Metchosin friends....

While we were in vic, we went to Rick and Helen's for dinner and an overnight. Rick and Misty on the back porch.













"grandson" Cash was in their charge for the weekend, as Mel and Jake were off in Nova Scotia for a trip.











Helen on the back porch......












The new pond, which Rick build by hand, driving all over Metchosin to find the perfect rocks. Great job!!!!













The big above ground pool with the biggest floatie we had ever seen!!!!













Another shot of the pond..........

















The pool, just up the hill from the back porch......













A lovely sitting place beside the pond......














Cash surveying the neighbourhood......likes to bark his deep bark just to hear it reflected back on the mountains.......










Twilight on the pond.........














and lit up at night........











We had the most amazing roast beef dinner, done on the barby by Rick.......








and great side dishes by Helen. With the kids away, we had the use of their gorgeous suite - a five star night for sure!!!

fun in Victoria

Down to vic for appts. and visits.....stopped by the wonderful courtyard at the main library to listen to an amazing jazz violinist....had lunch with Joanne at the Saigon.....
















Then off to Oak Bay and saw this new butcher shop....yummy delights....











And finally got to see Marion Evamy's (Pupart) new gallery.....very spiff!!!












Fabulous work, great to see Marion again, but just missed seeing the dogs.....:-(











This is the artist who does all the wonderful pupart cards we sell in Puerto Morelos for the animal rescue fund. Marion and Bobb brought back Petita, a 3 legged PM rescue dog, who is happily part of their family now.

house showings, friends and fireworks!

We have had a number of open houses and showings this week of our house, and we take the cats with us in the car when they are happening.....I am sure Dax is saying to Sitges ..."geez, I wish someone would just buy the place and we could settle into our new home....."










Chiik runs around the car, out on the roof, and goes for walks in the woods on his harness during our house showings.









Dear friends Elna and Pearl came up for a couple of nights of camping, and spent Thursday night at our place for dinner and a nice visit.









It was another lovely warm evening, so we ate in the gazebo.............













Pearl pulled out her ukelele and seranaded us with some tunes...!












She is doing really well on her uke - we all enjoyed the music.













Elna and Miki enjoying the songs......












Then on Saturday night, Quality Foods (a local grocer) celebrated 30 years in Parksville by putting on the Celebration of Light - a fireworks display on our main beach. Elna, Pearl, Maggie and Ingrid joined us for the fun.











Wouldn't you know, it was a cloudy evening, but still clear enough to have a great view of the water.....











The big barge offshore where the fireworks originated. The whole show was done to 1950s music - Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, etc. - and was perfectly coordinated with the fireworks.






By the time the fireworks was ready to begin, everyone had piled on fleeces and blankets to keep warm. Of course, hot chocolate, cookies, and cherries helped keep everyone cozy. Michele arrived with her kids, Steph and Rob and his partner Tonga, just in time to see the show. Then we went back to Ingrid and Maggie's for a glass of wine - a perfect end to a lovely evening.

Jason and the last birthday celebration

Son Jason came over for the weekend, and one of the places we went was the Black Goose - newest Parksville pub at Beach Acres. Lovely views, great food - and 13 imported beers for J to choose from.....!!!!













We had a cool one on the patio just before we headed to the ferry for him to go home on the Sunday.









One of the wonders of this part of the world is Cathedral Grove, and Jason had not been there since he was 3, so spent some time walking through the amazing 800 year old trees.........



































































































































Just how big IS that tree......??????





























































































Not shown in these pics, Jason took us to the Qualicum Golf Course for joint birthday lunches - great ocean views and yummy food. We had a great weekend with him, with lots of laughter, food and fun. Thanks, J, for helping us celebrate this year!