Mother's day!!!

Miki has been down with a terrible cold (is it any wonder - it hasn't gotten above 15 since we got home!) so we settled for a nice walk along Parksville's new boardwalk on the beach.


From one beach town to another, and when the summer finally hits, this is the most glorious place. Because the tide goes out so far, it makes for wonderful beach combing, and when the water comes in, it is very warm.



The new boardwalk opens officially next week, but is a great place for kids, dogs, wheelchairs, and walkers, with lots of easy access to the sand along the way.



Yah, despite the cool temps, it is so good to be home!!!

Home at last!

Chiik is settling in very nicely - loves all the space to run and windows to look out.


Sitges was initially pretty hissy with him.....but they have touched noses several times now and the hissing is few and far between. He really is a kitten and just wants someone to play tag with.



Much better - as long as Sitges is on TOP!!! Chiik had never seen a scratching post, either, so is loving the ones here at home.


Dax is being a grumpy old dowager, but even she is getting used to having a little brother. It is going to take some time, but they will all be friends sooner than later.

Chiik journey - part 5

Amber made soothing noises at Chiik on the way to the ferry. In fact, she wanted to keep him, despite her allergies and the rule in their complex of no pets......!


Yah, it is cold rainy west coast welcome that awaited us - put my coat over the carry cage and headed up to the ferry lounge.


Another zen moment, as Chiik did his first 2 hour ferry ride very quietly.


Maggie and Ingrid picked us up at the ferry, so he had one last 40 minute car ride before getting home.

The very next day it HAILED - he is very glad to be an indoor cat.

Chiik's journey - part 4

Jason and Amber gave us all a warm welcome in Richmond. Chiik saw that upolstered furniture and went crazy trying to claw it all.....good thing it was just one overnight....!


He loves fresh water in the sink, just like his step sister, Sitges, and had fun leaping at himself in all the mirrors as well.


I will just curl up here on Jason's bed for a quick nap before we have to travel again.


Nice lunch with Amber, Jason and girlfriend Sylvia before we headed to the ferry and the last leg of our trip. Chiik meditated in the car during lunch.

Chiik"s journey, part 3

Following a night at the Ramada Inn, we were in the car again for 4 hours, and once again, zen cat just chilled and enjoyed the ride to Vancouver.


Finally, back in dear old Canada!

At Uncle Jason's townhouse, he enjoyed having 2 big floors to run around, and had never been up a flight of stairs before - yippeee!! and more carpeting to claw.

Thanks for all the vegetation, Jason (even if it was silk)!!!!




He was sure he was home again when he spotted this (silk) palm tree - and promptly climbed up it.

Chiik's journey, Part 2

After 2 hours in the airport, being wonderful, he then had a 5 1/2 hour plane ride to Seattle. Not a peep, just slept through the whole trip, including going through customs and immigration. Showed all his papers and off we went.


Picked up our rental car and had a short drive to the hotel in Seattle.


Set up his litter and food in the bathroom of the hotel, where he finally (after 7 or 8 hours) got to use his litter, eat and drink.


Oh, hey, I LIKE hotel rooms!!! All this carpeting makes a great scratching post too.

Chiik's Journey - part 1

First of course he had to rest up for his long journey. His favourite stuffy, a little cat, went with him in his case.


1:30 pm April 30. Then we had a ride to the airport in a taxi, and as soon as he hears a motor, he just goes into some zen mode and sleeps. Here we are at the airport waiting for Alaska to check us in.




Gosh, Mom, we have a lot of luggage. Everyone in the lineup thought he was so cute.


Checked in and time for brunch before the plane takes off.

Final farewells!

Had a great end of season dinner with Jo and Rob - thanks you two!!! - and wrapped up another great year at the bookstore. Looking forward to next year already! Safe travels home to Calgary - take your woolies!


Last evening with friends Valorie, Lee and Diane at David Lau's - going to miss you all and can't wait to get back in the fall!


David Lau's finest - see you next fall, guys!

Putting the pool to bed

Miki and Rick worked all day building framed plywood forms to go over the pool for the summer. We drained it, bailed the rest, then covered and tarped it with double tarping.



Last year we did not have 2 X 4 frames around the plywood, so when the rains came, it bent the ply and filled up with water. This year it should be fine.