Today I walked him this morning. I didn’t bring an ATV or motorcycle or even my electric bike. I have a rifle to target practice with but instead I’ve read and looked at facebook,

I did submit my second paper to the Oxford Prehistory Religion and Ritual course I’ve been taking. I’d been waiting for the first assignment to be marked to give some direction to the second one.  The tutor apologized for being late but we’ll only get the results tomorrow and I feared other work could interfere with my submitting the paper which I’d written last weekend. It was a sense of relief that I submitted it.  Now I’ll wait to know if I pass and get a certificate of completion.  It will contribute to my CME requirements. Spiritually it completes a circle. 

This week I’ve the challenge of getting my mini to Kits BMW repair for the sky roof and new tires.  I’m also having Kelvin pick up my Camper for repair.  My 27 year cake was Wednesday but I’m taking it next Wednesday night.  Busy times.  Then IDAA conference in Baltimore.  

I’ve been toying with the idea of going to Berlin in August.  Laura can’t get time off but might be able to care for Madigan.  It’s logistics. I think it’d be one bridge too far. I’ll probably just do Vancouver things like Pride Parade in August then Laura and I would do the bow hunting weekend. Gun hunting season opens Sept 10.  Laura has a week off in October and I really ought to take a week with Madigan in September. I’m also planning on leaving for Southern California and Mexico after Christmas,  Time either rushes or slows. I’m surprised as all I’ve done and yet I feel often like I’m just marking time.

The next on my agenda is writing a book.  The dog one is the best idea and already well in progress.  Laura and I are planning a Venice trip next spring.  I continue to work doing virtual and frankly finding it okay.  I share that I have peace of mind now.  

I had thought to do a WPATH course but I’ll make such plans after IDAA which seems to be a time I dream my next year.  I’m winding down after my 27 years and then IDAA recharges the spiritual batteries.  

Right now I’ve been resting. Really.  So enjoying this weekend.  Canada Day.  The Trudeau calls himself post Canadian, post nationalist, a communist for sharia aetheist world government.  I’m meanwhile enjoying my celtic roots and wondering about learning more Spanish,  Years I’ve done that, so is Mexico the future .  I have no idea about retirement and when asked figure I’ll work for the next five years at least.  My back is limiting.  I really need to exercise more and do yoga and tai chi and lose weight.  At least I see the chiropractor every 2-3 weeks and am steadily improving slowly.

I love the cleaning lady visits. I love riding on my motorcycle but have a hankering for a 150 vespa.  My boat is in the sale process. That’s the big task this week.  Getting a nortary public to sigh Form 6 and getting the transfer number for acccepting Alistair’s payment for the GIRI.  I just don’t see myself solo sailing a big boat and don’t want the continued costs. I’m minimizing.  I really like the camper. I lived well in Arizona and California with only that for a couple of months last year.  It’s all I need and my RV is more than enough too.  So next year maybe I’ll get the license to tow the RV.  I still sometimes think of trading up for a bus but the costs seem prohibitive. 

I’m less interested in hunting so we’ll see in fall how important that remains.  I was disappointed to damage this camper out hunting.  I don’t like paying repairs and don’t like any of the old roughing it.  I really liked Oceanside with walks with Madigan and stopping for coffee. I’m looking forward to more travel and writing.  This is fun right now. 

I guess I don’t know what I want to do when I grow up. What I’m doing is fine. I love my star link though I needed to replace the cable.  I love my apple IPad and MacBook Pro. I love my virtual work but also like the clinics and the staff and colleagues.  I love learning and had the greatest time going to museums and art galleries. The Oxford course has really been engaging.  Stonehenge and the trip to Victoria to attend the exhibit was wonderful. 

I’m blessed. It’s a good life. Laura and Madigan are great companions.   I’ve had many adventures with no great plans.  Muddling along is fine.  Peace of mind.  Even now I don’’t know if I ‘ll walk Madigan or take a rifle to target practice or have a coffee. I’ve enjoyed the sun and unwinding this weekend.  Life is good. Thank you God. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Holy Spirit.!