Journal - Monday Dec. 8

Laura just drove home in her Smart Car in the dark.  Madigan and I walked her out .  It was a wonderful last weekend until we see her again in LA in a couple of weeks.  It’s hard to believe but I’ll be headed south within the week.  It’s been cold and dark and rainy.  The weekend was getting laundry done a last time by the Tikki laundry.  It was also barbecued venison thanks to the Bustartds.  Unbelievably delicious. Then I barbecued steak for Laura and we loved that. Reading books and eating with a little tv and too much social media.  Walking Madigan.   

Friday was the best Dr. Horvath and Mary Lou had the best Christmas Clinic Staff Party at Cardero’s downtown.  I hate social events like this but I surfed it thanks to the staff. Gary was great as usual. I talked with the new young doctor and was reminded of myself thirty years past.  Like Gary he’s into triathalon’s and doing Argentinian tango with his wife.  Upta amazed me as she had only come from Indian was already sailing at Jericho.  Nepal had had the cutest baby and just all round everyone was terrrific.  I survived dinner out with everyone. I didn’t say anything offensive and didn’t spills the cranberry soda or have a wardrobe failure. There were no public scenes and no one got drunk. I think these events trigger ancient past memories.  I actually walked on my hands through the restaurant on one such occasion and on another did a jig on the table.  I have to listen to phenomnial bores . It was all very civilized and knowing Mary Lou and Gary so long now I just enjoyed their uplifting company.  I’d not been to the Cordero in 30 years and was reminded of when I lived in my sailboat around the corner in Coal Harbour  Stuart my white Scotty was with me then along with Moon my black cat. I was sailing most weekends across the Strait of Georgia to anchor off the islands for a night or two. The Sunday afternoon sails with 20 knot winds back from Nanaimo or Saltspring were fabulous.. 

I barbecued my last grouse and was pleased that I had eaten all the wild game do wouldn’t have to declare or lose any at the border.  Madigan loved having Laura spoil him.  I finished the Trevanian Thrill Loo Sanction that Peter told me about when we were asking Madigan, Bella and Luka.  

I have my car to take to storage on Wednesday. The propane guy will fill me up on Thursday.  I will stow and bring in the slide on Thursday.  Friday morning early I’ll take in the hoses and load the Vespa on the rack at the back.  Then I pull out and head to the border. I have RV space booked in LA but guess I’ll book my first stop going south in Washington on Thursday.  This week i have 6 hours a day booked for 4 days. I’ve done all my banking and have all my paperwork for myself and Madigan ready for customs.

It’s still an expedition for me. First time taking the Thor Motorhome south. I’m thankful for Traveland , TD and Scotiabank for the experience and trust with this wonderful home on wheels.  Thank you Jesus!

I’m praying a lot.  

I’m grateful but using all the tools to keep the old man and worry lady at bay.  All shall be well.  All shalll be well and All manner of things shall be well. I was sorry to miss meetings this weekends but thankful to sleep in. I’ve been unable to sleep at night and waking early or several times through the night. Anticipations!  Anticipation. 

Having Laura here on the weekend was comforting.  Such a ‘peaceful easy feeling’.  I tell her she’s’ my older version of Sidney Sweeney.  We are aging. We have earned stiffness and pain and are beginning to  face the music. I’m exercising every morning after meditation,. The foundation exercises by Dr. Goodman that Gary Horvath recommended are helping.  I’m looking forward to the Fountan of Youth mineral hotsprings.  The museums and art galleries in LA will revive my mind and lift my soul.  I have my Frameo up showing pictures and I get to relive my last art gallery day of enjoyment at the National Art Gallery.  

I’m excited and a bit anxious.  Passages.  I’ve audio books ready to listen too. The driving is a relaxation for much of the way.  It’s a change from my work routine.  I’m reminded of my first trip to San Francisco from Winnipeg in the Mustang or Corolla, then the Baja Bug VW adn nex the VW Vanagao then a couple of times sailing down in the SV Giri.  Then the Mini Cooper with Laura and Gilbert then the mini again with Madigan and then the Ford F350 and Adventurer camper with Madigan a couple of trips.  I took the coast going down and coming back but this time I’m just heading down in the Thor Hurricane Motorhome on the I5.  Peter who travels north and south between LA in winter and Vancouver and Calgary in summer has kindly shared their favourite stops. I’m excited about Oranger Grove RV in Bakersfield. because he says you can pick California oranges beside the RV. 

Thank you God for helping me with all the moving bits. And the organizations and the learning and experience.  Thank you Jesus.