Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Tuesday 11th September 2012…….Got a lot done today!!!

Remembering what a special day it is today!!!!!

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It was a really busy day for me but I feel like I did get lots accomplished..on my way out this morning the Deer family were having breakfast on the next door neighbor's front lawn!!!

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I did some banking…got the run around by two different government agencies trying to complete my pension application form…..saw a Notary and did an update to my will and for three days I have been looking at used cars and I think I may have found the right one for me….I have given myself 24 hours to think about it….

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It is a 2010 VW Golf with 40000km and in great shape…if I buy her I shall get the back 5 windows tinted…..it is basic no power this and that…but the back seats fold down for good storage, the gas mileage is good and I liked it on the test drive….so I am pretty sure she is the one but will sleep on it tonight…

Yashi Koshi

Monday, September 10, 2012

Monday 10th September 2012….my last big training walk!!

I was out of the house by 7.20 am on the last long walk before the Great lake walk on Saturday..I do not know how far I walked but I was gone for almost three hours and everything felt good…now I will just do short walks each day till Thursday when I will rest.

I then went into town and did some banking and was back home in time to watch the big tennis game.

the report below is from the BBC sports!!

 

Andy Murray ended Britain's 76-year wait for a male Grand Slam singles champion with an epic victory over Novak Djokovic in the US Open final.

Murray, 25, finally emulated Fred Perry's 1936 achievement, winning 7-6 (12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 in four hours 54 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

 

 

"Andy Murray's nerve-mangling, history-making US Open triumph over Novak Djokovic was many things: one of the great finals of the modern era, a late-night thriller from the city that never sleeps, a breath-taking demonstration of physical strength and mental fortitude. It was also the perfect bookend to a few months that British sport can scarcely believe and will never forget."

 

Murray also reached the Wimbledon final and won Olympic gold this summer.

"When I realised I had won, I was a little bit shocked, I was very relieved and I was very emotional," said Murray.

Despite his other successes, this result will arguably have a greater impact on his career and the future of tennis in the United Kingdom.

Murray - the new world number three - lost his first four Grand Slam finals to share an Open era record with coach Ivan Lendl, but like the Czech he has triumphed at the fifth time of asking.

And while it is a dream of Murray's to win Wimbledon, the British number one has long been tipped to make his breakthrough at Flushing Meadows in the final major of the year.

He was the boys' singles champion there in 2004, hard courts are his favourite surface and he enjoys the atmosphere in New York.

Murray is unlikely to ever forget the atmosphere inside the world's biggest tennis arena as he celebrated his success, which arrived in his 28th appearance at a Grand Slam tournament.

A swirling wind made conditions troublesome for both players, but it was Murray who coped better in the first two sets and eventually ended Djokovic's title defence and 27-match hard-court winning run at majors.

 

 

"They were incredibly tricky conditions," said the right-hander from Dunblane. "Novak is so strong, he fights until the end of every match and I don't know how I managed to come through in the end."

After early breaks were exchanged, Murray struck again before moving 4-2 ahead following a game that included a 54-shot rally.

Djokovic rallied to force a tie-break, yet his opponent showed greater belief and took a sixth set point with 87 minutes on the clock.

Murray roared with delight and carried his momentum into the second set, breaking an out-of-sorts Djokovic twice for a 4-0 lead.

A lapse in concentration allowed Djokovic back in and when the Serbian landed a majestic lob for 5-5, Murray clutched his left thigh.

There were no signs of injury, though, as Murray held to 15 and then forced a flurry or errors from the world number two, opening up a two-set lead for the first time in a Grand Slam final.

The crowed urged Djokovic to respond and he did - threatening in game one of the third set before making his move in game three.

Murray was now starting to berate himself and voice his frustrations in the direction of his player box, never more so than when two backhand mistakes saw chances squandered in game six.

He then fell a double-break down thanks to an incredible backhand on to the baseline from Djokovic, who easily closed out the set.

Djokovic looked revitalised, Murray weary, and the right-hander from Belgrade swiftly found himself 2-0 up in the fourth set.

Murray mania

Jamie Murray, Andy's brother: "What a historic night! Tonight Andy achieved his dream. He got the result his talent, dedication and perseverance deserved. So proud of him.

Brad Gilbert, Murray's former coach: "What a close from the Muzzard. That was an epic final, major props to the guys - a pleasure to watch."

Rory McIlroy, golf world number one: "Massive congrats Andy Murray!!!! The first of many and well worth the wait!"

BBC tennis correspondent Jonathan Overend: "Autumn, you've got a hell of an act to follow. Andy Murray has just capped the greatest summer."

Just when it seemed Murray might respond, Djokovic was called for a time violation and he angrily took his performance to a new level.

When Murray's backhand broke down again, Djokovic leapt with joy and it seemed he could become the first man since Pancho Gonzales in 1949 to rally from two sets down to win the US Open.

But Murray had other ideas and made a devastating start to the decider, breaking in game one and consolidating it with some defensive play of the very highest order.

The third seed was in dreamland when Djokovic netted a forehand to hand over the double-break, only for a nervous Murray to immediately surrender one of his strikes with a timid backhand.

A love service hold put Murray back on track and he advanced to within one game of victory when Djokovic netted a forehand.

Murray served out the championship 79 years to the day - on the same court - that Perry won the first of eight major singles crowns.

"I'm disappointed to lose, but I gave it my all," said five-time major winner Djokovic, a friend of Murray's and seven days younger.

"I had a great opponent today. He deserved to win this Grand Slam more than anybody. I would like to congratulate him."

 

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Tonight I saw my best buddy Karen and we went out for dinner and to catch up on the last three months…it was a lovely evening.

So now I start looking for a vehicle and getting everything ready that I want to take to SMA..exciting days ahead!!!

Sunday, September 09, 2012

Sunday 9th September 2012…first day without Ramona!!!

After 24 hours I realize that yesterday I was quite numb and sad at the prospect of selling Ramona but this morning I know it was the right decision and I am really happy she is with good people and now I can start to begin this new chapter of my life.      over 1000 nights sleeping together…..80000 miles…….so many amazing vistas……and meeting so many friends…..she was a great friend to me!!!

Inga had invited me to join her and her probus hiking group friends on a hike to

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about a 90 minute drive north.

We car pooled and arrived at the hike site around 10am…it was a bit overcast but not cold and the 15 of us set off on this trail..

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Around this area is Mount Washington Ski resort and the hike was through very pretty Alpine meadows!!!

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After about 6 km we stopped by the side of the lake for lunch and these birds, Whiskey Jacks were are entertainment!!!

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My feet make a good table!!

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This was hilarious!!!!  This is me taking a photo of Inga feeding a bird crumbs from her hand as soon as this photo was taken the bird took off swooped and took the cookie that was on Inga’s plate and was gone so fast!!!

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Just so pretty countryside…

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Just when you think you have seen everything on a hiking path!!!

In all we walked about 10 km and it was very enjoyable the people were very friendly and chatty!!!

Was home by 4pm in time to see the last few games of the women’s tennis final from New York and it was an awesome display of women’s tennis!!!!

Had a long bath and Heather coked a good old fashioned Sunday roast dinner…….

A quiet evening watching TV with the family and one of the shows was 60 minutes where they interviewed one of the Navy seal’s who had written a book about the capture and killing of Bin Laden…a very thought provoking show!!!!

waterThanks Vera for sending me this quotation!!

 

Hope you all had a great weekend!!!

Saturday, September 08, 2012

Saturday 8th September 2012………………….RAMONA AND BONITA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well it has happened two of my favorite girls have gone to live with a lovely couple!!!!!

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Keys in hand ready to hand over to this smashing couple.

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I know they got a great deal and I am happy that Ramona is going to a good home and now I can shop around for a small vehicle to take me to Mexico!!!

Thanks everyone for putting out the word and for the good wishes on selling Ramona!!!

This evening and I went and watched a local soccer game!!

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So ends a chapter in my life and another one starts!!!

Yashi Koshi!!!

Friday, September 07, 2012

Friday 7th September 2012…Boy did this week fly by!!!

Again just another incredible lovely warm sunny day and I spent the first part of the morning doing some more sorting out of my things to take to Mexico and then I went and had tea with Annie…we had a really lovely time catching up and she is adjusting so well to Gordie being in the Senior’s Village which is right across the street so she can walk over every day and see him and I will go with her next week to have a visit with Gordie!!

Then it was time to watch a little more tennis live from New York and at 2pm I drove Zach out to the golf course in Chemainus…..about 45 minutes away.

Next on the agenda was to get cleaned up as I was taking Inga out for supper.

I stopped at Pipers Lagoon at the way to Inga’s house for these photos…

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This is called Shack island as the Miner’s shacks used to be here many years ago!!

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  We went to the Beefeater’s which is right on the water and I got this shot…we had a lovely diner and then went to the Casino for a few minutes to loose some a few dollars and then went back to Inga’s house where I got soundly beaten at crib!!!!!!   Not my lucky last 24 hours!!!

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The couple that have looked at Ramona called again today and wanted to bring their mechanic over tonight to have a look…I said of course but told them I would not be home but Kirby would give them the keys and they were free to take her out for a drive…which they did.

So when I got home Heather was so excited as she is sure they will make an offer…so this weekend may be huge stay posted!!!!

Yashi Koshi

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Thursday 6th September 2012…the sun shone all day!!!

I am still waking up early but now it is at 6.30am so I hope by the weekend I shall be into my usual sleeping pattern.

I went and got Bonita out of storage today and washed her and cleaned her up ready for sale she looks good don’t you think??

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I had lunch with my friend Eric at the Black bear pub

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Beautiful location with the mountains and the lake in the background!!

After lunch I had a long walk, then watched some tennis and then sunbathed and read my book.

The couple that came and looked at Ramona hopefully will come tomorrow with their mechanic…..

Today another person came and looked at her a single retired lady I was out at the time but Heather showed Ramona and she tells me the lady is also really interested and she will call me tomorrow…so by the weekend who knows?????

These shots were taken on my way to poker this evening…this is sure a beautiful part of the world!!

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Looks can be deceiving

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it was great to see my poker buddies again even though they fleeced me of 10 dollars!!!!

Yashi Kochi!!

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Wednesday 5th September 2012….a special visit!!

This morning I drove to Port Alberni

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to visit my special friend Barb.

Very sadly Barb lost her wonderful husband and my great friend Frank or Paco as I called him quite suddenly in June so I wanted to go and see her.

We had a lovely visit and Barb is a strong and wonderful lady who is coping with her loss as best she can.  It was lovely to see her we go back many years with lots of great memories…love to you Barb!!

Did chores and some sorting the rest of the day.

Not trying to jinx anything but I did get a call from the couple who  looked at Ramona last night and they are definitely interested and what to have their mechanic check her out this weekend…will keep you posted.

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Tuesday 4th September 2012…a little bit of everything!!!

I was out by 8.30am this morning as I drove and left Ramona in the parking lot of Wal-Mart again with the for sale signs prominent and then on my way to the Doctor’s office saw this beauty on the side of the road

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who said you have to go into the wilderness to see these animals!!!

I had a 9am appointment

DSCF5464with my Doctor who I think is just awesome….he has been my doctor for nearly 20 years and I had a couple of bumps on my back I wanted him to check and he did and they are not a problem…he also told me to ditch the knee brace I have been using saying it does no good at all…I have a little arthritis on my knee that does not bother me…and he also re –assured me that my test results from 4 months ago are very good……I was reading them wrong I saw 50% on one of my tests and I was a bit worried but back in my school days if I ever got 50% I would be so proud…..but as I said I was reading the result incorrectly….so I am in great shape!!

I then went to the Canada government office to submit my form to receive old age pension next year…I know I know hard to believe it I mean does this look like a man who will be 65 in 9 more months????

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A couple of shots from down town

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I then went to visit my friend June she always give me some cash for the girls every year and so happy to report that June’s health is so much better this time around..thanks June!!!

Back home I was on the balcony outside my bedroom when I had some visitors!!!

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I then had a call from a lady who wanted to see Ramona…it turns out it is my old Barber and a fellow Englishman…they came and looked and asked all the right questions I do not want to get my hopes up but they said they would like to take Ramona to their mechanic for a check up and will call me soon…so maybe this is the one right couple!!!!!!!

Beautiful and warm today and life is good!!

Monday, September 03, 2012

Monday 3rd September 2012…Public Holiday!!!

Today is the last long weekend holiday of the summer and it was a lovely sunny day.

My day started out with Heather making from scratch some delicious pancakes and then  I took a road trip to Duncan!!

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On the way I stopped at a RV Dealership where I had an appointment to see about Ramona…they basically are wanting me if the price is acceptable to put her on the lot on consignment…I have to give this some thought.

It is a 45 minute drive to Duncan which is where Sara lives…she is away working so I went to water her plants and just check on the house.

I then came back to Nanaimo and went and parked Ramona in the large parking lot of Wal-Mart and put out the for sale signs and got my chair out and read my book.  Within 5 minutes I had a gentleman come and look around and ask lots of questions he genuinely seemed interested and wanted to check back with his wife.

Shortly after a younger lady came round and she also seemed interested both have my phone number so all it takes is that just one right person.

Tonight I watched coverage of the US open from New York it was the Olympic champion from Britain Andy Murray playing the Canadian Milos Raonic, who was actually born in Montenegro(been there seen that country)….it really was no contest with Murray prevailing.

So another day……..Yashi Koshi

Sunday, September 02, 2012

Sunday 2nd September 2012……..an easy day!!

I went to bed last night around 9.30 pm and slept great till 4.30 am and so I got up and sorted out my suitcases and puttered around till 9am when I took Ramona to the huge parking lot by Wal-Mart and put the for sale sign out and left her there till this afternoon.  I did get two calls and showed it to one man so there was a bit of hope….tomorrow I am going to see a dealer and see what they have to say.

This afternoon Heather and I took Boomer down to the beach he loves the ocean!!!

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He just will fetch the stick all day long.

These hanging baskets Heather’s boys bought her for Mother’s day..they are so beautiful!!

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These were taken from my bedroom window!!

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I spent the rest of the late afternoon and evening sorting out my stuff and getting things ready for my move to SMA…..I think I may be in bed early again tonight!!!

Saturday, September 01, 2012

Saturday 1st September 2012….Rabbits, rabbits, rabbits and back home on the Bank!!!!!!

Up at 7 am and Janet was already making my sandwiches for my trip…Andy came around just after 8 am and after saying fond farewells to Janet and Malc…Andy and I left for Manchester Airport.

The drive took exactly 2 hours and Andy dropped me at the Departure Terminal..more goodbyes and I was into the line up for Air transit flight.

I was expecting some problems as I knew I was overweight on both my checked baggage and also the carry on bag…time to turn on the Pearson charm!!!!

The young lady at the check in desk was very nice and she told me I was  5kg overweight and I told her it is my Sister in law’s fault because she bought me all these cans of English food to take with me to Mexico so I would not be home sick……she smiled and said no problem.  When it came to my carry on bag I told her before she weighed it that I knew it was was too heavy but again it was my Sister in law’s fault as she worries about me so she packed lots of sandwiches and healthy drinks and more food..this time she laughed and said get out of here and gave me my boarding pass and I was on my way…..Janet you owe me a batch of Wingies( we had a bet that I would get stopped and made to take some stuff out of my bags and I bet no way!!!).

The wait for the flight was an easy one and we left on time at 1pm.

Flight time To Vancouver is 9 hours and 20 minutes I changed my watch to Vancouver time and it is now about 4 hours into the flight and so far so good….the meal was terrible and I did not eat it so thank goodness for Janet and her sandwiches!!!

The sun is shining outside and I have an exit row aisle seat so lots of leg room it was worth the extra $60 dollars…..

So now I have some time to think about where I have been since I left Nanaimo on 1st June……first of all it was great to be with my family, we are a small family but very close and I even got to see second and third cousins!!!

Spending all that time with Janet and Malc was awesome I think we got along really well and I know they will both be happy I am gone and now they can get back to their normal lives with no one teasing them twenty four seven.  Thank you for everything you did for me…..I admire and look up to both of you for the way you live your lives!!!!

The three weeks we spent in the Caravan going through Europe was just the best I saw places that I had not seen since I was  a kid and I also saw places that were on my bucket list…..the big cities, the museums, the people in all these places and the oceans and the mountains just incredible.

Then it was 6 weeks back packing!!!!  This was new to me and I had some apprehension about how it would be but there was not one day where I was not happy and I had no issues or problems at all.  I stayed in beautiful accommodations, met the most amazing people and the sights…what can I say. I have seen the wonders of this universe and I am glad I have my blog to remind me in months to come of the trip it was.

17 countries and 2 Continents……..I would go back to all the countries in a flash!!

 

So now I get to thinking about the next stage of my life and moving to San Miguel to live.  Another big change but one I embrace.

The plans for the next few weeks apart from visiting and spending time with fiends is centered around me selling Ramona…..I shall try my best and even approach a dealer and would like to sell her in the next two weeks. If that happens I shall buy a small hatchback car and drive down to San Miguel leaving around 18th September.

If she does not sell I will park her up for the Winter and fly down to San Miguel leaving about the same time…but sure hope she sells!!!

The other big event is on the 15th September when I do the charity 56 km walk around Lake Cowichan….looking forward to that and thanks to those who have sent me donations….very kind!!

In San Miguel I shall be house sitting Linda and Guy’s lovely casa until they come down.  Whilst doing this I shall look for an apartment and I know I will get just the right place for me.

Being close to the girls is paramount for me and I know that Paola is staying with her Mum but when I get there I shall investigate the possibilities of me staying in contact with her and still being a part of her life.  There are also some changes happening at Casa Hogar so again I will wait till I get there and find out how that impacts me.  Daniela knows I am arriving soon and I have been told she is really happy about that.

Already I am getting back in touch with my tennis groups, also the regular Wednesday afternoon poker group and catching up with my many friends.  San Miguel is alive with opportunities to study just about anything and there seems always something happening and usually for a great price.  So I am really excited to get going on that part of my life.

My bucket list is still long and just to whet your appetite why don’t you Google the following places that are on my horizon in the next few years!!

Machu Picchu Peru

Kaieteur waterfall..Guyana

Angel Falls   Venezuela

Argentina

New Zealand

South African Safari

Thailand

Iceland

Ireland

Scotland (again)

Wales

The most challenging one is the Camino Santiago….a 500 mile pilgrimage from France to Spain!!!

 

That should be enough for a while.

Well now it is 9 pm and I am ready for bed..the rest of the flight was uneventful and arrived on time in Vancouver at 2.30pm caught the free shuttle bus to the sea plane terminal and at 4pm arrived in Nanaimo where Heather was there to greet me.

My room looks wonderful and great to se the boys and Kirby again….Heather cooked a wonderful meal and lots of stories around the dinner table……..so feels good to be back on the Bank and it is amazing how far one cam travel and such a short time span….

Yashi Kochi

Thursday 5 th January 2023…it was a great run!!!

 This was my first ever blog post back in November of 2006!!! With just a couple of days off I have written a blog every day since and I hav...