Burnaby return, missed another wet and cold winter!

What a whirlwind of activity since I returned to Canada last Friday night.  I’ve missed another Canadian Vancouver Winter with the coughs and flu and rain and snow. Instead I was in Arizona, Mexico and Southern California at the Fountain of Youth RV Spa enjoying the sun, desert air and mineral hot springs.  It was hard to return but I surely enjoyed the green of Oregon and the forests of Washington. I enjoyed seeing the ocean in Seatlle too. I dreamed of sailing last night and saw a Macgregor up for sale yesterday.  My eyes have been a staring driving 6-8 hours a day and night driving is even more challenging.  I find it hard to read the small letters of the signs at night going at 70 miles an hour.

It was great to see the friends and folk I know in Burnaby.  Just terrific to see Dave and Helena, Mac and Kim.  Having travelled for months among strangers it’s good to be where people know your name and faces are familiar. 

I continued to work virtually with a deluge of phone calls and text requests. It always reminds me of my medical colleagues who stopped leaving their practices because the amount of work before and on return obviated any vacation benefit. I’ve beers able to keep the flow going working the whole time I’ve been way. The joy has been the three day weekends when I’ve been able to ride my Vespa about touring and exploring. The lawn chair also got its fair use.

Seeing Laura again on the weekend was a thrill.  We had a terrific day at her place. She served me a ham sandwich and coffee.  I tell people I miss the grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup Mom made for me when I came home from lunch.  Dozens have commented that their mom’s did the same and we’d gone blurry eyed with nostalgia.  Laura’s ham sandwich was that little bit of love. Madigan was ecstatic to see her demonstrating kangaroo genes with his jumping up and down.  He humped his bed which I think Laura’s sister’s dog Molly must also use because he becomes like a frat guy with stolen panties around the dog bed.  At least he was entertained and distracted so Laura and I could visit. We text most days and send photos but there’s nothing like a real hug.  

I enjoyed seeing Kevin too and passing on the tolled leathers scabbards that I’d bought him and Anna in Mexico.  I’d brought them in the back seat of the truck and declared them at customs.  

Most of what I was doing with any spare time was collecting the files from banks and credit card servers for Anil my accountant.  

I’d also had to get a photo with an application and credit card info for the renewal of my gun license. 

It doesn’t rain but it pours.  The Canadian Post office in Lougheed mall had kept mail for me as had Laura so that despite trying to keep up with the deluge of demands and information I had more paperwork and obligations.  The phone never stopped ringing with constant messages but each night I’d shut down after walking Madigan three times in the day. I’d watch Landman on my iPad and have dinner.

Madigan had needed grooming because his poop was getting caught in his bum hair so that was a huge event. He then had diarrhea for two days after being at the Vets for sedation and getting his hair cut and nails trimmed. Dr. Biernacki on North Road does a wonderful job. Best vet and staff ever.  I only had the Vespa and the day I took him in and picked him up it was raining off and on. I was fortunate to have his Cowichan sweater but we immediately went to Bosley’s to get a lined rain coat. I’m sure I have one or two in storage but not here and now when I need it.

A trip to Full Basket Butchers in New Westminster had me stocked with sausages and steak to barbecue as well as sandwich meat.  

I was so thankful to make it to my men’s meeting and see George who has bought himself a new beautiful Buick with ambient lighting and the best map display. I could have used that in LA.  He’s definitely a car fan and we all love his red thunderbird. Now this car makes him look like a CEO  for sure.

It’s been a whirlwind.P

I’m waiting for Paul to bring my RV in from John’s Storage in Chilliwack so I can transfer what I need from this camper to the bigger home. Kelvin of Travco is coming this afternoon to fit a bit we’d noticed i needed when we put the big rig away.  I’m hoping for help transferring stuff like my refrigerator goods and clothing.  It’s really not much but it seems like it. I’m going to be back in the camper May June to go to Ontario and pick up my boat and outboard and see my brothers home now up for sale, one last time. I sure do miss him and family. I take everything and everyone for granted then they’re gone and I am left with the Swiss Cheese heart.  Mom and Dad, Aunt Sally, the grandparents, my brother, my friends. Carl, Hank, Archie, George, Vivian, Phillip . so many more. The death collect.  I’m over the hump and the past is pushing out of the boxes like the storage locker I must cull. 

It’s a good life.

I was glad to get to St. Barnabus.  I’ve been blessed so much. I’m really grateful for all the people and love in my life and the opportunities to serve.  I’m growing still as a person and might yet get out of adolescences. I’m surprised at what I know.  It’s shocking given all the study.  It’s there and I’m still reading. Loved listening to audio books the way home . I liked watching the Reacher series and reading the history of the Canadian forces invading Scicily.  I’m right now reading Louise Penny the truly remarkable Canadian novelist.  

Thank you Jesus. Thank you God. Thank you God of Gods. 

Burnaby Home

I feel relaxed after the hours of driving to see a friend.  It’s good to feel safe and rest. I’ve made a list of the many things I must do in the next few days. Renew passport. I arrived home under the deadline so I don’t have to get guarantors as I would if I wasn’t renewing my passport with the old one there with me when I made the appointment.  I’d hoped to learn to pull my large trailer with the enhanced driver license and training. However to do that I must first get a beginner’s permit from ICBC.  That’’s the most I’ll be able to do this week.  I’m going to church this morning to give thanks. 

Right now Madigan is on the table and needs a walk.  I’m having coffee.  I’ll phone Paul to bring back my Fifth Wheel.  I’ll have to transfer the contents from this to that and get the cleaning ladies in. I also need to replace the animal destroyed couch with a new couch and maybe a smaller mattress to facilitate making the bed. Right now it’s really difficult due to the oversized mattress. 

I’ll take the beginner’s test then set up the test training and road test later in the year.  I really like this camper which has truly proved itself with Logan Lake, Harrison Hot Springs,  Yuma and Oceanside.

I’m thankful to be home.

I’m feeling relaxed and healthy and leaving for Yuma I was feeling sickly and afraid I’d die of Covid.  Another winter outside of Canada. What a blessing.  That is rich indeed. I’ve been able to renew and am looking forward to work and the new year. Just have to stay active. I’m so pleased with the outcome of the ‘land expedition’ .  I have never respected all the RV’s passing on the highway. I now appreciate what they have done.  I have even greater respect for my Mom and Dad.  LA freeways were a challenge.  It’s the fear.  Night driving and so many challenges.  I loved that I could get repairs done on the road.  I loved that I could stay a couple of nights off grid in National Campgrounds.  I liked that I could stay at the side of the road with the camper something I couldn’t do with a big rig.  It’s a whole learning process and I feel my mind has been rewired. Neuroplasticity and learning tasks.

I’m going to take Madigan for a walk and get on with the lists of things to do. 

Thank you Jesus.  

(Temporary Backup) Packing up Fuzion

I’m counting the days and sleeps. It’s so close. I brought the Adventurer Camper in from Chilliwack on Friday. Merry Maids came over Saturday morning and cleaned it.  Then Kelvin from Travco came in the afternoon and made sure it was trip worthy. He de winterized it too.  He’s been a true godsend doing great work and a terrific fund of knowledge.  All the while I’ve been moving things from the Fuzionto the camper.  Nicoletta told me she and Erenest has everything packed in boxes when they recently bought their Thor bus. They were able to transfer in a few hours from their old RV but ‘the work began when we set up and began unboxing.”  I’ve done a little of that but it’s clearly a superior strategy. 

I gave a way three green garbage bags of clothes and sheets as well as throwing out as many.  I’m a regular pack rat.  I loved when my sailboat was set to take off on an hours notice.  The plan is to get the license to tow the Fuzion and then maybe I’ll do just that rather than using the camper.  The camper though is like the boat, so convenient compared to this liveabloard.  I’ve a storage locker full too.  I really must downsize.

This trip for a few months will challenge my pack rat tendencies. I’ll remain lean and mean.  I’ve all the gadgets and such I need for work and play.  Hunting and fishing took a lot for gear but travelling does not. Madigan has a place to stay when I go out shopping too. Far better than a motel room 

Just read about thee Sythians, the nomadic, light skinned blue eyes, sometimes red haired folk that flourished in the Steppe region from Thrace to Mongolians with domestic horses , and flocks of cattle and sheep along with wagons.  Early Gypsy’s .  7000 BC to 3000 BC.  I suppose I identify more with nomads and sailors .  I loved my first Winnipeg house and might have remained a city dwelling suburban were it not for a divorce. I loved the country more and especially loved my Errington Homestead.  Again a house lost to a divorce and back to the city. I loved the sailboat and travelling by water to Mexico and living there that year in Sea of Cortex, later sailing Solo in Winter to San Francisco and Hawaii. I liked my beach apartment and the  penthouse apartment overlooking Kits. They all had appeal but I’ve been on the boat and here much of the last decade. I’d hope to sail across the Atlantic or take the inside passage to the Caribbean but my brother’s illness and Covid intervened.  This was a great place in Covid with the nearby Brunette River Trail

Now I’m all set to journey south again, Last year I took the Mini and stayed in the Best Western in Yuma.  I loved going to Nogales,  The reconnaissance was great,

This summer’s work stint in the camper at Logan Lake went well. So now extend the time to months.  

Laura is visiting next week till end of December then Madigan and I will be alone.  

Laura had the Replica perfume and suggested I get the Replica for men. I did and it’s kind of Christmas cinnamon but a little like my Seattle perfume I bought then dropped to my chagrin and bought again.  Expensive that. I just transferred it to the Camper.  It’s not like the limited clothing I had bicycling across Europe or motorcycling across the US to Sturges and back but there’s limits. I have two small duffles but shorts and skirts and sandals take a lot less space than hunting cammo, offshore heavy weather gear, winter clothing. I’m taking my new Harley Davidson Nightster Special on a rack on the front of the truck.  I’ll pack my Harley leather jacket and a couple of helmets and jeans.  I’ve a set of boots.  Every recreational activity has its gear. One of the reasons I’d like to take this Fuzion toy hauler down so I could carry the harley and Honda Rancher ATV in the garage. I’ve a foldable boat strapped to the side too. So this has all I like.  The camper is perfect for travel with the dog and frankly I’ve been moved to so do this since reading travels with Charlie by Steinbeck just as Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Mainentance influenced my motorcycle journeys as Joshua Slocums’ Sailing Alone around the World influenced my sailing.,

So I’m not fully here.  Living in the moment and presence and one day at a time and seize the day are all very well but I’m excited about the coming road trip and am a bit in the future. 

Today is my last day clearing up nicknacks and preparing for Kelvin’s to come tomorrow to winterize this Fuzion for storage and repair the door latch in the Camper.  Paul is coming on Wednesday to tow the Fuzion to Chilliwack leaving me to stay and work in the Camper Wednesday and Thursday.  In the rain and wet I’m taking taxis to work and about this week so I don’t need to move the camper.  

It’s all very exciting.

Thank you Jesus   Thank you God.

Packing up Fuzion

I’m counting the days and sleeps. It’s so close. I brought the Adventurer Camper in from Chilliwack on Friday. Merry Maids came over Saturday morning and cleaned it.  Then Kelvin from Travco came in the afternoon and made sure it was trip worthy. He de winterized it too.  He’s been a true godsend doing great work and a terrific fund of knowledge.  All the while I’ve been moving things from the Fuzionto the camper.  Nicoletta told me she and Erenest has everything packed in boxes when they recently bought their Thor bus. They were able to transfer in a few hours from their old RV but ‘the work began when we set up and began unboxing.”  I’ve done a little of that but it’s clearly a superior strategy. 

I gave a way three green garbage bags of clothes and sheets as well as throwing out as many.  I’m a regular pack rat.  I loved when my sailboat was set to take off on an hours notice.  The plan is to get the license to tow the Fuzion and then maybe I’ll do just that rather than using the camper.  The camper though is like the boat, so convenient compared to this liveabloard.  I’ve a storage locker full too.  I really must downsize.

This trip for a few months will challenge my pack rat tendencies. I’ll remain lean and mean.  I’ve all the gadgets and such I need for work and play.  Hunting and fishing took a lot for gear but travelling does not. Madigan has a place to stay when I go out shopping too. Far better than a motel room 

Just read about thee Sythians, the nomadic, light skinned blue eyes, sometimes red haired folk that flourished in the Steppe region from Thrace to Mongolians with domestic horses , and flocks of cattle and sheep along with wagons.  Early Gypsy’s .  7000 BC to 3000 BC.  I suppose I identify more with nomads and sailors .  I loved my first Winnipeg house and might have remained a city dwelling suburban were it not for a divorce. I loved the country more and especially loved my Errington Homestead.  Again a house lost to a divorce and back to the city. I loved the sailboat and travelling by water to Mexico and living there that year in Sea of Cortex, later sailing Solo in Winter to San Francisco and Hawaii. I liked my beach apartment and the  penthouse apartment overlooking Kits. They all had appeal but I’ve been on the boat and here much of the last decade. I’d hope to sail across the Atlantic or take the inside passage to the Caribbean but my brother’s illness and Covid intervened.  This was a great place in Covid with the nearby Brunette River Trail

Now I’m all set to journey south again, Last year I took the Mini and stayed in the Best Western in Yuma.  I loved going to Nogales,  The reconnaissance was great,

This summer’s work stint in the camper at Logan Lake went well. So now extend the time to months.  

Laura is visiting next week till end of December then Madigan and I will be alone.  

Laura had the Replica perfume and suggested I get the Replica for men. I did and it’s kind of Christmas cinnamon but a little like my Seattle perfume I bought then dropped to my chagrin and bought again.  Expensive that. I just transferred it to the Camper.  It’s not like the limited clothing I had bicycling across Europe or motorcycling across the US to Sturges and back but there’s limits. I have two small duffles but shorts and skirts and sandals take a lot less space than hunting cammo, offshore heavy weather gear, winter clothing. I’m taking my new Harley Davidson Nightster Special on a rack on the front of the truck.  I’ll pack my Harley leather jacket and a couple of helmets and jeans.  I’ve a set of boots.  Every recreational activity has its gear. One of the reasons I’d like to take this Fuzion toy hauler down so I could carry the harley and Honda Rancher ATV in the garage. I’ve a foldable boat strapped to the side too. So this has all I like.  The camper is perfect for travel with the dog and frankly I’ve been moved to so do this since reading travels with Charlie by Steinbeck just as Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Mainentance influenced my motorcycle journeys as Joshua Slocums’ Sailing Alone around the World influenced my sailing.,

So I’m not fully here.  Living in the moment and presence and one day at a time and seize the day are all very well but I’m excited about the coming road trip and am a bit in the future. 

Today is my last day clearing up nicknacks and preparing for Kelvin’s to come tomorrow to winterize this Fuzion for storage and repair the door latch in the Camper.  Paul is coming on Wednesday to tow the Fuzion to Chilliwack leaving me to stay and work in the Camper Wednesday and Thursday.  In the rain and wet I’m taking taxis to work and about this week so I don’t need to move the camper.  

It’s all very exciting.

Thank you Jesus   Thank you God.