Deb and I went on a two week trip to Blind Bay, B.C. We left on September 9 and returned September 22. We loaded my Rav with two kayaks, two bicycles, two sets of golf clubs, clothes, life jackets, paddles, and two weeks worth of groceries. Because of covid times, we decided to make the trip in one day and take our own groceries to limit contact with other people. We made good use of the kayaks. We paddled on Lake Shuswap, White Lake, Gardom Lake, and Skimikin Lake. Many of our days were spent hiking the various trails in the area. Our favourites were Adams River, Upper Floom, Siphon Falls, and Blind Bay Lookout. On two separate occasions, we golfed the Salmon Arm Heritage Course. The bikes were only used once...neither Deb nor I were fans of pedalling up the steep terrain. Short story: spending two weeks in the Shuswap area was a nice getaway. We had great travel weather and had plenty of exercise/healthy food. There were five days when forest fire smoke from the Oregon fires created poor air quality and limited visibility, but we carried on in spite of the smoke. As is usually the case with me, I was glad to get home to my girls and my Luv Bug. I got to spend to two hours with Mary and Luv at the playground yesterday and today, I walked the grand dogs with Haley. I have already played two games of ball and tomorrow, I have a kayak journey planned with a buddy of mine. Saturday is the Judy Walk at Cranberry Flats. Life is good!
Thursday, 24 September 2020
Friday, 4 September 2020
September 4
Highlights of the last two weeks:
1. I went to Tisdale on Tuesday, September 1 to visit Mom. I wanted to be with her when she received the results of her CAT Scan. Good news! The tumours in her lungs and the one tumour on her breast have not grown in the last 6 months. She doesn't have to go back for imaging until March. She still feels well other than the usual aches and pains of being 92 years old. Mom and I had a nice lunch together, then we visited the site of the Humboldt Broncos accident. I have heard many people say the site is junky, but the there is something poignant about seeing the hockey sticks, sweaters, and other sentimental artifacts at the site.
2. Last weekend, my crew was at the lake for one of our last hurrahs. Morgan and I went for a round of golf on Saturday, then met Haley, Dustin, Mary, and Luvisa at the restaurant for dinner. Luvisa lit up the restaurant with her piercing two year old voice when she saw her dad and her grandpa walk in...Her response drew a few laughs from the other patrons.
3. The girls have been back at school for two weeks. The students arrive on Monday. Both girls are remaining calm and centered amid the controversy of returning to work during the pandemic. Their greatest anxiety is "other people's anxiety".
4. I am still playing ball. Last week, I played on a team that took on the Saskatoon Traveling Team. We swept them in a double header. The bats were hot. We scored 18 runs in one inning. I've never been a part of something like that in all my years of playing ball. Very satisfying!
I will conclude by saying: I loved my career as a teacher/principal, but the beginning of the school year was usually an anxious, exhausting time. I feel incredibly thankful that I don't have to face the challenges that this school year will bring. Please be kind to your teachers, bus drivers, EAs, caretakers, Administrators , and everyone else involved in the school system. In fact, just be kind to everyone. Be forgiving and be patient with everyone who has a different view on how to cope with the challenges we are facing. Cheers.