Jeep Wangler 2024 Willy’s Edition 4x4 2 door

I am pleased.  First day of spring . I have been wanting to trade in my wonderful Mini Cooper because it doesn’t dinghy tow behind my Thor Hurricane motorhome.  I’d gone with Laura to look at the Maverick Hybrid weeks before and liked it, However when I went back again I thought it was bigger than I needed and had decided I didn’t need a box. I’d thought  brefgore I could load my motorcycle in the box but decided I didn’t want to be loading motorcycles anymore.  I shared my “first world’. ‘Cadillac’ problems with my men’s group, what we call a ‘gift of recovery’.  Quite the change from how am I going pay the rent or will I have money for sardines or tuna for lunch. . I’ve been very poor and hungry three times in my life.  When I first left home, when I arrived in England after bicycling across Europe, when I left my third marriage and entered recovery.  Now I’ve just bought a motorhome worth hundreds of thousand with the help of a bank and want to be able to tow a car behind it rather than a motorcycle.  

I was sitting with Neil, Jack and Terry at the meeting and Neil said ‘why don’t you get a Jeep. They’re the best for towing and what everyone has for that reason.”  The motorhome repair guys I’d talked to all said the same.  Now here was Neil a fellow whose advise I really respected saying the same.  There’ a joke about a guy asking God for help and God sending repeated messages until the fellow finally acknowledges what God had been telling him all along. 

Laura had her Smart Car repair and maintenance done at Merecedes Benz so could drive out to be with us for the weekend.  I suggested when she arrived that we take a drive with Madigan to at least ‘sit in a jeep’ to decide if it’s right.  The nearest Jeep Dealer was Journey Autogroup on Dominion in Port Coquitlam.  They had a 2026 on display but I’d decided I wanted a 24 0r 25 jeep with low mileage , the advise my father gave us, because driving a new car off the lot depreciated it by 10 %.  

Laura and I looked at the  White Jeep Wangler Sport and we liked it. Great look. I liked the sturdy build like a Rolls Royce. It’s built tough for off road.  It seemed high and hard to get into but Sina the salesman who came to helped us said that that particular one had really big special ‘off road ‘ wheels.  

I have a quad. I’ve done all the off road driving in my life with my original Broncho II then later vans and cars and four quads and a couple of off road Honda enduro  motorcycles. I hunt and still do but my friends all laughed when I bought the  a 300 Win mag for long distance shooting as back up to my Ruger 30.06 claimed I could shoot as far as a sniper now.  They said that I wasn’t young anymore and unlikely to be climbing over mountains shooting deer or moose and packing them out. They knew that with my quad or truck I’d taken to being mostly a road hunter who shot grouse by the side of the road and sat in ambush but wasn’t going to haul back an 2000 lb moose from the woods. The last 300 lb mulie I’d shot a few hundreds yards into the bush had taken me all my strength and energy to get back to the truck.  Then it was next to implossible to get it into the truck. I finally used the winch to load it.  

Getting old is not for the young. They lack the courage and stamina. 

I want a 4x4 so I can drive on logging roads hunting and fishing and doing photography. The best part is the jeep tows so well behind motorhomes.  Traveland who sold me my motorhome told me they sell the Blue Ox Flat Towing Systems and that the famed E&H Hitch folk next door do the installing there. 

I told Sina what I was looking for. He called out a vehicle that ticked every box.  Laura and I went out to sit in it . It did feel so right. Laura said “It really is pretty. :  With regular wheels it was no problem getting into the vehicle though Laura with his short legs used the hand hold to pull herself in.  Madigan jumped right up and loved it. A very dog friendly vehicle.  I loved the comfort of the seat. My back has rebelled with aging after being in truck crashes and plane crashes and wrestling violently insane. So a comfortable seat is a must. I’m 6 feet and the mini had little head room and I had problems seeing the lights when I pulled up to a stop light.  Still when I bought the mini I felt like I was in the cockpit of a Sopwith Camel and it was the best high way rally car. I loved my mini but with my neck stiffness and getting in and out of the car I got spoiled the last 3 months of driving my Thor Hurricane motorhome 2000 km south.  The class A motorhome view is incredible by comparison. Now the Jeep had that ease  of entry and exit an old guy like me likes  and that incredible view.  I felt like I was in a mini hummer. I liked all the positions of steering wheel and lights. The only peculiar thing was the windows up and down buttons  was on the centre console.  

Sima explained that the doors come off and the roof comes off for summer driving. Wow.  I’d had a Mazda Miata I loved for its convertible roof but this Jeep was like a regular transformer. Sedate city car to Baja transformers. I really could see enjoying that.  I ride a Harley and we call a car a ‘cage’ but this can transform to being as close to an enduro motorcycle as can be.  Wow!

The back up screen is really good, just like my sister in law Adell’s  Volvo.  That’s what I first did when I had the keys , drive a little forward then back up into the same spot. Fantastic!  I had the Miata and the Mini for when I was working in a downtown clinic and parking in the city was a nightmare. I can’t take my Ford F350 long box truck downtown without really planning for a parking lot.  The Jeep’s maneuverability is incredible.

Sina and his manager offered to let us take the car for a ride but I’d seen enough. Laura and I loved it. But I’d only planned to look .   I really didn’t need a car to tow till my next snowbird trip south.  In LA when Laura joined me I’d rented a car and now I wouldn’t need to do that.  

“I just need to go for coffee and think about it.”  I said.

Laura and I drove round the block to the Macdonald’s where I got 2 quarter pounder with cheese meals for the humans and one meat patty for Madigan.  This is when I miss my Dad and Brother Ron most. Dad knew everything about cars and houses and Ron knew everything about business.  Dad helped me buy my first house and it’s the house I still miss today.  I was devastated when my ex wife said she saw it as a ‘starter’ home.  But thanks to Dad I knew what to look for in buying homes and he was always there to advise me on cars.  I could always count on Ron for advise about investment and finances .  I phoned Anil Auluck, my accountant. He’s helped me for years and had the best financial advise. I know medicine.  They say if you want to know where to invest, find out where doctors are investing and invest elsewhere. We are so invested in learning about anatomy and chemistry we simply don’t have time to focus on these others matters. I phoned Anil and ran my plan byt him and he said, “it’s a good idea. We don’t ‘t like you riding motorcycles and a jeep is a good investment”.. Thank you Anil.

My sister in law doesn’t like me riding motorcycles at my age. I think she imagines me have a stroke at high speed on my Harley. I come back from Spokane on the free ways last year and loved it. But I didn’t enjoy my beautiful Vespa 300 on the freeway doing 70 mph this winter as I had the year before. Its light weight makes it easy to load and off load but it’s a bit scarey with crosswinds. In the city it’s the perfect run around.  I still love my Harley for the highway but I traded my big 1600 lb Electroglide I rode to Sturges for my gutsy 500 lbs Nightster Special.   It’s a great motorcycle.  The dog rides in a little box behind me on the Vespa or the little Harley. 

George is my all round wise man. He’s got a new car but I love his little red thunder bird. I’m the Beatles era guy and George would  definitely Elvis/Sinatra era. He sings all manner of songs with his internationally famous barbershop quartet but just got back from touring Route 66.  Laura and I this winter  texted him  a picture of us at the Santa Monica pier , the end of  Root 66.  

‘The mileage is good for second hand. The Jeep is a good vehicle. I think it’s a good plan. Laura likes it. It’s better to have a car than depend on a motorcycle carried behind your motorhome.  Good Idea”. He said. Thank you George. 

I worry I’m being impulsive. I have the money in the bank but the bank and my accountant prefer I borrow and pay off.  

Back at Journey Sina was really helpful.  His manager, a delightful young Sik man with Turban had explained how a car insurance loan worked so I could pay off any time. I’m planning on selling my truck. Downsizing.The insurance guy was great. The jeep insurance was only $50 more than my mini. I phoned Thawn at Rand and McNally. He takes care of my insurance. He told me it was a good deal.  Then the most beautiful tall young woman explained the options for extended warranty. I love extended warranty and I got a great package. The trouble with buying anything from gorgeous women is you wonder how much their looks influence your decision.  Thankfully Laura was there to say it was all good.I didn’t get cosmetic coverage but mechanical and such I’m covered for years to come.  RBC bank gladly extended the loan with reasonable payments.  Madigan was with Laura impatient the whole time.  

My new ‘Willy’s’ Jeep was driven round to the front.  Sina handed me the keys. We unloaded the little I had in the Mini. Then Laura and I were sitting in the Jeep with Madigan. Loving it!!

The only trouble was we couldn’t n’t get the windows down so I had to go out and ask the manager where they were. He laughed and showed me already had Sina had. . “They are on the front console because the doors come off. It’s a common question new buyers ask even though we always tell them”. He said. 

The navigation screen interfaced with my iPhone with CarPlay and blue tooth.  I put in the route home and off we drove.  What a day! What an adventure!

I’m really the proud owner of a racing green Jeep Wrangler 4x4 . Given’ my name is William we liked that the Jeep is the ‘Willy’s” edition. Also when I worked with my brilliant spiritual colleague Dr. Willy Gutowski he’d leant me his Jeep for a month while he was off island. I have such fond memories of working in the Northern Marianas Islandsand Willy was such a profound Christian inspiration I love that my Jeep is called ‘Willy’s’ .  A bit of Jungian synchronicity. God is good all of the time. 

Now all I want to do is ride in my Jeep. When we got back to my motorhome and got out Madigan went round the front and peed on the tire a very long time. “This is mine,” he was saying to all the other dogs.  .  

I’m happy too. Laura’s happy.  A good day was had by all.  All I have to do is make some money to get the Blue Ox trailer system attracched by E&H Hitch and Traveland RV. 

Thank you God. Thank you Jesus. 

St. Patrick’s Day, Doc-side Medical

It was great to be in the clinic today with Drs. Horvath, Dr. Waller, Dr. Saggar, Mary Lou.  The staff and counsellor were there as well and I’m likely to misspell their names.  I was honored to have a birthday celebration with pizza and ice cream cake. I learned the counsellor I so enjoyed is 6 months younger. Dr. Waller told me about his dog walking.  I was actually gifted a bottle of Irish whiskey which continues and recurring irony though I’ve not had a drink in 26 years. It reminds me of my abstinent actor friend who at a decade sober got major role in a beer commercial that funded him for quite some time.  

Madigan loved the festivity. 

I’m rarely with groups so it’s good for me to continue apart of the human race. I enjoyed being in the room with patients as opposed to virtual.  There’s something to be said for the balance.  

I came home and walked Madigan who had scored a little bit of ice cream cake. 

A law has been passed extending censorship to social media.  I was flagged for saying “gobbly gook’ with the nonsense said by a politico.  

I enjoyed uploading a reading to St. Patrick’s Breast Plate. 

I also upload videos to my utube channel of birds and dogs and art galleries an and museums.  I may have to do more video.  I haven’t taken it all very seriously happy to get it all going and be able to teach others how to set it up decades back when they first began.  I have the songs I wrote for Christmas .  I have these periods of interest and creativity. Recently I’ve not been making music much except for electric. I love that I’ve done the winter in the south again and become comfortable driving and parking the Thor Hurricane Class A Motorhome. I really like it here.

It’s been raining a lot. ‘Atmospheric River’ is the latest term

The Iran US Israel war continues and the WEF/NW0/ China#1 folk bother me. I don’t like communism and I’m seeing Neo communism was what the WEF was offering and it really was all an attack on Freedom .  Doomsaying and Climate change and open borders. I love the American, Trump and other leaders are pushing back against this .  I am afraid of these left wing leaders and their plans. It’s hopeful to see Iran falling and Cuba about to fall with the US defending Freedom.  Canada is doing poorly economically. I’m doing okay.  I watch too much social media.  

I’m thankful I uploaded Breast plate prayer and must upload more prayers.  

I dreamed of Marion and Willy last night. I have such fine dreams at times. A visitation from my father not that long ago.  Lucid dreaming moments too.  I saw a green Colour mom had dad paint the kitchen. She loved her Irish origins.  I loved seeing the picture of my grandfather’s geologist brother on the pub wall.  

Thank you God!!!!Thank you Jesus. Thank you St. Patrick.  

Burnaby, Brunette River Walk

I slept in. It was 930 when Madigan began barking at the door. I decided wit the sun shining in the skylight it was likely time to get up. 9:30.  Too late for church. I stayed up till 11 watching the Good Doctor.  This morning I think it’s a great medical show but I expect I’ve had enough for a while. A bit too much like work.  I meditated but more like rote than meeting one’s lover.  I am having a bit of a dry period.  glad to be going through the motions and ‘keeping on trucking’ but not in the bliss zone.

I enjoyed the orange juice, egg and yoghurt. I’m really enjoying the coffee, Starbucks expresso. Having another cup today.

I enjoyed my meeting yesterday. It’s good to be a part of this group and chcking in. Then seeing Dr. Ready was very positive.  The sharp pain in my lower back is replaced with a dull ache and I have some more confidence in mobility. I just wonder how frequency I should see him.  Maybe a couple of weeks.  

After that I drove to Ford and checked out the Maverick.  It seemed big sitting in it this time and I realized there were second hand Fiat’s 500 manual transmission which would work too I then drove over to Laura and had burgers and fish and chips at the place near Thurlow and Davie.

“I don’t really need a vehicle to tow behind the Thor motorhome till next year. For now carrying the Vespa works fine.”  

I became anxious reading that physical and eye testing needed to be done every 2 years after turning 80.  I’ve been planning continuing what I’m doing with motorhome for another decade.  I’m also wanting to sell my camper and truck and add the money to bank loan.  Without a winch system I’ll not be able to load a motorcycle

I’m also talking to God about, life death, longevity, health.

I’ve been still tired since a week of flu.  I told Laura I’ve been sleeping more and she said “You’re tired. You must need the rest.”  I liked that. I tend to tell myself I’m lazy.

Today I missed church but took Madigan on the Brunette River walk.  Crossing the little bridge I said hello to Gilbert, George and Tiffany, our pets who liked the spot in the past. 

A new law has come in adding more censorship and restricting criticism of Canada.  “Hate speech’ is the slippery slope. In England they are arresting people for social media communications.  That’s coming here. I probably shouldn’t have called Carney ‘smegma’. I thought it an erudite comment but even John Cleese and Mark Twain wouldn’t do well in Canada today.

Kevin was at the International Sports booth at the Outdoor show. They used a picture of him for their booth. Looks good.  They’ve been attending an Orthodox Church.  I don’t know what church to attend feeling that the Anglican Church has become too political and leftist and not at all enjoying their climate change and mass migration support.  I was thinking of returning to the Baptists like my mentor Dr. Ney did in latter years.  I have the thought of going but then I’m now still recovering from the walk and thinking of a nap.  That’s what Madigan is doing.

I’m hoping to ride the Vespa today.  

Merry Maids is coming to clean this week. Madigan is being groomed on Thursday. I’ve a morning in the clinic this week too.  

Laura had her car maintenance done since it began with warming messages not to drive.  It needed oil and her air filter hadn’t been change. Anyway we are happy her SMART car is happy again≥. 

It’s cool with some overcast but some spots of blue sky.  

I am grateful. Thank you Jesus. 

Burnaby, Gratitude

I just came from Dr. Ready, my chiropractor.  It’s been 3 months and my back has some relief.  

All is well.  I have all I need.  My motorhome is repaired by Traveland.  I am here with gas and propane.  I live in a beautiful part of the world.  It was raining and snowing for a couple of days but now it’s sunny. I love the blue sky. I love the green.  The Pacific Northwest is so lush.

I attended a 12 step support meeting today.  I ‘m so thankful for the group.  I was at my Home Group on Wednesday so glad to see George and Neil and Jack and Stan..  I feel lonely and uncertain. Sally said today she’s feeling down from watching too much News. That’s my problem too.  Too much social media.  Wendy said life’s either a miracle or it’s not and I choose to believe it’s a miracle.  Mack said he felt God had a purpose for him and he was progressing towards that. We spoke of a time when we didn’t like others and collected fears and resentments. I shared how I was wanting a new truck and that in the past I would let that Colour my existence .  Poor me I drive an old truck I’d think rather than be grateful I have a truck.  Today I’m grateful.

I’ve been adjusting to return. When I came back I spent a week at Traveland getting the slide fixed, working in their offices and sleeping in the Thor in the parking lot.  I took a hotel room for a couple of nights and worked a couple of full days. This week it’s been all week I’ve worked.  Also I’m feeling I’m over my respiratory illness.  I’d stopped the coughing though the throat grated .. Then it was just feeling drained.  I’ve been sleeping and napping a lot. Lots of fatigue.  Low grade depression. Fear of finances and politics.  Yet I plodded through putting on the game face.  Doing the next right thing.  

Madigan is booked for the groomer.  I’ve seen the Chiropracter and feel better. Laura had her car fixed .  I’m hoping she’ll come today but she may not. She was here last weekend and that was a joy.

I find myself having trouble generating the next ‘right thing’.  I imagine i could go for a walk. I’ve been trying to get to the pool to swim. When Laura is here I don’t seem to have to think about what to do next. Mostly she likes to be fed so I get food or go to restaurants or barbecue.  She and Madigan are good that way. Eating is a good thing with someone else. We watch tv together and that’s good.  Alone I eat and watch tv but feel guilty I’ not saving the world or praying more.  I’ve enjoyed the Star Trek Academy and Brave New Worlds. I’ve been watching Cross and the Good Doctor.  I most nights I watch tv and snack for 2 or 3 hours. I remember when for a decade or more I kept the tv in the closet and only took it out for special shows.  Then there were the years I took courses in the evening. It’s time I reestablished a new routine and a good routine.  I have Madigan to think of. We walk each day and that’s good. 

I am very grateful for today, the sunshine, the comfort, the security.  Thank you God for this life, for my experiences, for this adventure. Thank you for Madigan. Thank you for Laura. Thank you for family, friends, colleagues ,patients.  Thank you for the pine trees and spruce. Thank you for the river. Thank you for the birds. Thank you for the robin that visited yesterday. Thank you all of your blessings.

Thank you. 

Monday, Burnaby, Workday

Thank you God for this beautiful day. Thank you for the clear sky and sunshine. Laura took a taxi home in the dark. Now the sun is coming up.

Thank you God for Madigan. Thank you God for Laura.  Thank you God for family. Thank you for god for those who went before. Thank you God for the colors. Thanks you God for eye sight and hearing. Thank you God for all your blessing,.  Thank you God for the sense of smell. Thank you God for this Thor Hurricane. Thank you God for my vehicles to get about with. Thank you God for Coffee. Thank you God for work today for the clinic and for patients that I can help,. Thank you God that I can be of service.

Thank you God for Conservatives. Thank you God for memories. Thank you god for sensory intake. Thank you God for senses .  Thank you God for spring flowers. Thank you God for all your blessings. \

Thank you Jesus.

Home, Burnaby, BC, Canada and the Thor Hurricane

Home, Burnaby.BC Canada

It’s 6 am.  Daylight saving time is ending. We’ll not be moving the clocks forward or backwards anymore.

I’m sitting in my Thor Hurricane Motorhome, very grateful.  

I completed the inaugural run and passage with the Thor. Last year I bought it late spring. Then I took the Ford 350 Truck and Adventurer Camper I’d driven south for the winter and drove off to see my nephews.  Maizy hadn’t been born yet but I met her in her mommy home.  Alana and Meagan were wonderful. It was special to see Andrew and Tanya and the boys.  Adell and Graeme and the dogs were a great visit in Napanee.  I returned to take the Thor out on weekends romps. But the big deal was driving south. Thanks to Larry and Peter who do this every year I had the knowledge of routes and encouragement.

Now I’ve driven south to LA in early December and after weeks at Hollywood RV Parkvisiting galleries with Laura and a reantal car we saw her off at the airport while Madigan and I continued to Fountain of Youth RV resort .  I loved being back there especially the meetings. Also I enjoyed visiting Bombay Beach Cafee and and Pastor Jack at the Beach Church. They were were on to Sleepy Hollow RV Park in Winterhaven for a few weeks.  Walking across the border at Algadones I had my St. Thomas dental check up, bought more glasses from SOL, along with purses for Christmas gifts for the girls. Then I was headed back to Fountain of Youth.  Every stop and passage I gained knowledge of driving the big motorhome. It was wider and longer than nayhting I’d driven and I just kept on with the steep learning curve.  Cars honked on the way down and then they didn’t. I’d learned to keep in my lane and better handle the 12 lane 70mph freeways.  I even succeeded slowly to learn to back into a space.

I had a variety of repairs. First the knocking off the mirror at the Nexus border crossing.  Thanks to mobile RV tech’s each of these repairs went really well with the best of people being recommended each time by the RV campsite office.  In Orange grove I finally had my furnace repaired. I’d just worn shoes and sweaters.  In Hollywood RV I had the first inkling of slide difficulties as the slide sheered off the outlets pipe to the gray water tank. Again a mobile tech came out and did a skookum job of repair.  After Fountain of Youth I went on to Palm Springs with the idea that another year Laura could fly into Palm Springs for a visit as there was an airport there.  I’d dinged the awning parking in the town by the market and that was rrepaired by a fine fellow there.  

It was in Palm Sprngs I became very sick with sinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and that terrible sense that I might possibly die.  Pneumonia, the old man’s friend. I was miserable but Madigan walked me. I couldn’t keep up with work. 350 emails in the week.  Lots of calls and cancellations. Thankfully Mary Lou at Docside managed the clinic.  I really don’t get sick often. It always seems to be a URI.  I didn’t take antibiotics this time.  I managed and slowly got better. I always think that ‘sickness’ is my body’s way of aaying it was overworked. I felt overwhelmed with all the new intakes, demands for forms and that aggressive entitlement that plagues medicine these days.

I didn’t like the news.  Carney a Neo communist was allying with China for the NWO and alienating the USA.  I was in the US reading the misinformation and propaganda of CBC.  It was all so disappointing.  I felt like I was living in the invasion of the body snatchers.  

While driving and travelling alone I have memories and more memories passing through while I’m praying to God to keep us safe. It was especially hard to carry on because the illness left me fatigued and brain fogged. I had a couple of thousand km’s to go but could only make a couple of hours of driving to start. It wasn’t until I was north of San Francisco and out of the major freeway shoots that I began to feel alive again and enjoy the journey.  I was so grateful to God to have carried me. I had to get back to Canada because my travel insurance was going to be up and I didn’t want to be sick alone in the US.  I needn’t of worried since each day I was feeling better and travelling more miles north. I really loved reaching the Oregon Beaches and again stamping at the Oceanside RV park in Gold Beach.  I felt growing Hope each day.  Then I was hitting the mirror returning but this time not having the mirror knocked off just turned.  A lovely border crossing guard and then back at Burnaby .

When  I was in a peacock populated KOA when I couldn’t ‘t get the Slide back in. That’s when the ex LAPD lt came to rescue and was able to get the slide in and secure.  I drove home with it that way.  I

I was reminded of sailing/crusing when we call it ‘doing boat work in exotic places’.  I truly felt that I was exorcising the demons . The previous owner had had the slide problem too.

Back in Burnaby I called Traveland and was thankful they could get me in.  The repair that was planned for a day or two had me sleeping in the parking lot Monday Night, Tuesday Night, but Wedneday night I took a $70 taxi into town and retrieved my Mini.  The battery was dead and thankfully BCAA gave me a boost but the battery wouldn’t hold the charge. But thankfully I had the Charger I’d bought before leaving south. I was having to use that each time I started the battery till I got a new one at Canadian Tire.  I stayed in Surestay Hotel , working class place with higher rates.  It always seems that there are elements in Canada that charge luxury rates but don’t provide the luxury service. I’ve known both and appreciate when the rates jive.  The truth is I was thankful and that couple of nights allowed me to get to my men’s meeting and to enjoy a day of work from the hotel. I’d not been able to keep up with patients in the office that I was able to use at Traveland in the day. I could do computer work but at the hotel I had the privacy to phone and catch up.  Progress. Then amazing Service called to say Thor was ready.

Laura was coming over on Friday.  I was able to get a taxi out there and amazing.  The slide was restored.  A major task that I’d really ‘worried’ about .  I believe the law of attraction is such that my ‘fear’ attracts these events.  I think ‘worrying is wicked’ and block negativity as best as I can.  Sick I was having no peace of mind and my thinking itself was a chore.  I felt though my guardian angels and Jesus and my relatives and those who’d gone before were all around.

Then it was home. I drove my Thor from Langley to Burnaby no longer afraid of driving the ‘beast’.  I even parked okay and enjoyed levelling and putting out the slide.  It was raining and it’s rained ever since. I was however  able to get the laundry I’d dropped off. My mail hadn’t been forwarded as I paid for and ironically a CRA notice didn’t get to me because the Post office. - other government workers hadn’t forwarded the government mail.  No harm was done.  I didn’t like it.  

I was astonished how losing a week to illness backed everything up.  I’m still trying to sort it all out and feel tired.,

I had my birthday in the Parking Lot of Traveland.  My birthday dinner was a delivered pizza.  I resisted the ‘poor me’ and ‘self pity pot’. I just kept on trekking and kaloo kalay the slide was completed. The clinic managed. I didn’t die.  Madigan and I had a wonderful meal at White Spot, he had a burger and I had fish and chips with a vanilla milkshake

Laura has been a delight to have visit.  Her car is under the weather so she had to taxi.  I picked up rotisserie chicken and Choices Deli salads , quiche for breakfast and yesterday barbecued steak which we all loved. We watched new episodes of Cross and Star Trek.  

Trump of the US and Netanyahu of Israel attacked Iran bombing its nuclear facilities again but most importantly limiting its oil supply to China.  Maduro the cartel criminal of Venezuela have been arrested last month and now Iran was invade. Both provided oil to China who was threatening to invade Taiwan.  Without oil no invasion.  The Russia Ukraine war persisted but at latest Ukraine was pushing Russia back. The main problem was the corruption with Ukraine war appearing more money laundering.  The Minneapolis Muslim nursery school scam involving millions was exposed with the Somalians seeming to have taken their piracy from water to land.  The Epstein lists were released and several people have been arrested.

I’m happy to see the UN agenda 21/30. Climate Change cult and NWO with China first has been blocked by the Republicans.  The Democrats like our Liberals seem just to be into all manner of criminal activities.  The News is binary and I don’t’ really know what it ‘true’ despite reading X and FB and looking up matters that seem far fetched.  Conspiracy theories keep being exposed and government abuses like those with Jan 6 and with the Freedom Convoy seem particularly insidious.  WEF is mostl evil. 

That’s all ambiguous back ground.,

I’m back in Canada and thankful that hat my motorhome which the bank has supported my buying since they have my money in the bank is turning out to be a wonderful experience. I don’t want to move right now but I feel I can. I had the Fusion fifth wheel for years and never pulled it myself and here. I’m comfortable driving the Thor. It’s a big deal to me.

I feel like I’ve caught up.  I used the Vespa to take a run to teh local mall and bought a new Walmart Quilt I hope Madigan doesn’t chew.I left him to hump the pillow and he’s not bothered Laura as he had in the past. There’ s hope.  

I really am grateful for this journey and adventure. I don’t know if I will return next year. it’s a long drive . IF it do go I may just 

limit it to Palm Springs and Fountain of Youth.  I also think of going to the Island which has more sun and less rain and cold in the winter.

I want a vehicle I can dinghy tow so that’s the next hill to climb. Mostly I think of a Maverick .  I have my Camper and truck to sell.  My motorhome with a small truck would suit all my needs. I don’t have a great desire to hunt. I weight the risk of hurting myself and don’t know how I’d get a deer out of the woods on my own.  Aging is a bitch. I can still hunt grouse.  Though I remember my dad and other friends stopped hunting and moved to fishing older. I may do that.  I’m not really sure what comes next. This was the challenge and now I’m capable.  I am grateful. Thank you Jesus.  I’m working and my mother was always glad to know I was in debt because she said ‘then she knew Bill would be working’.  I certainly like working but I’d like to complete the books I want to write and to develop more spiritually.  I feel I’m at a crossroads of some sort not certain what comes next but ready and willing to continue.

Thank you Jesus for my health. Thank you for Laura and Madigan and family and friends. Thank you for Thor.  Thank you for this adventure and journey and the ability to continue to work virtually as well as in person.

Thank you Jesus. 

Traveland RV , parking lot, my birthday

I’ve arrived back from Southern California.  My slide stopped working north of LA but I was able to get back with the slide kept in with a slife lock; The beauty of the Motorhome is everything is accessible even with the slide not out.  That wasn’t the case in the RV.  Traveland was kind enough to take the Thor Motorhome in yesterday at noon but the slide repair wasn’t completed at close of day. Madigan and I spent the night in the parking lot. They had electricity and water though Madigan felt he has to bark with any sounds through the night that he deemed as threatening. I was woken three times by long barking.  Definitely a local terrorist cell. Meanwhile I got a new mattress and really did enjoy it.

This morning I had my own coffee and now am in the office they’ve provided me to wait in.

It’s my birthday. 74.

I’m very grateful . I am reeled with gratitude, thankful to be alive, knowing so many who have died in the last years. I do miss them. The older I get the greater I realize what a wonderful life I have had of so many blessings. I’m thankful today for Madigan. I’m very thankful for my dear friend Laura. I especially love my sister in law, the nephews and the great nephews and great neice.  I miss my brother.  What a blessing to have know such a great man all my life.  I have memories flash through my mind with the long drives in the motorhome and enjoy so many positive childhood memories and adult memories. I have a terrible mind that will select and pull up the few negative events and focus on them when in fact the whole has been stupendous.  My family really was exceptional, my mother so loving and accomplished, my Dad an amazing man and my aunt and grandparents and uncles all a gift.  I tool way too much for granted. I had a great school .  Dad and mom were really keen to have us live in a good neighbourhood and they really did prioritize education. Yet there was sports and I played on hockey teams and baseball teams. Every summer I was signed up for swimming lessons and life saving classes .  I was given guitar lessons and music lessons. I wanted to join the YMCA and my parents supported that so I became a member of the Gymnastics team, swimming team and Leaders Corp.  We attended the Trinity Baptist Church and later the Fort Gary United Church. I taught Sunday school and was encouraged to read the Bible and had this incredibly important moral and ethical training.

Dad loved the outdoors so weeeknds and holidays we out in the wonderful Canadian wilderness fishing and hunting.  I really had an incredible childhood . It was only when I became interested in girls as a teen that life when sideways.  Hormones. I don’t know how my poor parents and teachers didn’t kill me. I’ve a dog that is totally brain dead when pheromes hit him. That was me.  

Then there was alcohol and parties and adolescent arrogance. I was still  successful. Sports champion, and writing.  I had all these outlets. I worked at all these jobs for money. I bicycled a lot.  I was blessed with intelligent.

I had this great friend  Kirk. Lived across the lane. We did volleyball together. Walked to school with our friends Garth.  Later we’d do Jujitsu together and he and I’d both get into meditation and yoga despite our Christian background.  I had a darkroom to do pictures for the year book. His dad made beer and we had it in the basement. The family had a cottage at Minaki and I visited canoeing everywhere and hiking in the woods all day.  Best guy.  All my life I’ve been blessed to know him. Brilliant man. We talk of god together.  

The Manitoba Theatre School became a very important part of my life. I was kicked out of school for reciting a poem with the word fuck in it.  I got a job in carpentry and my life could have taken a very different turn. I liked carpentry. I used to fix cars with my brother and father.  A skill that later stood me well assisting surgery  I met my first wife dancing at Ken Mathew’s. What a creative incredible world. How blessed i was to meet this extraordinary woman . We bicycled across Europe together and lived in London working on jobs and studying dancing.  I loved the cultural and historical learning. We both loved to read.  We loved art. I played chess in coffee shops. We got as far as Morocco and then got awards dancing in London. She would go on to be a highly accomplished dancer and choreographer.  I’d got the bug for study.  I loved learned.,  

Coming home I was able to study at Univerwsity of Winnipeg again and thanks to Dr. Carl Ridd lest the theatre program, studied Christian spirituality and did pre medical studies. I loved University of Winnipeg.  Baiba has loved the dance study in London and hadn’t wanted to return to Winnipeg. She really was without teachers here and left for Toronto to pursue her dance career. I had scholarships for Manitoba and we parted.  I was heart broken but it wasn’t a bad decision. There was too much alcohol in the dance and theatre world and I really loved chemistry and electron microscopes.   Getting accepted to Univeristy of Manitoba Medical school was the very best and fondest of decision s. I’ve never regretted training as a doctor or working as a family physician and community medicine specialist.  

Psychiatry however was traumatic and though I loved the learning it changed my life in many ways including another divorce.  I was attracted to women with alcohol in their families and mine was a non alcoholic family.  They were wonderful but my life went off track with alcohol and when years later, 28 years ago to be exact I stopped drinking, my life returned to the spiritual again. I was always moved by God and beauty and reason and learning. It was a strange life. A year of surgery and taking a year off because of a tremor and that the government was limiting the surgery that grads could do.  I was moved by the missionary doctor idea and Jack Hilda’s convinced me to come north with the Northern Medical Unit. I loved that.

I regretted I didn’t spend more time with my mother and father in later years.  I was away so much I didn’t spend more time with my brother and sister in law. I was always working. I loved the learning and service.  I really was fulfilled in my life. Another marriage died. Physically surgery is demanding. Psychiatry is emotionally and mentally demanding.  I felt alone. 

I’d smoked hashish in Morocco and in Psychiatry smoked pot. I drank wine.  And left Winnipeg.  A major turn.  I got my American license but went to Vancouver and stayed with UBC. Another wife.

These women were amazing. Brilliant beautiful and so incredibly sexy but I was self centred .

I loved homesteading.  I loved the years of sailing. I think my wife’s addictions were ahead of mine but that’s the nature of addiction. The disease that says you don’t have a disease. I stopped drinking and joined recovery and embraced spirituality again.  I loved my practice helping people with trauma and later addiction. I still like my practice.

I had questions and was able to answer them and address them. 

‘I had the most incredible of friends.  George and John. Now both gone.  Bill Mewhort my hunting buddy.  I loved the advanced study in addiction medicine.  Hank was such an incredible mentor.  Art was a mensch.  Then there was Bernie and Scotty and men’s groups and round ups and more beautiful incredible women.  World travel and study in exotic place and sailing. I was blessed to know Willie Gutowski. I’d had John White as a Christian mentor and after Willie I’d be blessed with Phillip Ney.  I have had the greatest life of learning. I’ve delivered a hundred babies, helped keep a country hospital open working with the extraordinary Bob Manness then time in the north, wilderness training, igloos, fly in doctors services,  ST. Theresa Point, Island Lake. Wasagamach.  Years I’d fly north for Jack Hildes as a family medicine doctor then as a psychiatrist.  Universiy of Manitoba and University of British Columbia.

What a joy it is to learn.  I really did work m y mind.  I did family medicine, psychiatry, addiction medicine and masters in religious studies. I was bleswed to be a member of the Self Realization Fellowship, to study hypnosis, then an Anglican and study with Dr. James Houston, the most compassionate man, Regent College. I also studied at Vancouver School of Theology and St. Marks. I’ve audited so many courses in Christian spirituality ,and Hebrew and anthropology.  Last year I told an Oxford course in prehistoric religion .  I was so thankful to have my PHD friends like Aim and Adell help me complete the paper. I’d consulted for the Canadian Military and the Supreme Court and really was impressed by all the people I have had the opportunity to know, working in community hospitals, asylums and jails.

Northern Marianas Islands was a whole other story of extrarordianry experience and learning. The people of the island the the staff were the best.  Playing gold and scuba diving with Willie Gutowski was a blessing.  I loved raising chickens and geese and turkeys and learning to be a ships captain. No small feat to sail across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii through a winter hurricane and survive. 

I’ve always felt God was with me. I’ve felt intimately that I have a guardian angel. I’ve had many incredibly spiritual experiences . None of the material world explanations could account for the transcendental world I’ve been touched by. Taht’s my friends like Kirk who lives to meditate or meditates to live are so important. I work in a world of political and ego and bean counters and materialists who are afraid and quite Scarey.

This last year though I’ve had wonderful experience. I drove my truck and camper south to Algadones last year, had Mexican deantal work then so enjoyed Bombay Beach and Fountain of Youth in Niland. I loved the recovery community there and the hotsprings .When I returned to Canada I drove my truck and camper across Canada to Ottawa to see my great nephews and the great neice still in house.  It was good to see my cousins after so many years.  I visited my brother and sister in laws home in Napanee .  It’s always good to see my amazing nephews.  My sister in law like my brother continues to be a whirlwind of activity.  I picked up my boat and drove back to Vancouver.  A lot to see and a lot to do. 

Every year I attend an international recovery conference. This year he five year convention was in Vancouver. I rode my motorcycle to the annual conference in Spokane.  It reminded me of the year I rode my elctroglide across the country to Sturges.  That bike got too heavy but I really have enjoyed the Nighster Special I took down to Arizona. I loved seeing friends at the conference, the same time next year experience enriched on by the internet cyberdoctors and western Canada doctors experienced.

Laura and I attended so many theaters and ballet and opera concerts as well as unforgettable events like Paul McCartney. 

Last year Laura and I took the motorhome with madigan out to Princeton. He and I rode around on the Honda quad, shooting and fetching grouse. It’s been a while since I  shot deer and moose and bear and elk. I shot 30 or more dear, 8 moose, elk and a few bear but mostly countless grouse and some rabbits. I sued to fish when I sailed.  Out east I fished pickerel and pike but in BC I’ve not been that successful a trout fisherman but caught so many salmon and cod in the ocean. 

I traded in the Fusion RV for the Thor Hurricane Motorhome.  In December I drove south. Steep learning curve.  In LA at the Hollywood RV Park Laura Joined me for a few weeks of visiting museums and galleries.  She’s come with me to Rome and Ireland and Scotland and Milan and enjoyed the Louvre with me. I really have been blessed incredible companions.

And the best of dogs.  Now I’ve got Madigan for 5 years and he’s such character.

I’ve driven back from the south arriving home this last week.  The slide si being repaired now and I’m here in this office on my birthday, Grateful

I’ve had an amazing life. I’d like to live to be over a hundred and do many more camping trips.  I’m not sure what the next adventure would be. I’ve three books in progress. I have to pray more and meditate more and become kinder and more caring.  I’m a work in progress but I certainly have a loving God and have been blessed. Slowly my mind is waking up to that fact.  

I’ve been bleswed to have so many patients and to be of service.  

Thabnk you Creator for another year around the sun. Thank you Jesus.

Burnaby BC, Canada

I enjoyed the drive from north of Portland.  Quite a few lanes going through Seattle. A lot of familiar sites and memories. I did a lot of weekends here on my Harley.  The freeway is known. Then the ride to the border is well known. I cleared out meat and vegetable and fruit and dairy.  

At the border I asked about wideness and the motorchome.  I’d hit my mirror coming down. Now I hit my mirror again but thankfully didn’t knock it off. I was being careful. The helpful agent told me the border crossing by the ocean has wider passages. I was happy though to be out on the east side of Burnaby cross the port Mann bridge back to Burnaby.

Great to be back in Canada. Great to see an old friend. Lots of familiarity.  A new site in a good old place. I’ve an apt with Traveland to fix the slide so I’ll be ready in a day or two. Madigan was happy to be back on the river trail.  I didn’t last long and slept early. The end of an expedition.

Today I got my car but the battery was dead and BCAA jumped it for me.  I then dropped off my laundry.  Then Madigan and I drove downtown to visit Laura. What a delight having coffee with her on Davie.  Then fish and chips and milk shakes. Madigan was in heaven, out of control to see his favourite friend. I’m taken for granted. She’s special .  

Back home I faced the paper work. I couldn’t ‘think’.  I could drive. But my work was overwhelming. I felt sick when I looked at paper work.  I signed off on some prescriptions but that was pretty easy. Just had to check the notes and sign off. Anymore was overwhelming. I couldn’t talk to anyone. I really struggled with feeling positive and not doomzooming. I had my medical meeting this morening and was uplifted.  My priest had her last day but I couldn’t make it.  Still recovering . I worry about my ‘lungs’ and ‘throat’.  I’m still drinking lots of orange juice.  But I’m home.

I am relaxing.  The stress is down.  Seeing Laura was so inspiring.  Wonderful to hug.  Madigan doesn’t make room for us. He’s number one but we’re happy.  He had burger he was too excited to eat at lunch but this evening he’s devoured it.  I’m tired and going to lie down.  

I’m home. Back in Canada.

Mr Trump and Mr. Netanyahu attacked Iran and cut off the head of the snake.  I’m pleased though spiritually probably not free floating. I ‘ve just seen so many tortures victims from Iran and listened to the horrors of the refuges.  Khumeni is dead.  Ding dong the witch is dead.  Maduro in custody.  The whole New World Order thing was putting China as first and now that’s been blocked maintaining USA as number one. I don’t like communism. The religion of aetheism.  A terrible regime with the greatest murders of the last Century.  Now China depended on allies of Venezuela and Iran.  Xi Jing Ping invaded Hong Kong and made an unholy alliance with Trudeau.  Now Carney is part of the China number 1 WEF anti America and Anti west. The liberals and democrats are weird.  So far left and supporting crime and corruption. I’m just glad to see evil dictators fall and the chance now for the Persian. People to be free of the disgusting Islamic regime.  

I would like the conservatives and Pierre Poilevre to lead Canada.  Poilevre is creepy.  The whole Epstein fiasco Mel Gibson warned us about is being exposed.  Lots happening internationally and I’m just thankful to be alive and get home safely in this bus I’m becoming more comfortable and competent driving. I like it as my home too.  I’m very thankful.  

BC is god’s country.  Greatest people but so much corruption and incompetence in government.  I’m looking forward to more camping and thankful to be here with the THor Hurricane and Madigan.  

Thank you Jesus. Thank you for keeping us safe and brining us home. 

Gold Beach, Oceanside RV Park, Oregon

I love the Oregon Beach’s.  My last cockapoo, Gilbert, developed severe glaucoma and pain and needed to have his eyes removed. He was terrified by sudden blindness. A little guy who had loved to run full speed everywhere was banging into everything and terrified to move around.  Laura and I took him south. He’d sailed with me and many times been on beach’s and knew they were safe. So here were were on the Oregon Beaches and he ran and ran like he had always run before and I cried. Laura cried. It was an unforgettable time. 

Last year I stayed at Oceanside RV Paark with Madigan my cockapoo who is now 5.  Gilbert died in Covid and I was so alone until Madigan came along.  Now he’s my faithful comrade. A bit crazy./ A character for sure.  But he loved Oceanside RV Park when I stayed there in the camper. The Pacific Ocean is right there and the views are terrific. We walked on the beach beside the RV park too and loved the stay. Thankful to come back. Great owners.  

And we were on our way again .  The Thor Hurricane Motorhome continues to be the best. 

I decided to cross to I5 from the 101 at Reesport on the 38 where the herds of elk wander about. I lucked out and was able to pull over and get some pictures.  

Thank you Jesus. 

Camp Kalama RV Park, Washington

It was long day drive. I survive with thermos Coffee  and a couple of redbull a day.  I’ve been really enjoying Dan Brown’s Audio Thriller, Secrete -of Secrets.  I pray. I find my mind goes to something negative.  I’ll think of my ex wife and instead of the great times I’ll remember some terrible night.  I block these with prayer.  I remember a positive. There were far more. 10 years of marriage is 50% at least but more like 99% Addiction. Trauma.  Deaths.  But I know I’ve had a life full of blessings. I am truly blessed. It’s been a n incredible experience. Just studying Medicine was a joy.  Helping people. Studying and learning.  Camping and dogs and love and friendship. I distract myself. 

I drive for an hour or two filtering the memories focusing on the positive. I’m centred on driving. The irony is with a motorcycle when you are distracted you die. When I’m with the Thor motorhome and I’m distracted I can kill someone else.  It was easier on the smaller freeway.  4 lanes of the I5 mostly.  I’m loving the view of the forest and valleys.  I enjoy seeing the cattle and sheep. 

Portland was a challenge. I arrived in rush hour and with delays caused by a couple of accidents.  When i was past Portland I pulled into one RV spot and they didn’t take one night.  That’s when I found Camp Kalama. It was getting dark and I was tired. I”m over the worst of the sickness but I’m still fatigue. I was healthy coming back last year and didn’t struggle as much as I did this trip. The last couple of days getting better.  

Thankfully Camp Kalama had a late arrive phone line. I booked in by phone with Visa and then was parking in the dark.  Thankfully all went well.  Madigan had a little walk. I put up star link and watched a little tv only to go to bed and be thankful for the ‘bed, glorious bed!