Friday 7th August 2009…..dreary day in the US of A

One of the reasons for coming down to the States was to re-apply for my Nexus Card which was taken off me the last time I crossed the border.  The card enables me to avoid the horrendous traffic line ups at the border and use the Nexus crossing.  Apparently new cards were made and sent out to everyone but mine for some reason did not reach me so I had to apply for the new card.  So I had to join the regular Joe’s and Jean’s in the normal line up this morning.

After a wait of about 45 minutes a new card was issued and will be mailed to me (I hope).

Then it was down to Camping World for shopping.   I thought I was back in good old Blighty when this passed me.

Next was the strawberry stand with many happy memories of all the stands I stopped at in Mexico.

I finished up in this small little town

I like small town America…a few photos of La Conner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found this great place to park, a school bus yard close to a soccer field, very quiet and safe or I hope so….

About 4 weeks ago I decided to get myself the services of a personal trainer.  I felt that it was time to develop my core and upper body and I wanted a program that I could follow whilst on the road.  I don’t want to become Mr.Nanaimo just to get healthier and Jon at Full on Fitness has been working with me and he is very good and the only piece of equipment I use is this so tonight was the first challenge to do my routine whilst on the road all I need is space and a pole or a tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This next photo might cause some of my female readers some palpitations, please sit down and hold onto your chair!!!!! That is not grey hair on my chest the camera was malfunctioning!!!!!!

Found if I parked outside the local library I could connect to the Internet, hence the blog tonight.

Now I am going back to my parking spot for tea and cookies and a movie…….

Thursday 6th August 2009…another road trip

Taking off for 12 days and starting out by crossing the border and trying to replace my Nexus Card that was taken away from me at the border last trip due to a technicality on their part,  should replace that then going to have a couple of days touring around the Islands north and east of Seattle before I come back into Canada and head to see my friends in Kelowna and then onto Penticton for a big soccer tournament the following weekend.

Will post about my travels when I have Internet connection, blessings….

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Tuesday 4th August 2009……..MUM

 

My Mum was born on this day in 1918 and the angels rejoiced.  She was a great lady and a wonderful Mother.  Sadly she left us on Valentine’s Day 1995, much too soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I remember this photo like it was yesterday….my first day as a Police Officer in England!!

Every August 4th and also on Valentines Day it has become a tradition for me to release a balloon in her memory and that is what I did this evening.

Mum love and miss you!!!!

This morning was also a special day for my lovely friends Barb and Paco.  They left today on their epic 9 month journey to the east coast of Canada and down the Eastern seaboard of the USA and then into Mexico where I hope we shall bump into each other this winter.  I saw them off and I wish you both a wonderful safe and happy trip.

Trooper at home tonight do you think he is telling me it is time for his supper??

 

Good night and if you get a chance check out the moon!!!!!

Monday 3rd August 2009…..this, that and the other

First of all I want to say a big happy Birthday to my great nephew in England…..Happy Birthday Tom!!!!  I have tried and tried to get photo of you here but cannot seem to get it published from the blog, sorry…..Hope you have a great day.  Today is also my cousins

Shelia’s husbands birthday, So Peter a very happy birthday to you also.

Today is also BC day a public holiday in Canada so we British Columbians get a day off…of course for us retired folks every day is a holiday.

I started my training today for

THE GREAT LAKE WALK

The Great Lake Walk and Ultra marathon is a 56 km walk or run around beautiful Cowichan Lake on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This walking/running event takes place on the third Saturday in September each year. This year's walk is September 19th, 2009

I walked 20 km today and it took me exactly 3 hours and I felt good.

It is a sponsored walk for the charity of your choice and I am taking pledges for the home where my girls live, any donations will be gratefully received.

 

Pura Vida!!!

Sunday 2nd August 2009…come for a paddle with me…

OK get out you swim wear, pack a lunch and lots of fluids we are going Kayaking!!!!

We drive out to cedar where we put The Great One in the waterand we are off to De Courcy Island that is the island over there!!!

For my female viewers……semi-naked photos.Seals on the way…  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then some kind of birds…

After about 80 minutes of paddling we pass our destination.

Now do I pass on the left, right, port or starboard????

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now we have paddled around the island and come into the cove where we are spending the afternoon.  almost there

I think I paddled too hard and hit the rocks!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creatures of the ocean…

Spent the afternoon swimming, eating, sleeping and reading…

view looking out of the bay….

The story of the island…

Time to head back home…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few more paddles and we are home…

9 hours later home!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the day as much as I did!!!!

Saturday 1st August 2009…..where did July GO!!!

Today was party day on the Bank!!!!!

I wanted to invite my friends over for a little celebration for many reasons and this afternoon was the time.

Heather and Kirby so kindly let me use their beautiful home and back yard for this and Heather did so much food preparation

I helped a little as Heather decorated the porch with posters of my girls information on the great walk(more about that next week)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About 35 people enjoyed great food, company, fabulous weather and listening to me talk about the girls, Mexico and the great walk I am doing in September….here are some happy campers!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incredible food!!!!

Heather ordered a cake from the local supermarket and gave them a photo so they could scan on the cake.  It turned out the Bakery manager called and he was so upset as the scanner was mal-functioning and the cake had turned out green.

I went to pick the cake up and he told me again he was so sorry and that there would be no charge for the cake, how nice and it was delicious!!!

Thank you to Heather and Kirby for being so kind and a great big thank you to the neighbours who supplied chairs and tables and to all my friends for pledging money in support of Casa Hogar, Santa Julia.

Thanks for sharing such a special day blessings to all….Les