tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373561241843060842024-03-05T02:21:58.329-08:00Dr Sock Writes HereDr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.comBlogger328125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-79141300565290692562022-01-17T20:36:00.001-08:002022-01-17T20:36:58.117-08:00Letting Go of the Myth of Progress<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig7d6FSrWIwcRalzWr1qoUHEerKl047y7Oj5vvq5StqKj_34LDo_m6pzLhH6jam6jyjfyRcek2RO0RAq7vxiFuG8m1M2LuW9Kl4Uh0shXegz4ihixrfZVFRu45N6GEuri0zTTIl7OQcw3xmOqISxPEP3Wph_lV-_RFWUuQUpruPuX9gwiAHeAxYHCThA=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig7d6FSrWIwcRalzWr1qoUHEerKl047y7Oj5vvq5StqKj_34LDo_m6pzLhH6jam6jyjfyRcek2RO0RAq7vxiFuG8m1M2LuW9Kl4Uh0shXegz4ihixrfZVFRu45N6GEuri0zTTIl7OQcw3xmOqISxPEP3Wph_lV-_RFWUuQUpruPuX9gwiAHeAxYHCThA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in the Kitchen<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>I was meeting recently with some friends on Zoom. Because of the latest Omicron wave of the pandemic, so much of our social life has gone back to virtual meetings for the time being, and the topic we were discussing was what our goals and dreams for the future were, once this Omicron wave subsides. I thought it was a fitting topic for the beginning of January, when so many of us set goals for the upcoming year. </p><p>I used to be one of those people. Although I didn't make New Year's resolutions per se, at the beginning of each year I typically took some time to review the past year's life events and accomplishments, and then wrote up a series of goals for the upcoming year. </p><p>In true Type-A fashion, these were not vague wish statements such as: "I hope to exercise a little more this year." No indeed. I wrote out goals that were specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely, or SMART goals. Examples of this type of goal is: "I will walk for a minimum of 20 minutes a day, 6 days per week." Or, I will sustain an average of 9,000 steps per day each week."*</p><p>My goal list usually consisted of 5-7 main categories, each broken down into subcategories, with goal statements under those. For example, the categories might be: Work, Health, Creativity, Social Life, Family, and Travel. Under Health, I might have subcategories such as Fitness, Food, and Work-Life Balance, and then under each one of those, I would develop SMART goals, often with associated timelines. I have written about this goal-setting process and some of the stumbling blocks <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2015/01/laziness-and-lethargy.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggMBjRe8UxdG4cAaCnnDPnGfFxVzFM4qSzAhozL8KBCmceTIpUGLg4fFpPkoiuyBz16zRj09_vxoW7gbkjnUfjh6QzPO4XZe-BoOOrQiQzWjNr4_4X1uV1qtKkHp5gW_MSa_5sDHQ_BMVZyaPWUCwJvFvzXZt5xQaHx-DWnUR_8pFNuIOVtwqijnDzsQ=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggMBjRe8UxdG4cAaCnnDPnGfFxVzFM4qSzAhozL8KBCmceTIpUGLg4fFpPkoiuyBz16zRj09_vxoW7gbkjnUfjh6QzPO4XZe-BoOOrQiQzWjNr4_4X1uV1qtKkHp5gW_MSa_5sDHQ_BMVZyaPWUCwJvFvzXZt5xQaHx-DWnUR_8pFNuIOVtwqijnDzsQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sunny Day at Mount Washington<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>So, anyways, when I was thinking about our discussion question in advance before meeting on Zoom, I was stumped. I had set no goals for 2022. I felt no desire to set goals for 2022. Was it because the past two years taught me that there is no point in setting goals, because as soon as we make a plan for travel or to get together with friends and family, another wave of COVID comes along with new public health restrictions that kibosh everything?</p><p>No, I am still a great believer in goals and plans. I would not have had the interesting life I've had if I'd been goalless throughout my life.</p><p>I used to visualize my life as a trek up a mountain. Each time I reached a summit, I would see another peak appear in front of me, and then I'd shift my aim to reach that next peak. My life was a life of endless <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-tyranny-of-productivity.html" target="_blank">striving</a>, always going for the next big thing. My personal myth of progress.</p><p>Notice the past tense. Now that I've retired, have I given up? Am I just sitting here waiting for death? Certainly, in my younger years, that was how I dichotomized it -- move forward making progress, or sit still and fail/die. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVq49QsNaipdq4RIm9dPtmGKOdASgHD9N1zWdhRGoLnEjprsSVnNjIrBep0IpReFhf6zw9ew1A5nVqJm6ic534SX8EaQ8-yECSyI1Z--D5EUCGgbNsE_d0RRIhFEf2tNjtEW7N613sGstlp93gEYgSv8S7t2in3QaEa3HOtali93zpc6_A_ZK9DE0oDA=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVq49QsNaipdq4RIm9dPtmGKOdASgHD9N1zWdhRGoLnEjprsSVnNjIrBep0IpReFhf6zw9ew1A5nVqJm6ic534SX8EaQ8-yECSyI1Z--D5EUCGgbNsE_d0RRIhFEf2tNjtEW7N613sGstlp93gEYgSv8S7t2in3QaEa3HOtali93zpc6_A_ZK9DE0oDA=w242-h322" width="242" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby with Stick<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>As I've settled into retirement, I've come to see a number of things quite differently. For example, I've stepped away from the academic life, which in the first few years of retirement included doing research, giving talks, publishing, reviewing manuscripts, and supervising students. It's time. I don't miss it. And I don't feel like less of a person because I'm no longer striving toward that next scholarly peak or adding another line to my CV. I climbed that mountain and now it's behind me.<br /></p><p>I have been sitting with something Rob said to me. "Why are you always wanting to rush off somewhere else? We live in a beautiful part of the world in a perfectly nice house. Can't you just be content to stay here and enjoy what we have?"</p><p>His comments lay bare my myth of progress. If I always have my sights set on the next destination (summit, accomplishment, goal completion), do I even have time to notice where I am right now? That is Zen wisdom, to live in the moment, because the moment is all we really have. <br /></p><p>So I said to my Zoom friends, "I didn't set goals for the year. I think I'm letting go of striving and the myth of progress."</p><p>But does a leopard change its spots? Maybe the real truth of it is that work obligations used to suck up most of my waking hours. Now that I'm retired and able to spend time walking trails every day with Abby, cooking healthy meals, sleeping enough, spending time with friends and family, hanging out with Rob, writing, skiing, painting, doing yoga, and so on (and hopefully travelling again soon), I actually have the life I always wanted. I don't have to set goals to get here. I'm here. <br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Christmas 2021 Photos </h4><p>One brother and all three of my kids were here with their families for Christmas this year, and we had a wonderful time together. The good life.</p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0k2Teq6ORXZuE7ku9j-BNzCInd1jE6OviSjxTfjiO6o7oms_lhGHY0JXE2DgVeNfySWGrSMy17Qh83EoQejvBu8yrbHG8_SqC2noL6h7BkCYHEE3u7j4UdfNMqFMd0wbWchAd2nEruHOIHwAUD8SNxwA7_rUyjc-3ZWI7RVAYuNiKOU_8YtCdE-bscQ=s4032" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0k2Teq6ORXZuE7ku9j-BNzCInd1jE6OviSjxTfjiO6o7oms_lhGHY0JXE2DgVeNfySWGrSMy17Qh83EoQejvBu8yrbHG8_SqC2noL6h7BkCYHEE3u7j4UdfNMqFMd0wbWchAd2nEruHOIHwAUD8SNxwA7_rUyjc-3ZWI7RVAYuNiKOU_8YtCdE-bscQ=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Daughters<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0_uLWLHc4Wwe-bRIbiELO2nV81f3FoZqebtlKHm64PREPXqkG4H6iWiriflSNMhy9ZMCxJMZnlSpYwmTWLYr5BVXgaqnouGalzp05S_Bv9Oj-v2d73wu1wxWJuRf06aFffD7-Rx47AZ5dGQXCCKRmWF6klBkeil0ffKMec6XRv3-1hkH-q0GIjGdbYw=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0_uLWLHc4Wwe-bRIbiELO2nV81f3FoZqebtlKHm64PREPXqkG4H6iWiriflSNMhy9ZMCxJMZnlSpYwmTWLYr5BVXgaqnouGalzp05S_Bv9Oj-v2d73wu1wxWJuRf06aFffD7-Rx47AZ5dGQXCCKRmWF6klBkeil0ffKMec6XRv3-1hkH-q0GIjGdbYw=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Dinner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqpdo3JNa0y8vbInk1cw-OUp4tYjLETp6nSls1vxMz7w90wIwT3jumoH1rdh5MwzorGWSwLkJMoMDgnlMPEX_8QFP01cZQOUzmiuT1NVjUiK7HNPpEedgsThVIVtQEg5kZInKwy3f5oEM85tI0LTSQIE3xbgmPd4tq8hdfqL0WqAqEXIjIHQj_AVU8SA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqpdo3JNa0y8vbInk1cw-OUp4tYjLETp6nSls1vxMz7w90wIwT3jumoH1rdh5MwzorGWSwLkJMoMDgnlMPEX_8QFP01cZQOUzmiuT1NVjUiK7HNPpEedgsThVIVtQEg5kZInKwy3f5oEM85tI0LTSQIE3xbgmPd4tq8hdfqL0WqAqEXIjIHQj_AVU8SA=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandson</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYFbzeS73vYpI1nieGvv64oPOqoILd0Njf0p59bpZu59ybNpTLvwfao-BdYfGElfKJsNr2_O76wfa8KQ_EJmKyUIPCjGNPJexbMO47DE_8TP8q_y9drZOWPsLDJJrzpMc5YG0WaRcXuojJxFC9NOqB9ez34a989nL2BbfUVBf03eKgzuoC_nGgUFPGOg=s4032" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYFbzeS73vYpI1nieGvv64oPOqoILd0Njf0p59bpZu59ybNpTLvwfao-BdYfGElfKJsNr2_O76wfa8KQ_EJmKyUIPCjGNPJexbMO47DE_8TP8q_y9drZOWPsLDJJrzpMc5YG0WaRcXuojJxFC9NOqB9ez34a989nL2BbfUVBf03eKgzuoC_nGgUFPGOg=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son and his Fiancee</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"> ***</p><p>* Why 9,000 rather than 10,000 steps a day? Because I had read a research article somewhere that evaluated whether the popular press had settled on 10,000 steps because it was a nice round number or because there was research evidence that 10,000 steps was, in fact, the best daily walking target for most people. The conclusion of the article was that, for most people, <i>any</i> increase in daily steps yielded health benefits, and specifically for women over 60, an average of 9,000 steps per day yielded the optimum health gain for the time spent (with daily steps beyond 9,000 still beneficial, but at a diminishing rate).<br /></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-66493487509455228752021-10-16T16:07:00.002-07:002021-10-16T16:07:33.657-07:00A Reading on Writers Radio<p>An exciting announcement -- I am going to be reading from my novel, <i>The Age of Grandchildren</i>, on Writers Radio. The program will air every hour on the hour from October 18 to 31. </p><p>Hosts Carole Harmon and Ingrid Rose, and technical producer Gary Sills, are the creative minds behind Writers Radio. They host interviews and readings by all manner of writers, produce the programs, and air the them on their online radio, <a href="https://writersradio.ca/" target="_blank">writersradio.ca</a>. The writers' pieces are interspersed with selections of Gary's music. <br /></p><p>My reading has been paired with a reading by friend and fellow writer, Gail Madjzoub. Although our novels are quite different in many ways, Gail and I both explore the experiences of young women coming of age in rigid societies, what it means to be seen as an outsider, and the personal costs of following an ethical path. Host Carole Harmon has titled our program <i>Liberty's Children</i>. </p><p>Gail will read first, and here is how Carole introduces her book:</p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Gail Madjzoub<em><br /></em></span></strong></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #f70427;"><em>CRIMSON INK</em></span><span style="color: #f70427;"></span> : <em>A Novel of Modern Iran <br /></em></strong></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><em>1955-2011 </em></strong></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">Based on historical facts, <em>Crimson Ink</em><span style="color: black;"></span>
traces the multi-generational interweaving of three Iranian families
through decades of great social change and upheaval. The novel<span style="color: #f70427;"><span style="color: black;"></span> </span>
is grounded in Gail's knowledge and experience of living within an
extended Iranian Baha'i family over the course of her twenty year marriage.</p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">The
setting of Gail's reading is in the city of Shiraz, Iran. It’s early
Autumn of 1955. The country is gradually emerging from the throes of its
most recent clergy-led pogrom against its largest religious minority,
the Baha’is.</p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">Six year old Fareshteh and her mother Farah set the stage for the turbulent events to come.</p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong><em></em></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG36NzqeoN2mUeq1uq3scKdBxXyWdpeUqTouPN1XDNrmRGpfNWkcVShdMaEjFXIEwbZqSd7qYZh1GRpct34Z0Z6VXX2sBAbXXWGrQMu3duMpmJhPbaYLS8ehobUfIsXXkHsOg-72Dh3XV/s1233/LibertysChildren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1233" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG36NzqeoN2mUeq1uq3scKdBxXyWdpeUqTouPN1XDNrmRGpfNWkcVShdMaEjFXIEwbZqSd7qYZh1GRpct34Z0Z6VXX2sBAbXXWGrQMu3duMpmJhPbaYLS8ehobUfIsXXkHsOg-72Dh3XV/w400-h266/LibertysChildren.jpg" width="400" /></a></em></strong></div><strong><em><br /></em></strong>My reading rounds out the program. I read three brief excerpts from my speculative fiction novel, <i>The Age of Grandchildren</i>. This is how Carole describes my book:<strong><em></em></strong> <br /><p></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Judith Lapadat</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span><em><span style="color: #a52834;"><span style="color: #a52834;"><span style="color: #a52834;"></span></span></span></em></span></strong></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f70427;"><strong><span style="color: #f70427;"><em><span style="color: #f70427;"><span style="color: #f70427;"><span style="color: #f70427;">THE AGE OF GRANDCHILDREN</span></span></span></em></span></strong></span><strong><span style="color: #a52834;"><em><span style="color: #a52834;"><span style="color: #a52834;"></span></span></em></span></strong><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">Judith
Lapadat's coming of age novel takes place in the imagined near future,
in a world ravaged by climate change. Best friends Becca and Honor have
grown up in an all-female collective sheltering beneath the ruins of a
bombed university. </p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">Honor is a runner who carries trade packages to the wall surrounding
their shelter, Becca is her watcher. Mother Stella is their group leader
in this closed society. Judith's readings take place over a two day
period which will awaken the girls to aspects of their world they have
never suspected. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">*** <br /></p><p>To tune in, go to <a href="http://writersradio.ca">writersradio.ca</a> and click on the play button anytime between October 18 and October 31. If you don't have a chance to listen during this time frame, our program will be archived afterwards on the Writers Radio website as a <a href="https://writersradio.ca/podcasts/">podcast</a>. If you would like to receive announcements of upcoming programs, you can also <a href="https://writersradio.ca/subscribe/" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to Writers Radio. It's a great way to support this wonderful initiative.<br /></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><em> <br /></em></strong></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><em> </em></strong> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-33704006736171955812021-08-26T23:28:00.001-07:002021-08-26T23:28:47.107-07:00Afraid, Disappointed, ....and yet still Hopeful<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYVw5ccKqboc01FXJOngHEcgqtiTsk1UNpmVZNMyTHk3YuHBOc8I-HaT3nvlnMgwn-MOHZhTWTzUNDjjYz0HA_n-6wY94sHaU8P53BBpt4Jx4i9NelYsJ3CH9a4bpppiHhVBFKNEFRn6K/s2000/6720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYVw5ccKqboc01FXJOngHEcgqtiTsk1UNpmVZNMyTHk3YuHBOc8I-HaT3nvlnMgwn-MOHZhTWTzUNDjjYz0HA_n-6wY94sHaU8P53BBpt4Jx4i9NelYsJ3CH9a4bpppiHhVBFKNEFRn6K/w400-h266/6720.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of Lytton, BC, by Cole Burston, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/25/lytton-canada-heat-wildfire-record-temperatures" target="_blank"><i>The Guardian</i></a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Afraid</h4><p>I am afraid. No, I am terrified.</p><p>We have spent the last 18 months living through a global pandemic. </p><p>This summer, wild fires ravaged British Columbia, making this the worst wild fire season on record. At any given time, as many as 280 fires are burning in the province, and people in communities throughout the southern interior have been on evacuation alert, or evacuated from their homes for days at a time. </p><p>The small community of Lytton burned to the ground during the heat dome earlier in the summer. In addition, as many as 570 people in BC died this summer as a result of high temperatures during the heat dome.<br /></p><p>I live in a part of BC that is a rain forest. Yet, we are experiencing a level 5 drought (the most extreme level) and haven't seen more than a few drops of rain in two and a half months. The soil is rock hard, the local trails are closed because of fire risk, and the shrubs in our garden are dying. Rivers are running dry, salmon are not returning to spawn, and marine life has been decimated by high ocean water temperatures combined with extremely low tides.<br /></p><p>People all around keep saying, "Get used to this. It's the new normal." But it's not the new normal. Things are about to get much, much worse. Because if we don't take action immediately and worldwide, we face the specter of of runaway, unstoppable global warming, according to the sixth IPCC report on the physical science of climate change. </p><p>That's why I'm terrified.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Disappointed</h4><p>We are currently in the middle of a federal election campaign in Canada. Two years ago, the Liberals under Justin Trudeau were elected with a minority government, and now Trudeau has called another election in hopes of obtaining a majority this time around. </p><p>In a <a href="https://environmentjournal.ca/climate-change-remains-the-most-critical-issue-for-canadians/" target="_blank">recent survey</a> asking Canadians what they think is the most critical threat facing Canadians, more people cited climate change than any other issue, including government deficits, unemployment and the economy, income inequality, and food security. Eighty-eight percent of Canadians said they have been personally impacted by climate change, and 78% said "they are very concerned about the negative impact of climate change on future generations." Between 73% and 84% of respondents recommended the following solutions: Industry adopting cleaner energy sources, increased use of renewable energy and clean electricity, use of new technology to offset carbon emissions, reduced fossil fuel usage, and implementation of government policies to support all these solutions. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtgEfjsYMbqMIPXDOruRgJe3H25IvsbduOqKDyfa50ZnRirsByZrxQWbEDYf82kHktuq8gwDQkkjPUkw-TCxcRG_ldMLgpaauPqdJD8GFbH0dpfKwvIRI-b0EEdQgY-WUI1RrykzePbz2/s162/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="121" data-original-width="162" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtgEfjsYMbqMIPXDOruRgJe3H25IvsbduOqKDyfa50ZnRirsByZrxQWbEDYf82kHktuq8gwDQkkjPUkw-TCxcRG_ldMLgpaauPqdJD8GFbH0dpfKwvIRI-b0EEdQgY-WUI1RrykzePbz2/w200-h149/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Yet, climate change has scarcely been mentioned by party leaders on the campaign trail. One exception is Annamie Paul, leader of the Green Party of Canada, who, unfortunately, has received relatively little press coverage. <p></p><p>We don't have much time left to shift our trajectory away from uncontrollable heating of the earth. An election campaign is the ideal time to focus on the changes we want to see, and to elect leaders who will work to address climate change. </p><p>So, I am disappointed. Disappointed and scared. <br /></p><p>I am disappointed that the Liberals have made little progress toward meeting climate change goals during their two terms in office. Instead, they used our tax dollars to buy a pipeline. </p><p>The New Democratic Party is a socially progressive party that I supported for years. Now led by Jagmeet Singh, the federal NDP has been silent on climate change policy and instead, seem to have put their efforts into propping up the Liberals. </p><div style="text-align: left;">And, while federal and provincial politics are different, our provincial NDP party under John Horgan has been a huge disappointment on environmental matters. They have have gone ahead with Site C dam development in the northeast of BC, a liquid natural gas plant in the northwest, and spent millions of policing dollars to harass and arrest protestors at <a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/fairy-creek-blockades-august-arrests/" target="_blank">Fairy Creek</a>, Canadians fighting to save one of the last intact old growth ecosystems on southern Vancouver Island (796 people arrested since May). This has occurred despite a forestry report they commissioned recommending a moratorium on logging stands of old growth, which the provincial NDP pledged to support last fall. <br /></div><p>The federal Progressive Conservative party platform under O'Toole, not surprisingly, recommends increased criminal penalties for Canadians who protest against pipelines or other "key infrastructure."</p><p>Aside from the Green Party of Canada, our federal parties are not taking the climate emergency seriously. </p><p>Therefore, I now actively support the Green Party, federally and provincially. Rob and I went out a few days ago to put up some large Green Party campaign signs. As we wrestled with the big heavy signs, struggled to pound stakes into soil that was as hard as concrete, and tore our jeans on blackberry brambles, at one point we looked at each other and asked, "Where are all the young people?" </p><p>In our electoral district, why are the people erecting the signs, running as candidate, and coordinating the campaign all old-age pensioners? Where are the people in their twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties? Have they given up on the democratic process? Are they too busy, too cynical, too alienated, or . . . ? I'm disappointed.<br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Still Hopeful<br /></h4><p>Yet, I am still hopeful. I am grateful to the many protestors at Fairy Creek, people of all ages, who have showed up week after week for the past year to protect the old growth. Some of those big trees are a thousand years old, and they are very effective carbon sinks. Old growth forests provide habitat for animals, including many on the endangered list. Only 2.7% of BC's old growth still remains, and once it's cut it's gone forever.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxetbGGS32QACTPWNwEidakHBfoVkv3-Zpn6V5D7ukPQBAi9l9vJOTrQadKmJ6ZpvKYJ8Ax9ic30vh549YVpdgiidUgzpI9vtA_u4_4xc_7BeLcY5uNDwht-w4UylWeG-1cHOMwOp80gcX/s1024/Fairy-Creek-RCMP-force-August-20-2021_8532-1024x684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxetbGGS32QACTPWNwEidakHBfoVkv3-Zpn6V5D7ukPQBAi9l9vJOTrQadKmJ6ZpvKYJ8Ax9ic30vh549YVpdgiidUgzpI9vtA_u4_4xc_7BeLcY5uNDwht-w4UylWeG-1cHOMwOp80gcX/w400-h268/Fairy-Creek-RCMP-force-August-20-2021_8532-1024x684.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The RCMP arresting protesters at Fairy Creek, <a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/fairy-creek-blockades-august-arrests/" target="_blank"><i>The Narwhal</i></a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p>I am still hopeful, as many of the younger people in my life are very involved in making the world a better place. They are working to raise awareness about issues of social justice, including violence against women, mental health support, and acceptance of racial and gender diversity. They work to improve public transportation, environmental health, and community planning to address climate change. Social justice and climate action go hand-in-hand.</p><p>Having seen the way the scientists, medical experts, and leaders at all levels from local to international have worked together to adopt public health measures to keep us safe and to develop a COVID vaccine in record time, I know that humans around the world can accomplish a lot in the face of an emergency. It gives me hope that we will attack the climate emergency with the same sense of urgency. <br /></p><p>We still have a window of time, although it is shrinking rapidly, to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. </p><p>One place we all can start is by getting involved in this federal election. Ask your local candidates how they will address climate change. Ask them about specific issues, like old growth forests, pipelines, raw log exports, job transition support for resource workers, and corporate subsidies. Get the climate emergency into the spotlight at campaign events. Learn what each party's platform says about climate targets. Volunteer to help out in the campaign of a party that has a strong record of action on the environment. <br /></p><p>Still hopeful. <br /></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-83012714350663956862021-05-30T15:51:00.000-07:002021-05-30T15:51:05.071-07:00Welcome, Abby!<p>We have someone new in our lives. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tRfDEIAoQQV9Rg5h5BFYUFioSXt_rs2U66x04n8S7fNnf_Ew2INsVFTRwsMfntkVSXUu3uTpdq542qXpMlzN-g2pEtBoYWOKGcaLXtkkTYbX0KX22oVhykcRUit2ZFUGUIKjbJbvw5l4/s1280/Abby+on+couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tRfDEIAoQQV9Rg5h5BFYUFioSXt_rs2U66x04n8S7fNnf_Ew2INsVFTRwsMfntkVSXUu3uTpdq542qXpMlzN-g2pEtBoYWOKGcaLXtkkTYbX0KX22oVhykcRUit2ZFUGUIKjbJbvw5l4/w400-h400/Abby+on+couch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby on the Couch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This is Abby, who has come to live with us. She is a Standard Schnauzer, and she's 5 years old. Did I mention cute? She's very, very cute. And, characteristic of Schnauzers, she's a girl who knows her own mind.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHEib4BcpNL8y8HNKoNzK2L0pgk7aBXArzpowkn-Gr-l5pILIWfSlM_cnA_lt8-gtuZWzGKZpPrq3kuiU4G5YRRLCmyuQYW4i2cLwHSRvgrvHCdcBctyWNJiGjN4MK9FkLSv01u7lGdYu/s1280/Abby+in+backyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHEib4BcpNL8y8HNKoNzK2L0pgk7aBXArzpowkn-Gr-l5pILIWfSlM_cnA_lt8-gtuZWzGKZpPrq3kuiU4G5YRRLCmyuQYW4i2cLwHSRvgrvHCdcBctyWNJiGjN4MK9FkLSv01u7lGdYu/w400-h300/Abby+in+backyard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby in Backyard<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>She has been with us for less than two weeks, but has already settled in. In the photo above, Abby is hanging out by the fishpond in our backyard.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXU4XfwNvbfLqwBnBlRynPCQsLOs3fcMDbAKalh3QwcVQrZj3j-4PBlYojzM8b8nKLHHFddhQorOgVihsau2Wu0q0CQULOb25s-428fC4FJ-ATbT4dVfdTMUmUIq9YEJ8UC44iVr6icgG0/s1280/Abby+with+toy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXU4XfwNvbfLqwBnBlRynPCQsLOs3fcMDbAKalh3QwcVQrZj3j-4PBlYojzM8b8nKLHHFddhQorOgVihsau2Wu0q0CQULOb25s-428fC4FJ-ATbT4dVfdTMUmUIq9YEJ8UC44iVr6icgG0/s320/Abby+with+toy.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with Boomerang<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhJfc6DyOLEtq0BCCVmDO0ydUOy01Qlao4_eduiwLYVFC6nFyP-k2rAXdOonwC9UjWDEI62laNd1pBZunUojA-yE7gSVhiMrL06Jwj0X7qFJ7qxgIVqv3caOxtTwmsnw3NNQRVe4t74jA/s1280/Abby+has+a+drink.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhJfc6DyOLEtq0BCCVmDO0ydUOy01Qlao4_eduiwLYVFC6nFyP-k2rAXdOonwC9UjWDEI62laNd1pBZunUojA-yE7gSVhiMrL06Jwj0X7qFJ7qxgIVqv3caOxtTwmsnw3NNQRVe4t74jA/s320/Abby+has+a+drink.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Drink at the Pond<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>She loves to play fetch with the squeaky bacon-scented boomerang that my son and his girlfriend gave her. Keep-away is another exciting game. She has met my two grandsons, who were delighted that likes to play fetch.<br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyUy3129aDwvnhCLzNHwH7Z-yB7iFrZrzm2wpRwyUu0V3FqvjrOlz3pjZkRWawgJeeMnu79BOdtUizFYabdGj1R12Xw1lOMHy5EvSCQpHcZ0mu_Zlm5yLsGwPoq1qXhNWXsvP1hq3S5Ky/s1280/Oliver+on+dog+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyUy3129aDwvnhCLzNHwH7Z-yB7iFrZrzm2wpRwyUu0V3FqvjrOlz3pjZkRWawgJeeMnu79BOdtUizFYabdGj1R12Xw1lOMHy5EvSCQpHcZ0mu_Zlm5yLsGwPoq1qXhNWXsvP1hq3S5Ky/s320/Oliver+on+dog+bed.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliver on Dog Bed<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtFqxBE8jnd40_IeN0lqa-iMSG4lasr5kcXyuljQcoUgUbv1VSNeTvvdawVIpCcZcwwCZhLgL1T35vg8V5g6tVQ20oyMv_K-XSGQPUK7aSiadWeFNwMGRo5uEIy0BFwwrkca_7gB-r35e/s1280/Abby+on+hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtFqxBE8jnd40_IeN0lqa-iMSG4lasr5kcXyuljQcoUgUbv1VSNeTvvdawVIpCcZcwwCZhLgL1T35vg8V5g6tVQ20oyMv_K-XSGQPUK7aSiadWeFNwMGRo5uEIy0BFwwrkca_7gB-r35e/s320/Abby+on+hike.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest at the Summit<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>She is a wonderful walking and hiking companion. We have a network of off-leash trails right outside our door. She has already discovered all the best place to get a drink or wallow in the mud. </p><p></p><p>Yesterday, Abby and I climbed Notch Hill and had a nice rest in the shade when we reached the summit. <br /></p><p>Our cat, Oliver, has taken over Abby's dog bed. But she's okay with it. <br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfB337ufmKJN49DWQUZhs9AL7sKJ1il1U2sUvrMwLd2b_gB55sdGoZKqIJ35aEhiNW5GMQoFNqJ2mtgJHSGoOwOQch_2_UWRUy-xnGST6ZjystpMk8rj6QtSuZ0QgXH5_fXSjQNcfqwwk/s1280/Abby+and+Oliver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfB337ufmKJN49DWQUZhs9AL7sKJ1il1U2sUvrMwLd2b_gB55sdGoZKqIJ35aEhiNW5GMQoFNqJ2mtgJHSGoOwOQch_2_UWRUy-xnGST6ZjystpMk8rj6QtSuZ0QgXH5_fXSjQNcfqwwk/w400-h300/Abby+and+Oliver.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob with the Pets<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Although Abby hasn't lived with a cat before, it looks like Abby and Oliver are quickly becoming pals. </p><p>Wherever we go, she likes to jump in the car and come along.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI_4e3GOXVUVRKk1I2hsUKnNOVUTLDondFg-dc9ry-YakVRQeYc4KyRQiGZxvO6YXU6qugMPhi3m21ZN62G9jCxytb5nZY_X1N3mojKbD6GCSkf193Q4VyS3M7DEQteWV-TR65Brdlmlu/s1280/Abby+at+boardwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI_4e3GOXVUVRKk1I2hsUKnNOVUTLDondFg-dc9ry-YakVRQeYc4KyRQiGZxvO6YXU6qugMPhi3m21ZN62G9jCxytb5nZY_X1N3mojKbD6GCSkf193Q4VyS3M7DEQteWV-TR65Brdlmlu/w400-h300/Abby+at+boardwalk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Walk on the Boardwalk<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We are delighted to welcome Abby into our life.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-21959785968207515142021-04-08T22:36:00.001-07:002021-04-08T22:37:42.088-07:00The Continuing Saga<p>In my last post, I wrote about how a section of our back <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-wall-went-south.html" target="_blank">retaining wall collapsed</a> last autumn. Throughout the fall and winter, we worried about how it could possibly be repaired, and whether we would find anyone to do the work. We called some excavating companies, but they were not available or willing to do the work.<br /></p><p>In October, the owner of a local excavating company came and looked at the fallen wall and said he could do the work but he was very busy. The earliest he could come would be in March. </p><p>In February, we hired someone to demolish the shed and remove several more sections of the fence. Larry from the excavating company said he'd stop by at the end of February, but he didn't, and we couldn't get in touch with him. And then late in the afternoon of March 12, a Friday, Larry dropped by. He apologized, saying he'd been extremely busy, but he could start the job next week or the week after. </p><p>That weekend, we dug up all the shrubs and small bushes that were in the section of the yard where the equipment needed to work. We set a few of them aside to be transplanted back into the yard later. The rest we gave away. Our friends D & G recently moved into a new house nearby and wanted to do some landscaping. They came over and helped us dig up shrubs, and took lots of them home for their garden. <br /></p><p>Early Monday morning, we looked out the window to see an excavator being unloaded onto our front lawn. The front lawn would serve as a staging area for the equipment, soil, drain rock, and large boulders for the new wall. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtRtAyUpLqf-RP0mSQcA99WFbZ7_IyfdcS-6JIt7yQwIctbLWtQBypyvSwzM8yw3APSetLsH7rxUrY_qEstVjhzHo4lAwY0BOseH-MNcsMq7YsIUYEXOxhpMhfZh9A46VnBB-cGq0fts_/s2016/Excavator.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtRtAyUpLqf-RP0mSQcA99WFbZ7_IyfdcS-6JIt7yQwIctbLWtQBypyvSwzM8yw3APSetLsH7rxUrY_qEstVjhzHo4lAwY0BOseH-MNcsMq7YsIUYEXOxhpMhfZh9A46VnBB-cGq0fts_/w400-h300/Excavator.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Excavator at Work<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt2BXi_jpAzgyU5SGU1O10BJ0VE3p7SM50xYTTIZBbeL7kL_R0HV4YBU-3xj6EZbnkVhz8595SZVQAceB5xlwLbhkH9jnJfdfoA64dH4VAMIc1EREGJ6fYahXfif0wnZ7dPqEO7HZwVT-/s2016/No+Shed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt2BXi_jpAzgyU5SGU1O10BJ0VE3p7SM50xYTTIZBbeL7kL_R0HV4YBU-3xj6EZbnkVhz8595SZVQAceB5xlwLbhkH9jnJfdfoA64dH4VAMIc1EREGJ6fYahXfif0wnZ7dPqEO7HZwVT-/s320/No+Shed.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excavator Tracks<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>It was fascinating to watch Jody, the excavator operator at work. The first thing he did was use his bucket to dig up the remaining trees and two large bushes and set them aside. We phoned D & G again, and they came over again. We sent them away with two more car loads full of trees and shrubs. We kept four of the trees aside to transplant back into the yard later. </p><p>This photo shows the narrow area along the side of the house where the excavator came through to the backyard. The light coloured sand in the lower right corner of the photo is the location where the shed used to sit. It was built on a base of large concrete composite pavers resting on compacted sand. </p><p>Jody used the excavator to dig down along the edge of the steep hill to create a wide, flat platform all along where the middle section of the retaining wall used to be. Soil from the backyard as well as the rocks from the old retaining wall went over the edge of the hill. <br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dybWOoJhyru6cUWmzzkvlYv7Pzb9kE4Gy9k4fwpS0xpU28aUqBVLt-TCCwKonfNDmRj3K1mmG74JxIWwQpy1A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>Once the earth platform was created, Jody and his assistant Parker built a new wall using huge rocks. The load of rock was deposited in our front yard, and then Jody brought over a bulldozer (skid-steer) and used its bucket to bring the large rocks around to the back. Jody laid down a row of rocks using the excavator, while Parker directed the rock placement from below. It was amazing to see how precisely he could place each boulder with the bucket and thumb. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYwEaqssIWkfXamiynBI4H60TBDaW-NNNAYIrGNucrZGAl2T9IdjOe0Ew4uAACzIv5VclvtfJ8KC2WA7VYQ-Eq702AYI6XpVBWkZBDso9c8tYRjxnEf_6Pysx7eLVXgJ72uMxYHRB7YFH/s2016/New+Wall+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYwEaqssIWkfXamiynBI4H60TBDaW-NNNAYIrGNucrZGAl2T9IdjOe0Ew4uAACzIv5VclvtfJ8KC2WA7VYQ-Eq702AYI6XpVBWkZBDso9c8tYRjxnEf_6Pysx7eLVXgJ72uMxYHRB7YFH/s320/New+Wall+1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Wall Meets New Wall<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Once the first layer of boulders was in place, they back-filled the area behind them with drain rock. They also put down geo-grid, which is held in place by the second layer of rocks, as well as by the garden soil that they replaced over the drain rock. <br /><p>Parker hand-built the connector sections between the old part of the drystone wall and the new wall. The remaining part of the platform where the new wall is now serves as a path along beneath the wall. <br /></p><p>We did not have to tear down the gazebo or the fish ponds! In fact, the goldfish seemed completely unperturbed by all the work going on around them. Presently the gazebo is serving as a tool shed, as we no longer have a shed.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujJu05Ys7zi-h1ksjoNVMaWctqf2JEa8S3l6DUgSOBmvLmDtQMREKeGEOLZX79gt_FrejCTZfZqnkl3AFq8TBxlXCDfs3aL7_Q1zOJFpu6Sdc7-3rxFaWr0_LWJ9cWCRFGGg4p5-VkI_n/s2016/New+Wall+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujJu05Ys7zi-h1ksjoNVMaWctqf2JEa8S3l6DUgSOBmvLmDtQMREKeGEOLZX79gt_FrejCTZfZqnkl3AFq8TBxlXCDfs3aL7_Q1zOJFpu6Sdc7-3rxFaWr0_LWJ9cWCRFGGg4p5-VkI_n/s320/New+Wall+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Wall and Path<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>As you can see, the slope of the hill below the wall is very steep. </p><p>The whole job of rebuilding the wall and cleaning up the work site was finished by Friday. Yes, that's right. It took only 3 1/2 days in total and cost less than half as much as Larry had quoted. We are very happy with our new wall.</p><p>Of course, the story isn't over. There's lots still left to do. <br /></p><p>We will need to have a fence built along the top of the new retaining wall and at the side of the house. Without a fence, the deer will come into the yard and eat everything in sight. Although the landscaping at the front of the yard is deer-resistant (plants the deer don't like to eat), the backyard plants are not. <br /></p><p>We would like to have a shed, and we need to re-landscape a big section of the backyard, and repair the damage to the front yard. We want to get some plants established on the steep slope below the wall.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG8W6ZzcUXrE99k9hcAHV_ZilKUif4Bc2-g2kyYPfj54w38_5227UkLl7XW1Ingv4yZdUNLpnkNVrfDRBwOTO59DZd88ByHtzKgxYuEdG8h26AWFpfrZUogRoyui1kfi187jWV8dX_Jh9/s2016/Backyard+March+2021.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG8W6ZzcUXrE99k9hcAHV_ZilKUif4Bc2-g2kyYPfj54w38_5227UkLl7XW1Ingv4yZdUNLpnkNVrfDRBwOTO59DZd88ByHtzKgxYuEdG8h26AWFpfrZUogRoyui1kfi187jWV8dX_Jh9/w400-h300/Backyard+March+2021.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Backyard After the Wall was Finished<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Before the excavating company left, they covered the areas where they had worked with topsoil, and left us some of the load for our future landscaping. Our first task was to replant the trees and shrubs that we had set aside. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLNxB3nMT_U2Ja1KNdWf8szNW7Abfx1rPpMRyBTF1juozSgr1AhzLh2R5uWVt5oBsRekmNQO3iacMgKvgzhKJnc8VBqTOHIOF2imBaq6fRuKteK15CuBRPC_g5-5nNSBK4N84HX9u9jEn/s2016/Replantiing+Trees.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLNxB3nMT_U2Ja1KNdWf8szNW7Abfx1rPpMRyBTF1juozSgr1AhzLh2R5uWVt5oBsRekmNQO3iacMgKvgzhKJnc8VBqTOHIOF2imBaq6fRuKteK15CuBRPC_g5-5nNSBK4N84HX9u9jEn/w400-h300/Replantiing+Trees.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replanting Trees<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>It is a tremendous relief to have a new retaining wall in place. We are thankful that we contacted Larry when we did, because all of the contractors are extremely busy this year. There are a lot of new houses being built, and also lots of people are renovating. All of the tradespeople are fully booked. </p><p>Look for another installment on this topic. In it, I will tell you about the fence, the landscaping, and the slippery slope. . . .</p><p><br /></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-14940168715414091792021-03-21T23:37:00.002-07:002021-04-08T22:45:31.473-07:00The Wall Went South<p>This is a story about a wall. No, not <i>that</i> wall. </p><p>Last fall, the retaining wall across the back of our property failed. Throughout the month of September, a lot near us was undergoing site preparation so that the new owner could build a house there. We reside in a very rocky, rugged, hilly coastal area, and so for three weeks we lived with the noise and vibrations caused by heavy equipment and a rock-breaker nearby. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb2Gei8MijT_b01_LIW9nh4qbVlKNefc6FD4kEThoQGfGmipf7dd8Goq0PGFMjDvhzUoyf1vqcmdZNxzFUVGTtQDk-eL5pHN1ld8Wy7G_tZskykVKUWBsfYCQvhHCzah5Mr9LVv7zJHvF/s2016/Fence+falls.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb2Gei8MijT_b01_LIW9nh4qbVlKNefc6FD4kEThoQGfGmipf7dd8Goq0PGFMjDvhzUoyf1vqcmdZNxzFUVGTtQDk-eL5pHN1ld8Wy7G_tZskykVKUWBsfYCQvhHCzah5Mr9LVv7zJHvF/w240-h320/Fence+falls.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fence Falls Over the Edge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The week that that the rock-breaking stopped, on a wet stormy day, we looked out the window and noticed that our fence had a sag in it. Our fence was built along the top of our retaining wall. Rob went out and inspected and saw that a few large rocks were bulging out of the wall and pulling the fence down. </p><p>Thinking that the vibrations of the rock-breaking had loosened our wall, I immediately called our house insurance agency. But it was a Friday, and no agents were available to take my call. </p><p>In heavy rain over the weekend, a section of the rock wall began to collapse. The collapse pulled the fence apart, and two sections of it went down the hill. </p><p>The only thing that seemed to be keeping the fence from tumbling all the way down the steep hill was that it, and the big chunk of concrete it was attached to, was hung up on a small tree, part of the natural wild vegetation on the hillside. </p><p>On Monday, I managed to reach an insurance agent, who transferred me to the insurer, who transferred me to someone else, who transferred me to someone else. I spoke to people in Toronto, in Calgary, and who knows where.<br /></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OnMIwSsFkU6oTya7TBq599A-JNNmvH7MUaHvgif0Jjq1fJQuanCZ8uf1xCAyuGdZVuBBVa3KV26dETwHs6PMVnytDMfz0xaIA9TI8B342d0k0KKikUk4ehtehVleqcMlFD7rbXYZNhqX/s2016/Fence+gone.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OnMIwSsFkU6oTya7TBq599A-JNNmvH7MUaHvgif0Jjq1fJQuanCZ8uf1xCAyuGdZVuBBVa3KV26dETwHs6PMVnytDMfz0xaIA9TI8B342d0k0KKikUk4ehtehVleqcMlFD7rbXYZNhqX/s320/Fence+gone.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fence Gone<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Eventually, the company sent someone local out to have a look at the failed retaining wall. We waited to hear about the results of our claim. <br /></p><p>In the meantime, the heavy rain continued nonstop. More of the wall fell away and the rocks rolled down the hill. Rob went out and dismantled the pieces of fence -- a dangerous job as large rocks and chunks of concrete loosened from the wall teetered precariously above him. </p><p>A month after the event, we received news from the insurance company that they would not cover the cost of repairing the retaining wall. <br /></p><p>We began phoning excavation companies trying to find someone to come and repair the retaining wall. We knew it was going to be very challenging to repair for a couple of reasons. <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The slope beneath the retaining wall is very steep</li><li>There is no access route for equipment to the retaining wall from below </li><li>There is no access to the backyard for heavy equipment from the front of the house, either, because the house extends almost all the way across the width of the lot. A deck on one side stretches out almost to a large cedar hedge, and a fence and shed block access on the other side of the house. <br /></li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF0-cT_T5XF23-PCNk5vsqRn3udAkVLDywnMZowC2hw2QQQtfm2zQOqNdAfqT_Xvmj1jhsJn0vo9abOEcr_X_XYJRqGIq5IfMoP4TyOZBRJYp3hSy3kIvUOe103dyL2QtqKHOh65S4IHo/s2016/Over+the+edge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF0-cT_T5XF23-PCNk5vsqRn3udAkVLDywnMZowC2hw2QQQtfm2zQOqNdAfqT_Xvmj1jhsJn0vo9abOEcr_X_XYJRqGIq5IfMoP4TyOZBRJYp3hSy3kIvUOe103dyL2QtqKHOh65S4IHo/w400-h300/Over+the+edge.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Over the Edge Down the Steep Slope<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9kdDotNDnL5WSV_qVSlj-67eTyZAxnzo5EN1fxDvgmOIeOffmbr1QwgQ3evsGwykUNmyILxjnsBgAlDa_e062BWsqAsyw9xYWLag_0GpqeSFhalJSlmGJK1O9JkqjlUnD_lbUaMJwV16/s2016/Failed+wall.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9kdDotNDnL5WSV_qVSlj-67eTyZAxnzo5EN1fxDvgmOIeOffmbr1QwgQ3evsGwykUNmyILxjnsBgAlDa_e062BWsqAsyw9xYWLag_0GpqeSFhalJSlmGJK1O9JkqjlUnD_lbUaMJwV16/s320/Failed+wall.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>Fortunately, we own the land below the retaining wall, all the way to the road below. It has been left in a natural condition, so we didn't have to worry about damage to other people's property or to any landscaping below. Also, fortunately, our house is built on solid rock and is far enough away from the retaining wall and steep slope that we weren't worried about damage to the foundation of the house. </p><p>However, the entire backyard is a beautiful garden. The previous owners were avid gardeners, and one of the reasons we were so attracted to this property was because we loved the landscaping. <br /></p><p>Around the end of October, we found a local contractor who said he could do the work. He came highly recommended by two friends who both have engineering backgrounds. However, he was very busy and said he couldn't do the repair until March. </p><p>He said the shed and more sections of the remaining fence would have to be dismantled to get the equipment in. </p><p>We were worried that as we waited throughout the winter, more of the retaining wall would fall away. We have ponds and a gazebo, both quite near the edge, and feared that we would lose both in the repair process. He said he thought he could reconstruct the wall without taking down the gazebo or ponds. <br /></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7DD_3TCDCHkSVjjx3VcdnJWBpe3NalTxj7j7MrUxMW5zLTCH1a_XfLKbLqJXGN4L3-azLheaSYb4UaxZy-gIeTk4bXj6JQ3ZoY-KvFvd4mu8gQTME5iGmkH1QDOQr78Zg2myPIPN9Jys/s2016/From+below.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7DD_3TCDCHkSVjjx3VcdnJWBpe3NalTxj7j7MrUxMW5zLTCH1a_XfLKbLqJXGN4L3-azLheaSYb4UaxZy-gIeTk4bXj6JQ3ZoY-KvFvd4mu8gQTME5iGmkH1QDOQr78Zg2myPIPN9Jys/s320/From+below.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View From Below the Collapse<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Meanwhile, we had one of the rainiest winters on record. Throughout the winter, we watched more rock go down the hill. <br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5wluRXsDDNHOjCJSSlb5hoeWaAx-373OB_GioPMdc4tseIObEJTizUZox-itm99YoiAQJpwJJTJsxrnzbJcjTifYGrlodK5z1BHYbuAGTglW_mhSq-NOlSNh-rX3fG5TJaZaDOpE0T3X/s2016/Shed.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5wluRXsDDNHOjCJSSlb5hoeWaAx-373OB_GioPMdc4tseIObEJTizUZox-itm99YoiAQJpwJJTJsxrnzbJcjTifYGrlodK5z1BHYbuAGTglW_mhSq-NOlSNh-rX3fG5TJaZaDOpE0T3X/w200-h150/Shed.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shed<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I dug out several small shrubs and perennials from the area of the garden above the collapsed wall and transplanted them to other places in the yard. We left some shrubs and all the trees in place because they were too big for us to move. Also, we hoped their roots would help hold the soil in place until it was time for the excavator to come. <br /></p><p>In early February, we hired someone to come and dismantle the shed and some sections of fence. I felt sad to lose a perfectly good garden shed. It seemed like such a waste. However, it needed to be taken down so the equipment could get into the backyard. <br /></p><p>I was also sad that we would be losing much of the beautiful garden in the backyard. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Qr-gR_dXfKbbHzUYS1_GucAeBQZGkYVA7OxWf47PKLYxK5yJTZdH-hY50IhBlD1Wfw7YAWOAKm9cjnkKNfTTDsPeXZ44yaJDabnajDDi7G1zBYhfgfEMfh0dySf6yjb5qqF9HUH_lSAx/s2016/Garden+Before.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Qr-gR_dXfKbbHzUYS1_GucAeBQZGkYVA7OxWf47PKLYxK5yJTZdH-hY50IhBlD1Wfw7YAWOAKm9cjnkKNfTTDsPeXZ44yaJDabnajDDi7G1zBYhfgfEMfh0dySf6yjb5qqF9HUH_lSAx/w400-h300/Garden+Before.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beautiful Garden in October<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>On a rare sunny day last October, I took this photo of the back garden with all its colours. </p><p>So, how does this story end? Did the contractor show up in March? Was it possible to repair the retaining wall? Did the fishpond have to go? <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-continuing-saga.html" target="_blank">To be continued</a>...<br /></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-41758840416804303322021-01-25T17:59:00.000-08:002021-01-25T17:59:10.570-08:00Author Interview: Liesbet Collaert<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-eSkYjtDS9cSuWR_s6rUIKOxUSBbrO12Vcn0wc4dKH1pKRTYQmqmrqL0cJbTnLmaLPhmyZtxwJrwNpMUfuU-9TVmM1qhkgbzAfTAvc31EalZhrynZggjqRBeSWaI5c0K_lEtfHFjl2lr/s1500/Liesbet+%2526+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-eSkYjtDS9cSuWR_s6rUIKOxUSBbrO12Vcn0wc4dKH1pKRTYQmqmrqL0cJbTnLmaLPhmyZtxwJrwNpMUfuU-9TVmM1qhkgbzAfTAvc31EalZhrynZggjqRBeSWaI5c0K_lEtfHFjl2lr/w400-h300/Liesbet+%2526+dogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liesbet with Kali and Darwin<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
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-</style><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today I am happy to bring you an interview with the writer, Liesbet Collaert. Liesbet has recently published her travel memoir, <i>Plunge</i>. It is a fascinating account of ten years that she spent living on a sailboat and exploring parts of the world that most of us only dream of. </span><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDeAkqDvczUU7lZ0USpe3byZP53iKuk_uFhC7lMYatU1OOXsdsm2JJlZOhCAL0lVmq2JHEHa8cp-i5RGsHtMjpmQiHjSAGS9zcwySz-4kHUF6-FumyMdoi77KWV7oN1CfuydKannf7hKS/s906/Plunge+book+cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDeAkqDvczUU7lZ0USpe3byZP53iKuk_uFhC7lMYatU1OOXsdsm2JJlZOhCAL0lVmq2JHEHa8cp-i5RGsHtMjpmQiHjSAGS9zcwySz-4kHUF6-FumyMdoi77KWV7oN1CfuydKannf7hKS/s320/Plunge+book+cover.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>Jude: </b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">You have spent most of your adult
life travelling throughout the world, and you describe yourself as a nomad. In
what ways is your nomadic life different from a typical western lifestyle?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The beauty of a typical western
lifestyle, in my opinion, is the stability, comfort, and familiarity it offers.
You know what to expect, you have neighbors/friends/family/ colleagues around,
you easily find products in your grocery store, you have favorite restaurants,
trails, outings, hobbies, and your planned activities usually work out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Life on the road, or the water, as a nomad
is insecure, unfamiliar, and rather challenging because of these reasons and
others. Yet, the adventure and freedom make it worthwhile. My husband and I
love that novel feeling of each new place, have learned to be flexible, and
keep our expectations low or non-existent. We are self-contained, fix issues
ourselves as much as possible, and don’t rely on people. We figure things out
as they come and enjoy discovering unique locations, cultures, foods, …</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Another big difference are the amenities
everyone takes for granted: running water, unlimited electricity, reliable
internet, a washer and a dryer. Each time I stay in a house of relatives, I
embrace my hot, pressurized shower, the space in my room (I can walk more than
one step before I bump into something), the fact that my computer can stay
plugged in, and the real bed. If there’s a comfortable couch, I might never
leave! </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Your memoir, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Plunge: One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary</i>, spans about a
decade. Why did you focus your memoir on those ten years in particular?</span>
</p><p><b><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">That’s a great question, Jude! I
knew so little about writing books that the first time I ever considered this
project, I didn’t even know that my kind of story was called a memoir. One of
the first things I learned about that genre is that it covers a “slice” of your
life. I wanted that particular “slice” to have a definite beginning and end. It
seemed most intuitive to start with how I met my now husband, Mark, a life-changing,
somewhat crazy occurrence that led to a new adventure. And, I finish the memoir
when that adventure ended. Coincidentally, this period encapsulated ten years:
my tumultuous thirties. In the epilogue, I leave the door open to the next
adventure…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US"> </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Briefly, what is your book about?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet: <i> </i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><i> </i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><i>Plunge</i> encompasses the ups
and downs of a life less ordinary in the tropics. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The story
is about a 30-year-old nomad who seeks adventure and freedom at sea, but finds
herself at odds with love, work, immigration, weather, and health as she
navigates the world and her relationship.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The book is written in a unique voice and
seamlessly intertwines travelogue and introspective, so the reader is immersed
into each new scene, physically as well as psychologically. The story takes
place in the present tense to accommodate this effect and incorporates
foreshadowing, flashbacks, and cliff hangers, like a novel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">In your book, you present an account
of the nitty-gritty experiences of life aboard a sailboat, and well as a
close-up view of your romantic relationship. Can you talk about the challenges
of writing about such personal material?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Most people who know me (including
you, Jude) are aware of my straightforwardness and urge to be myself. My memoir
had to be a fair representation of this. The two major factors that define my
personality and feelings are my lifestyle and my relationship. But, how do you
pull the reader into these situations? How do you make them understand what you
go through?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">This is only possible by allowing them
inside your head and by being totally (some call it “brutally”) honest.
Therefore, I touch on the good and the bad in my relationship; the strengths and
the flaws in my personality. While lots of memoir authors struggle to put those
moments and factions down, it came easy to me. Maybe because I hope that – just
like in real life – people will take me the way I am; true to myself and
others, while sometimes being a bitch.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I also mention discriminating elements
about my spouse. He knows this; he was the first one to read my book. He also
knows about my desire to tell the truth. His reaction when others ask him about
those parts in <i>Plunge</i>: “It all happened. I was a jerk sometimes.” While
it might put some people off, this “raw honesty,” most readers have
complimented me about my voice and the themes touched upon and, whether they
admit it or not, they can relate to many of the situations.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6AIYPRuYAx9718sFltY3lvPKHJn-fPccGUOiBurFSszQGqQnv7fUnXi0XNISVPWtzNkOFS4wx4U-35c37uWceywvBpvvAq-wqbXx-Kunic9FsD6gkyGiNLwJgVHXp6nV6DJOsePv4ayX/s2048/Liesbet+%2526+Mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6AIYPRuYAx9718sFltY3lvPKHJn-fPccGUOiBurFSszQGqQnv7fUnXi0XNISVPWtzNkOFS4wx4U-35c37uWceywvBpvvAq-wqbXx-Kunic9FsD6gkyGiNLwJgVHXp6nV6DJOsePv4ayX/w400-h300/Liesbet+%2526+Mark.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liesbet and Mark on their Catamaran<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </span> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US"></span><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">As a regular reader of your blog, <a href="https://www.roamingabout.com/" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Roaming About</i></a>, I recall posts in which
you mentioned the frustrations of combining a writer’s life with a nomadic
lifestyle. Please describe some of the issues you faced on the boat, and now while travelling around in your camper van.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">These issues pretty much boil down
to those differences between a nomadic lifestyle and a typical western one,
described above. While we have solar panels to provide electricity to my
computer and we can usually go about five to six days on our fresh water tank,
I am never as productive as I would be in a house or a room with unlimited
electricity, reliable internet, and a desk.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Problems often occur, whether they are
weather-, dog-, errand-, or camper-related. Distraction abounds. And there is
the fact that I live together with a husband and 60-pound furry creature in an 80-square
foot (7.5 m<sup>2</sup>) metal box on wheels. Even when we decide to “sit
still” for a while so I can write, edit, or promote, I struggle with not being
available to my family members and feel guilty about hogging our one table,
stressing out, and not partaking in walks. Finding a balance between my work
and our “leisurely” lifestyle is a goal for 2021.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US"> </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">What did you find were some of the
pros and cons of self-publishing? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Self-publishing is hard work! You
need to be determined, patient, focused, and dedicated to make it happen. The
process is time consuming and frustrating, especially when you are new to all
the different steps (and there are many). You also need to pay for
professionals upfront, so it’s more expensive than going the traditional route.
And, I still feel there is less prestige than when “having a publisher.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">However, there are many pros. The first
one: pulling it off quickly. Sure, I focused 100% on getting <i>Plunge</i>
published this year, but the actual time involvement from the moment I received
my final cover design to holding a proof copy in my hands was two months. My
husband was a big help and we did all this from the road. Another positive of
being self-published is that you hold all the strings. Decisions are yours, you
can make corrections easily, offer discounts, work hard on promotion – or not,
and it’s a huge accomplishment!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US"> </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I imagine that you plunged into
learning a lot of new skills when you went the self-publishing route. Can you
share one specific example of something you learned?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The formatting process! Who knew
there were so many decisions to make? Font style and size, spacing between the
lines and towards the edges, placement of the page numbers (top, bottom, left,
right, middle), kind of section breaks, order of the photos, where to hyphenate
words at the end of the line, how about the chapter titles and table of content?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">One reason I love reading memoirs is
the chance to absorb an inside perspective about another person’s life. Can you
share an insight with readers that came to you about yourself, your life
choices, or your relationship, as you reflected on this period of your life in
the memoir?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Yes. Because I wrote <i>Plunge</i>
in the present tense, I wanted to mentally transport myself back to my
thirties. In doing so, I realized how spoiled I had been in my twenties – I
basically did whatever I wanted – and how, during the course of this story, I
“grew up.” My experiences aboard our 35ft catamaran <i>Irie</i> made me realize
I don’t always get what I want, that there are two people in a relationship,
and that adventure comes in many different forms.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Do you have a new writing project on
the horizon?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I have many ideas, but have not
started anything new yet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US"> </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Is there anything else you’d like to
add?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I want to thank you for your
thoughtful and insightful questions, Jude, and for featuring me here today. I
hope your readers will get a chance to read <i>Plunge</i> and that it entertains,
inspires, or affects them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpIspSVUm6iVipUyfp19HphltvNYBRjSJjBNwHbAMXznOUU_mNUNgzF-Cej5QzU_u_v5VW3hq4_lbkLOxehIsMI4guHg0s5VqALG2wJmfYRL4lv3oHO3A4ilbZZTTE9HRER8mJxrWQlAK/s2048/Liesbet+%2526+Jude+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpIspSVUm6iVipUyfp19HphltvNYBRjSJjBNwHbAMXznOUU_mNUNgzF-Cej5QzU_u_v5VW3hq4_lbkLOxehIsMI4guHg0s5VqALG2wJmfYRL4lv3oHO3A4ilbZZTTE9HRER8mJxrWQlAK/w400-h300/Liesbet+%2526+Jude+2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liesbet and Jude in 2018</td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US">I'm pleased to feature this <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/12/author-interview-gail-madjzoub.html" target="_blank">author interview</a> here on <i>Dr Sock Writes Here</i> today. I initially met Liesbet through blogging, but in 2018 I had a chance to meet her and Mark in person when they came to Vancouver Island and stayed with us. <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US">I greatly enjoyed reading Liesbet's book. It gave me an inside scoop on some of the joys and challenges of the sailing lifestyle, and reminded me of the many of the important life decisions One makes in the decade of their thirties. <br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjsWTgtJgso8mlOYsn263l_gWVdT-L209reufoCjnyj5hg8yCkatszsfY_z7D9G5brjynkBF-L85WA-jWCuFnfmKp4LVnF_wiYpiFZgF40y7tZTSRwpVXFTX3-ZCWB8gTdcWJqQB8FQn9/s545/Liesbet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjsWTgtJgso8mlOYsn263l_gWVdT-L209reufoCjnyj5hg8yCkatszsfY_z7D9G5brjynkBF-L85WA-jWCuFnfmKp4LVnF_wiYpiFZgF40y7tZTSRwpVXFTX3-ZCWB8gTdcWJqQB8FQn9/w184-h200/Liesbet.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US">To read more about Liesbet’s adventures and
her writing life or to purchase the book, click here: </span></span><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For more info about <i>Plunge</i>:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.roamingabout.com/about-plunge/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">https://www.roamingabout.com/about-plunge/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To buy on Amazon: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.amzn.com/B08NHP3NHC"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">www.amzn.com/B08NHP3NHC</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet’s alternative lifestyle blog: <a href="http://www.roamingabout.com">www.roamingabout.com</a></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="NL" style="mso-ansi-language: NL;">Liesbet’s sailing
blog (2007 – 2015): </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.itsirie.com"><span lang="NL" style="mso-ansi-language: NL;">www.itsirie.com</span></a></span><span lang="NL" style="mso-ansi-language: NL;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="NL" style="mso-ansi-language: NL;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US">Liesbet’s Amazon author page: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Liesbet-Collaert/e/B073C9F8TW"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">https://www.amazon.com/Liesbet-Collaert/e/B073C9F8TW</span></a></span></span></p>
<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-36711457216248517482021-01-17T00:44:00.000-08:002021-01-17T00:44:55.909-08:00Leaving 2020 Behind<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGAajQ-rVh4WG-XQ9_CCnbatYZp8cDnNO517-O1IeelwzSRhVCw9A2MqNKZ2IYjtV0lMSMO5M8Q6MRIzTP_Sos83VHWoDjzHmfi6BH3lXsEDqK9iR2KWdtxBOhbMEkJuMhZIECbxF9xwe/s2048/Jack+Pt.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGAajQ-rVh4WG-XQ9_CCnbatYZp8cDnNO517-O1IeelwzSRhVCw9A2MqNKZ2IYjtV0lMSMO5M8Q6MRIzTP_Sos83VHWoDjzHmfi6BH3lXsEDqK9iR2KWdtxBOhbMEkJuMhZIECbxF9xwe/w400-h300/Jack+Pt.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Formations at Jack Point<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Each year as the old year rolls into a new year, I usually take some time to reflect. I am not a believer in New Year's resolutions. But I do like to look back at the year we have just had and think about the highlights and low-lights, and take note of any big changes. <p></p><p>Often, I'll also spend some time thinking about the upcoming year. Although I've been known to write out specific goals organized under categories such as "Writing," "Art," Family & Social Life," "Health," and so forth, with numbered subheadings and bullet points, sometimes I simply write a general statement about my hopes for what the year might hold. </p><p>But this year as the old year waned, I found did not want to revisit 2020 and the pandemic experience. Of course, we're still in the middle of it. </p><p>And as I tried to think about 2021, not a single goal floated into my mind. Who knows what's going to happen next with respect to COVID-19? And for that matter, with American politics, systemic racism, and climate change? The experience of living through this pandemic for much of a year has served as a reminder that my personal control over the future is quite limited.</p><p>But although I might have thought I spent the entire year fretting about daily new cases of COVID or staring at screens, the photos in my camera tell a different story. I have written about the first half of 2020 <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2021/01/happy-highlights-in-bleak-year.html" target="_blank">here</a>. This post covering July-December completes my account of 2020.<br /></p><p>The summer started badly with the death of our beloved old dog, Kate. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Summer Camping <br /></h4><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgLm_OaAiN_owi6YWiSgQ-XlDLML87eS2aYdf1xcPeqJ7aZYLcppKlr9VgDjl_qoP85vLHppFPraMQnR8p4DCwM2OmYqiw4iW-0eGi-28oyiwXSnAhyphenhyphenwWW4VRovh1MlgDF51qbCJdK7Yr/s2048/Erica.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgLm_OaAiN_owi6YWiSgQ-XlDLML87eS2aYdf1xcPeqJ7aZYLcppKlr9VgDjl_qoP85vLHppFPraMQnR8p4DCwM2OmYqiw4iW-0eGi-28oyiwXSnAhyphenhyphenwWW4VRovh1MlgDF51qbCJdK7Yr/w150-h200/Erica.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree House</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In the summer, the daily new case rate here was down to single digits, so public health relaxed some restrictions. We were able to go on some local <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/08/everybodys-gone-camping.html" target="_blank">camping trips</a>. We especially enjoyed a short camping trip to Malcolm Island with one of my daughters. </p><p>Our original destination was closer to home, but, once the campgrounds were allowed to open, everyone had the same idea and campsites were hard to get. Malcolm Island, near Port McNeill, is one of our favourite places and we had a lovely grassy site just across the road from the ocean. My daughter pitched her tent beside our camper. <br /></p><span> </span><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpb099aqGkwkL8T7aUuVTW6TQR8VnnMWp7J476upcuiCyEei7nAJXKY1r_a3_G5ho3QfKW2BvEkClaoOLqm2ah64oOU_EOY8aK2ooqSef45-NO-EHuYvdr7YYBVPyoIkoPFjunC2KAPvw/s2016/R%2526E+hike.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpb099aqGkwkL8T7aUuVTW6TQR8VnnMWp7J476upcuiCyEei7nAJXKY1r_a3_G5ho3QfKW2BvEkClaoOLqm2ah64oOU_EOY8aK2ooqSef45-NO-EHuYvdr7YYBVPyoIkoPFjunC2KAPvw/w240-h320/R%2526E+hike.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bere Point Hike<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoNd7P4z-Hs2z-tIsptsp8dSYt-WgTTuEXXO3MVnGe7uPOipmE7iRo4N_7dhAZ3wlAdd5feYCeAIbXXW3r_wb91plwtauSHFZyCE1pjlsad-RuMuTb_29vuSDJoa-E9vpNoO8MVcmg_It/s2016/Erica+driftwood.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoNd7P4z-Hs2z-tIsptsp8dSYt-WgTTuEXXO3MVnGe7uPOipmE7iRo4N_7dhAZ3wlAdd5feYCeAIbXXW3r_wb91plwtauSHFZyCE1pjlsad-RuMuTb_29vuSDJoa-E9vpNoO8MVcmg_It/w240-h320/Erica+driftwood.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale-watching Blind<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"> Trip to the North <br /></h4><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSe5eM2ngDUwyB6d7lLzzChqsHYSz4fumuDDx6R0dtpc9E819Q7gEmdtk7aP1EZ4sde5VM_6W05Wvemq9WUgw5hWlX9UznbItSRW3-4mXayUfUvxKsBJyO8tqUOELl9AdvUIv_UyuqxWl/s2016/Rob+mountains.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSe5eM2ngDUwyB6d7lLzzChqsHYSz4fumuDDx6R0dtpc9E819Q7gEmdtk7aP1EZ4sde5VM_6W05Wvemq9WUgw5hWlX9UznbItSRW3-4mXayUfUvxKsBJyO8tqUOELl9AdvUIv_UyuqxWl/s320/Rob+mountains.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Lilloett<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_QXSj2boX4gGjcJr9wcV6ILxJWK-p6wldZ4NV6dfll_Y0ma3PcCgIiIbB-46Zj5nFQDA2ysgJkyyaiA8MCwKlH3AVy2LvD54V_w9nN3FReATAfzq_2rHSGIb-VJ770rbvi0b-XRkD6Tk/s2048/Charlie.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_QXSj2boX4gGjcJr9wcV6ILxJWK-p6wldZ4NV6dfll_Y0ma3PcCgIiIbB-46Zj5nFQDA2ysgJkyyaiA8MCwKlH3AVy2LvD54V_w9nN3FReATAfzq_2rHSGIb-VJ770rbvi0b-XRkD6Tk/s320/Charlie.jpeg" /></a>During the last half of August, we made a trip to northern British Columbia to visit family and friends. We were in our little house on wheels -- our truck and camper. <br /><p></p><p>After spending several days visiting our <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/08/summer-fun-with-grandkids.html" target="_blank">northern grandchildren</a> and their parents, we continued on to Terrace, a small city in northern BC where we used to live. <br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlTzU16YUUQNv5c8mYd1FL68EJuGJg-qQ_vCvG9LKvHxKXriKAXYxSZNN-804d_oYU2PjUUx2RhT9G5KT13BXt1zciQbIPW86pIb8hfNlz_0ckoVUBUpA39K1FPUjpSLKz9rQaINJnSSd/s2048/Karen.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlTzU16YUUQNv5c8mYd1FL68EJuGJg-qQ_vCvG9LKvHxKXriKAXYxSZNN-804d_oYU2PjUUx2RhT9G5KT13BXt1zciQbIPW86pIb8hfNlz_0ckoVUBUpA39K1FPUjpSLKz9rQaINJnSSd/s320/Karen.jpeg" width="320" /></a><p>Although we didn't see everyone we would have wished, it was so wonderful to connect with a few family and friends. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9JS5zzHxEVHaWiSPFQcoJLMuWTwSzyV8mOgZL1ygPw69D1gsDefw-Ec9dnM8GMmvwYhMaC7tzibWLrZcP85NnR-704pwZbauwmcmBxNSIW4oGSJU7XnyyV9mJmnNnegdAMlPABFeeqku/s2016/Ferry+Island.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9JS5zzHxEVHaWiSPFQcoJLMuWTwSzyV8mOgZL1ygPw69D1gsDefw-Ec9dnM8GMmvwYhMaC7tzibWLrZcP85NnR-704pwZbauwmcmBxNSIW4oGSJU7XnyyV9mJmnNnegdAMlPABFeeqku/w150-h200/Ferry+Island.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferry Island<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGH6tKmbnSO56oXZ2mpqrggCbGyhueRgEsvrugVGL0pvSXXTXgsZHLnxy76vIO48l7Ljb9CeyBzIyDkAtHcWpt8TLMIydcCE4fg6T2r_H45m59Vk2hJv_L2Zo-uz50SZbyLsEcqzdO5tv/s2016/Rob+hike.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGH6tKmbnSO56oXZ2mpqrggCbGyhueRgEsvrugVGL0pvSXXTXgsZHLnxy76vIO48l7Ljb9CeyBzIyDkAtHcWpt8TLMIydcCE4fg6T2r_H45m59Vk2hJv_L2Zo-uz50SZbyLsEcqzdO5tv/s320/Rob+hike.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watson Lakes Hike<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We also revisited some familiar hikes and river walks. Unfortunately,
almost the entire time that we were in the northern part of the
province, the weather was rainy and cold. <br /></p><p>We left Terrace and spent several days in Smithers, visiting my brothers and celebrating one brother's special day with him and his family. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKV19BbrIA0OatxYoXF7zgY3WIfBgnRJJ27hOs3nvBY5LUiY16hyUZbdhEInPv0N5e3HbDvn4mPaxTRW8L62MXggE760PkLLJ2UeLz1TWBiRzdWUZ-Bqb2Pkzyqu05Grh56thOXZvK8v7v/s2016/Tony.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKV19BbrIA0OatxYoXF7zgY3WIfBgnRJJ27hOs3nvBY5LUiY16hyUZbdhEInPv0N5e3HbDvn4mPaxTRW8L62MXggE760PkLLJ2UeLz1TWBiRzdWUZ-Bqb2Pkzyqu05Grh56thOXZvK8v7v/w150-h200/Tony.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p>Always the intrepid hikers, we did a mountain hike to Crater Lake, braving rain, wind, and sleet. This was in August!<br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTJ8T5-pm9OTANujV-APrO1j4MdsU73rYwXZPZM4DTOGnRk6VD7iDH5_CloO35-DHa1AjA7Xg2cShbNRTehC_zRm0QyOAvoHpSbo13zpSlLzGXXBZ5dXRxT1SQYafZzBu6N43WjKZ5Dkc/s2016/Crater+Lake.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTJ8T5-pm9OTANujV-APrO1j4MdsU73rYwXZPZM4DTOGnRk6VD7iDH5_CloO35-DHa1AjA7Xg2cShbNRTehC_zRm0QyOAvoHpSbo13zpSlLzGXXBZ5dXRxT1SQYafZzBu6N43WjKZ5Dkc/s320/Crater+Lake.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crater Lake Hike<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><br /></p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCs6PPgdOHlD8pMM2vcOrfrPMtNcFFMirNP0PPOLZSBGe-nFgKegBUyx07KN5hvAGiFiRKFqxlT9Gxg5x4SJ3WhgeV-RmwugfRqJHzP4IbU2g3PUY47Ig-6dxzTdfmeGG2Ubqt2UR76r7B/s2048/Nieces.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCs6PPgdOHlD8pMM2vcOrfrPMtNcFFMirNP0PPOLZSBGe-nFgKegBUyx07KN5hvAGiFiRKFqxlT9Gxg5x4SJ3WhgeV-RmwugfRqJHzP4IbU2g3PUY47Ig-6dxzTdfmeGG2Ubqt2UR76r7B/w200-h150/Nieces.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nieces</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We returned to Vancouver Island via an overnight ferry from Prince Rupert. Despite the pandemic restrictions, it was still a beautiful trip. We stayed in a nice stateroom with a porthole that framed the view.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lj1ym5PWfn9a_gP_GBaOkUJiDDZUQGw7Je5haU83v0rz9_QIUf7VsKbeTDOozNfFVIXFgnthHEfHKt2cqqR8vDxGirB69HOA7IMI8dwhkQy44h0232sETHUwzHIecgb-JnrDNRAzOFGo/s2048/Ferry.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lj1ym5PWfn9a_gP_GBaOkUJiDDZUQGw7Je5haU83v0rz9_QIUf7VsKbeTDOozNfFVIXFgnthHEfHKt2cqqR8vDxGirB69HOA7IMI8dwhkQy44h0232sETHUwzHIecgb-JnrDNRAzOFGo/s320/Ferry.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZI21JLbIkuX1TXKy9dBbXPaJPzA6u3HktOCZhgNRv91st_F-vdgel3sUf4UBur80HnBCca9jJnTRLcoK2e8KySEjJrFP6_kE8MCkGvWbCjgnTp4sjh8Xy3PDT-eGSSnpXNDzLHabeaAg/s2048/Porthole.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZI21JLbIkuX1TXKy9dBbXPaJPzA6u3HktOCZhgNRv91st_F-vdgel3sUf4UBur80HnBCca9jJnTRLcoK2e8KySEjJrFP6_kE8MCkGvWbCjgnTp4sjh8Xy3PDT-eGSSnpXNDzLHabeaAg/w150-h200/Porthole.jpeg" width="150" /></a><p>Although usually during the summer months, BC Ferries runs a large ferry through the inland passage, because of the reduced number of travellers, we went on a smaller boat this time. For safety, we spent most of the trip either outside, or in our stateroom. The food service on the small ferry was very limited. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Around Home<br /></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrADuj-rrXJLCi7U9N7ssI9GUKRGE1vGyr0N-U8BjceZACg3HRJSTON0hEcipfdIYl0UIb86BTGQLLqHs4THcnAjpUN9ZJtqAotjScGexSGLp8h1boNBLRtXjbMp6ZTMvtJC_ouAEa53V/s2016/kayak+course.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrADuj-rrXJLCi7U9N7ssI9GUKRGE1vGyr0N-U8BjceZACg3HRJSTON0hEcipfdIYl0UIb86BTGQLLqHs4THcnAjpUN9ZJtqAotjScGexSGLp8h1boNBLRtXjbMp6ZTMvtJC_ouAEa53V/s320/kayak+course.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>In the early part of the summer, I took an all-day introductory kayak course. After that, I began to look in earnest for a secondhand sea kayak. You can read about the results of my search <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/09/a-retirement-gift-to-myself.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXqjJ8-yGR1DB8w8Yes8J9EL04SmVQN8KWOC-56knE9BlXV2LesRmBqIcAC1bKjFHhkf_uSe2xrBtwTFnXa8AUjhMIDKz1KBj8vpxyaWuluW9bc-1HJW5eGqOomknTuf628JzejCNI9YW/s2048/Parksville.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXqjJ8-yGR1DB8w8Yes8J9EL04SmVQN8KWOC-56knE9BlXV2LesRmBqIcAC1bKjFHhkf_uSe2xrBtwTFnXa8AUjhMIDKz1KBj8vpxyaWuluW9bc-1HJW5eGqOomknTuf628JzejCNI9YW/w150-h200/Parksville.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parksville</td></tr></tbody></table>I continued to do many walks and short hikes in areas nearby. For example, we did countless walks at the Parksville Community Beach, where I snapped this sunset photo one evening with Rob. <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83ozE7PLl-JJWB9-V5LlqzrFmtq8tUtO-QlBDes0_xcYlfTAQO4u6HLoTAebUxbRuMycaN-PAISL6WG10VKHCgwS3K-_Bv4AidV10Bmip4IKpdGcKJ7_7VVjMXdHZCD9DslKmv7t-nPEv/s2048/Oreo+tarts.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83ozE7PLl-JJWB9-V5LlqzrFmtq8tUtO-QlBDes0_xcYlfTAQO4u6HLoTAebUxbRuMycaN-PAISL6WG10VKHCgwS3K-_Bv4AidV10Bmip4IKpdGcKJ7_7VVjMXdHZCD9DslKmv7t-nPEv/s320/Oreo+tarts.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oreo Tarts<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUXDPXI8ASTBsJqi_A7al23XfWmNhFnEHWhvtSELfsWRa5gTlOwN9QWwkTaqi34pKjWgz0hOrAR4Drbf_QFh9tg9liH2nUCJB_1-ntyagOvwqkluq8OudUc0DEdAHjJlv2ly4XuHEuSAN/s2048/Oliver.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUXDPXI8ASTBsJqi_A7al23XfWmNhFnEHWhvtSELfsWRa5gTlOwN9QWwkTaqi34pKjWgz0hOrAR4Drbf_QFh9tg9liH2nUCJB_1-ntyagOvwqkluq8OudUc0DEdAHjJlv2ly4XuHEuSAN/s320/Oliver.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliver</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I tried out some new recipes, including these yummy tarts recommended by Donna at <a href="https://retirementreflections.com/2020/09/03/welcome-to-a-virtual-dinner/" target="_blank">Retirement Reflections</a>. I also have made the winter squash salad described in Donna's blog post -- yummy as well. <br /></p><p>We have lavished attention on Oliver, our sole remaining pet. In this photo, he is wearing some jewellery made for him by my grandsons. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Grandmothering</h4><p>One of the unexpected joys of this pandemic has been spending more time with my two grandsons. Childcare options have been greatly curtailed because of the pandemic restrictions. I have been providing part-time childcare while my daughter has worked and gone back to school. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSduYo6tYcCGPRm_c9uCJNlVgftkv_O9jcfsz82Bvr72k1wzNu-tVGxF-goYz2huVIyU5H_By0xe74HF4KVmnFQ9jkT_BHCDm_CpLRrJwQNDu9K0KOrYVlumjq5dasKNTNzaLSf0NDvFC/s2016/Caleb+at+Park.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSduYo6tYcCGPRm_c9uCJNlVgftkv_O9jcfsz82Bvr72k1wzNu-tVGxF-goYz2huVIyU5H_By0xe74HF4KVmnFQ9jkT_BHCDm_CpLRrJwQNDu9K0KOrYVlumjq5dasKNTNzaLSf0NDvFC/w150-h200/Caleb+at+Park.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUXDPXI8ASTBsJqi_A7al23XfWmNhFnEHWhvtSELfsWRa5gTlOwN9QWwkTaqi34pKjWgz0hOrAR4Drbf_QFh9tg9liH2nUCJB_1-ntyagOvwqkluq8OudUc0DEdAHjJlv2ly4XuHEuSAN/s2048/Oliver.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mR9LwkbLi7qZHu7T8CIHA1LeMlppNpHnSkZljN1nFAYExURGcPzdMWanLp6AJTBQKriiwzJjeOwy4HDaJpNvbypnEnvMC3cIsKk-vQMHzLU7ExX9p6K_gQxyM9xpPDwVhP1tR2y-25Q3/s2048/Dress+up.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mR9LwkbLi7qZHu7T8CIHA1LeMlppNpHnSkZljN1nFAYExURGcPzdMWanLp6AJTBQKriiwzJjeOwy4HDaJpNvbypnEnvMC3cIsKk-vQMHzLU7ExX9p6K_gQxyM9xpPDwVhP1tR2y-25Q3/w150-h200/Dress+up.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2zO22na8o-Gcu6IHGAeowEv3MOowe3CV-KvtHv3_FwdU4S8QUXaXjjKIiixbm7rcHQRsyzi6QUvjVXNF05TQPg20GmuG7BG3w3sEdeq8RA9dB2WFebZPCsgGe3LDXuVtvNOiAYWGLex9/s2016/Elliott+at+park.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2zO22na8o-Gcu6IHGAeowEv3MOowe3CV-KvtHv3_FwdU4S8QUXaXjjKIiixbm7rcHQRsyzi6QUvjVXNF05TQPg20GmuG7BG3w3sEdeq8RA9dB2WFebZPCsgGe3LDXuVtvNOiAYWGLex9/w150-h200/Elliott+at+park.jpeg" width="150" /></a><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Fall Becomes Winter</h4><p>As daily cases rose over the fall, more stringent restrictions were put in place again. Because of my child care role, I still see my grandson's family. However, we can no longer see anyone else, except outdoors with physical distancing. </p><p>At Thanksgiving, we met at Neck Point for a family hike, as we couldn't all gather for a big dinner. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-DMGZNWfF7wdtNSuXmjWu4J11dDFJmv8iR2luqPyQlnMVfAHmT3EDJubU-uzyK6XYPhsaUBlL5-sp2ImYqqI6XM3C-cKbKt17uk1RHov53EcxFkkVMjsRkY9Cqhk3fOWNAh8Q58xP9Aj/s2016/C%2526E+Neck+Pt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-DMGZNWfF7wdtNSuXmjWu4J11dDFJmv8iR2luqPyQlnMVfAHmT3EDJubU-uzyK6XYPhsaUBlL5-sp2ImYqqI6XM3C-cKbKt17uk1RHov53EcxFkkVMjsRkY9Cqhk3fOWNAh8Q58xP9Aj/w150-h200/C%2526E+Neck+Pt.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ReOPUOvtc6rClRGfAMG7JpPSrLnWtne9KBoUTEDccp1tCGMtAvPIGYwfmpMOCRZUu2eJkEGxo-097rox08hFnfywIpyaEiXJj1Ye3fur2TZp2D3l4L_z4gsK3_zLfbl7yguxI2RJqdJ0/s2016/Maple.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ReOPUOvtc6rClRGfAMG7JpPSrLnWtne9KBoUTEDccp1tCGMtAvPIGYwfmpMOCRZUu2eJkEGxo-097rox08hFnfywIpyaEiXJj1Ye3fur2TZp2D3l4L_z4gsK3_zLfbl7yguxI2RJqdJ0/w150-h200/Maple.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wgmzLV-eQHoLVD7dR9NuPniG1o6UdLizv8udRu5_Dbs0h2uvMVXyu81MzX1QRWJ9GHKFyYwuuRZajKZfHLOcKVBhTgxaVVmd0L2EVeIisFvjERSaQp-o75wYlcfCLnJhqPtNlKE-Pksu/s2048/Neck+Point.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wgmzLV-eQHoLVD7dR9NuPniG1o6UdLizv8udRu5_Dbs0h2uvMVXyu81MzX1QRWJ9GHKFyYwuuRZajKZfHLOcKVBhTgxaVVmd0L2EVeIisFvjERSaQp-o75wYlcfCLnJhqPtNlKE-Pksu/w150-h200/Neck+Point.jpeg" width="150" /></a> </p><p>We continue to explore trails and shorelines near home. I sometimes meet with friends for physically -distanced hikes and walks. For example, I met up with Deb who blogs at <a href="https://widowbadass.com/" target="_blank">The Widow Badass</a> for a hike to Jack Point recently. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPzWOFlTBFZmkdMHDvCae9Qju4OLF-Ovj5BlMw9eUATidjwjn6UALQTV3_Gz_Unjg6w_0g_fpPd8e_0tblBtQ3JAXM3cHVFGTTUuEIW1kJyb-2xZ-qbu1JdAdHoZnQ4ndwRwV3TQRfvnt/s2016/Deb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPzWOFlTBFZmkdMHDvCae9Qju4OLF-Ovj5BlMw9eUATidjwjn6UALQTV3_Gz_Unjg6w_0g_fpPd8e_0tblBtQ3JAXM3cHVFGTTUuEIW1kJyb-2xZ-qbu1JdAdHoZnQ4ndwRwV3TQRfvnt/s320/Deb.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deb and Petroglyphs<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUq9ASAtZ-UOUKUaI43zhAtl92dEz50FkkQm8cWrWcS3poioAk9Yj_as8lz_0xUJZ3jkyWOo1XtnUb2Kws3aGMppLB1moEuFNfyJbN7F2Yk8_VGMxiGQlO1WCmfiAka4l-jsSCK87tYmy/s2016/Rob+Moorecroft.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUq9ASAtZ-UOUKUaI43zhAtl92dEz50FkkQm8cWrWcS3poioAk9Yj_as8lz_0xUJZ3jkyWOo1XtnUb2Kws3aGMppLB1moEuFNfyJbN7F2Yk8_VGMxiGQlO1WCmfiAka4l-jsSCK87tYmy/w150-h200/Rob+Moorecroft.jpeg" width="150" /></a>Rob and I celebrated New Year's Day by hiking the trails at Moorecroft Park. It was rainy, of course. <br /><p>As I look through my photos and share them with you, one thing becomes very clear. Although it has been an unusual year, and a difficult year, life went on. My life was mostly filled with joy. And that joy took the form of friends, family, and nature. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a7BoxvCZEgob0WjEEDVP6ZC1dC_BgQOmMf7SwBatvo9aFftAAWaaAZOgk8T_dtNXxt0GV5nGD3Q7zC9JpgO0RAAFow1FOI1cylwIIN0sPFHXo0EbgMs4qImalER2iB28EuCoWyTeYtYy/s2048/Me+with+E%2526C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a7BoxvCZEgob0WjEEDVP6ZC1dC_BgQOmMf7SwBatvo9aFftAAWaaAZOgk8T_dtNXxt0GV5nGD3Q7zC9JpgO0RAAFow1FOI1cylwIIN0sPFHXo0EbgMs4qImalER2iB28EuCoWyTeYtYy/w400-h300/Me+with+E%2526C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-46124792597758256102021-01-02T01:20:00.001-08:002021-01-02T01:20:20.689-08:00Happy Highlights in a Bleak Year<h4 style="text-align: left;">The Big Picture <br /></h4><p>There is no doubt that 2020 was a tough year. More than 83 million people worldwide were infected with covid-19 in 2020, and more than 1.8 million have died. Every one of us knows someone who has had the disease, and even if the lives of those close to us were spared, we have heard the tragic stories of so many who have passed away, including, especially, our elders. </p><p>Add to that the extreme wildfires in Australia and California, the explosion in Beirut, the murder of George Floyd, and the stomach-churning in-your-face pandemonium of American politics, and it is clear that 2020 has been a bleak year. <br /></p><p>Of course, there also have been heroes, collaborative efforts, and sweeping changes that have reaffirmed my faith in human nature and science. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjec7Ngy3wWwUrNJwY6h2LFNw2h9NL-xFdlhf-xszoP_ECTwjLhAVuK0HPtS93Q63UmnOtNwMYphGN4laL8B1H04Pq2S5FtQV4QPsP4ydjAuKVtBSgyo9Bcf_uQAlZqUuBOw4G28Z0qUpPN/s2048/masks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjec7Ngy3wWwUrNJwY6h2LFNw2h9NL-xFdlhf-xszoP_ECTwjLhAVuK0HPtS93Q63UmnOtNwMYphGN4laL8B1H04Pq2S5FtQV4QPsP4ydjAuKVtBSgyo9Bcf_uQAlZqUuBOw4G28Z0qUpPN/s320/masks.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> Thank-you to the physicians, nurses, other health care workers, and long term care home staff who have worked so hard to save lives during this pandemic, even while putting their own health and well-being at risk. <p></p><p>Thank-you to governments and public health leaders who have made the right choices during the pandemic, whether by quickly allocating funding to workers forced to stay at home, or by making the hard decisions to order unpopular public health restrictions before our hospitals were overwhelmed. I count our public health officer here in BC, <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/04/reasons-to-feel-grateful.html">Dr. Bonnie Henry</a>, among the heroes of the pandemic.<br /></p><p>Thank-you to the essential workers who have made it possible for others of us to stay home. As well, I thank the everyday heroes, my friends and neighbours, who have trusted science and chosen to comply with quarantines, physical-distancing guidelines, and mask wearing to protect themselves and others around them, day after day after day. It has been hard, and will continue to be hard for some months to come. </p><p>Thank-you to the scientists who have pulled out all the stops to develop safe vaccines in record time. This accomplishment has involved a level of international scientific collaboration that is unprecedented. It shows we can work together when we understand the gravity of an problem. Let's hope the same level of dedication and global collaboration will next be applied to the existential problems of climate change and species extinction. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">At a Personal Level</h4><p>I have been very fortunate in most ways throughout <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflections-during-pandemic.html">this pandemic</a>, and for that I am deeply grateful. Yet, even so, there have been some sad times, personally, during 2020. Our beloved dog, Kate, died in July. Shortly after, our cat became ill and his health continues to decline. Our retaining wall at the back of our property failed, and repairing it will be difficult and expensive. We've missed being able to spend time with friends and family in person during much of the year. </p><p>Yet, in the grand scheme of things, these are minor and temporary wrinkles. </p><p>Overall, for me 2020 has been a year of much new learning and many happy moments (in spite of the dire pandemic backdrop). I realized Rob and I have had many joyful experiences in 2020 when I looked in my phone to find a few photos to illustrate this blog and ended up choosing 50!<br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Hawaii</h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"> </h4><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIvtX0evXXP99kxZ5UAkZQMEPJ-lE6lllK6_o0RRblIuwOsAD9E8y5A0oJPPnif1UOKtVURPOUF594LZTQ7bFVw8NWA0Fv190Mm2KgtpeXj8INaW1zPn8mk1au60aIn6tHKbVI8NvGR27/s2048/Evatblacksandbeach.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIvtX0evXXP99kxZ5UAkZQMEPJ-lE6lllK6_o0RRblIuwOsAD9E8y5A0oJPPnif1UOKtVURPOUF594LZTQ7bFVw8NWA0Fv190Mm2KgtpeXj8INaW1zPn8mk1au60aIn6tHKbVI8NvGR27/s320/Evatblacksandbeach.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGmz6TfAtz6H11NpCvrh5EXEUEPpXH-NqFg5Z8hutgLXNQwTN2PpqklxnjQ7ngDnkf_2x_1x_1HrqYzMPfDFa00TzdYDLTJnQKy35cXWNzgglMOvLAJvbG04TZZcEHQI-qO31ZQ_BdSox/s2016/Kiheiresort.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGmz6TfAtz6H11NpCvrh5EXEUEPpXH-NqFg5Z8hutgLXNQwTN2PpqklxnjQ7ngDnkf_2x_1x_1HrqYzMPfDFa00TzdYDLTJnQKy35cXWNzgglMOvLAJvbG04TZZcEHQI-qO31ZQ_BdSox/w240-h320/Kiheiresort.jpeg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg103yMf8M1CBU5g0aBH5-j8Kt4US4mfndl2mmjXCmLlLhdw_2YsOT7Pu-18UzfqEPrr8uVNZeM88s2DZb4LAQS5ZCENLKomohkQTu8uRHEy3lIyBa-Bbg7jZQGyUELR536YAzEBb791ail/s2048/Charlotteinwaves.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg103yMf8M1CBU5g0aBH5-j8Kt4US4mfndl2mmjXCmLlLhdw_2YsOT7Pu-18UzfqEPrr8uVNZeM88s2DZb4LAQS5ZCENLKomohkQTu8uRHEy3lIyBa-Bbg7jZQGyUELR536YAzEBb791ail/s320/Charlotteinwaves.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We made a trip to Hawaii in January of the year with Rob's daughter and
son-in-law and our two grandchildren. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We had a wonderful time together,
and we thank our lucky stars that we travelled when we did, before the
Sars2 corona virus had begun to spread widely. <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oK6fZeft436uhIRGUQM12FZBmW6nWH5PieOfvXA-KofiBzGFKWtEuwJ16lI7uH9uLZEHzZKHfX8wN5-qqyZFTjKsOEfSe-5aPaFj-OrQpONukoEVSPq3nVg_2RruC_RN2NHlYPRt0qaV/s2016/Banyantree.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oK6fZeft436uhIRGUQM12FZBmW6nWH5PieOfvXA-KofiBzGFKWtEuwJ16lI7uH9uLZEHzZKHfX8wN5-qqyZFTjKsOEfSe-5aPaFj-OrQpONukoEVSPq3nVg_2RruC_RN2NHlYPRt0qaV/s320/Banyantree.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the Banyan Tree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We loved spending time with the grandkids. <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJptZmbPMOFYV9tULF91kn_1qT_5ki9P-CE8FL8qCeSKe-pF8pbjku-Apq8MN0_oBolZao41ovPFvzwPq-Hnl93uiPCnIEs8LegDniWM727byru8R5eBrpOrK3sp3tB2r-yjiXHkHWSO_u/s2016/Judithroadtohana.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJptZmbPMOFYV9tULF91kn_1qT_5ki9P-CE8FL8qCeSKe-pF8pbjku-Apq8MN0_oBolZao41ovPFvzwPq-Hnl93uiPCnIEs8LegDniWM727byru8R5eBrpOrK3sp3tB2r-yjiXHkHWSO_u/s320/Judithroadtohana.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bamboo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The island of Maui is beautiful. I found the varied topography fascinating, from the beach, to the tropical rain forest, to the top of the Haleakala volcano. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzrE-ZvaCFvECj1qQcY10aLrise9DsIl9G-THozYUdZoixafFMz-B1KH5yB4dAhfNxZH_CyUhKhZkhUYgp_aSvi-Y6eEuKeBosR-WDTX4QxTrdHEYzIlqaojKBojkp7TUFi65VxJL3mBm/s2048/Hawaiisunset.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzrE-ZvaCFvECj1qQcY10aLrise9DsIl9G-THozYUdZoixafFMz-B1KH5yB4dAhfNxZH_CyUhKhZkhUYgp_aSvi-Y6eEuKeBosR-WDTX4QxTrdHEYzIlqaojKBojkp7TUFi65VxJL3mBm/s320/Hawaiisunset.jpeg" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We were in full tourist mode in Maui, and we saw a lot.</p><p></p>While we were there, we began hearing on the news about a new and lethal virus spreading throughout China. Like so many other North Americans, we hadn't yet realized that we were on the verge of a worldwide pandemic.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVSuEusD8BJEoxPUMo260MI3cv1p3okZlftlcSIklq9CKX0Mfre4Jd0umx3cUk6EEtEn1a1rDPZjgSuSJ7rL696Hsnf8pAXfrejLh4ARv6Ebv-Xe4VTdHG_leRfd5zbGGmPYSZQ5x97V3/s2016/Haleakalatrucks.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVSuEusD8BJEoxPUMo260MI3cv1p3okZlftlcSIklq9CKX0Mfre4Jd0umx3cUk6EEtEn1a1rDPZjgSuSJ7rL696Hsnf8pAXfrejLh4ARv6Ebv-Xe4VTdHG_leRfd5zbGGmPYSZQ5x97V3/s320/Haleakalatrucks.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with Trucks on top of Haleakala<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> In the meantime, we hiked, snorkeled, swam, kayaked, and went out on
boat cruises. We marvelled at the sea life at the aquarium, and swam
with turtles. </p><p>We had a condo with a kitchen, so we breakfasted at the condo, and then usually made a picnic to take along on our day trips. </p><p>Most evenings, we enjoyed trying out the various restaurants on Maui. <br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0MRg2s5cQhccD-ZDo1tBW0JmZ8r3AfKFbSsHWTgi5XJWeZpKnu4tkqcV6VunOZphOy5T9C_36GuDJFPvi6F4wMooxFMGN3lQE4CUfJCDQ3-VcVebSOFTR2HEP98B-alk-MyWeDTA08kE/s2016/Turtle.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0MRg2s5cQhccD-ZDo1tBW0JmZ8r3AfKFbSsHWTgi5XJWeZpKnu4tkqcV6VunOZphOy5T9C_36GuDJFPvi6F4wMooxFMGN3lQE4CUfJCDQ3-VcVebSOFTR2HEP98B-alk-MyWeDTA08kE/s320/Turtle.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>I have been to Maui before, but it was many years ago. So I was intrigued to revisit places I remembered from that trip. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzrE-ZvaCFvECj1qQcY10aLrise9DsIl9G-THozYUdZoixafFMz-B1KH5yB4dAhfNxZH_CyUhKhZkhUYgp_aSvi-Y6eEuKeBosR-WDTX4QxTrdHEYzIlqaojKBojkp7TUFi65VxJL3mBm/s2048/Hawaiisunset.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>We were lucky to have fabulous weather while we were there. Many evenings, we walked through the parks admiring the sunset. I have dozens of sunset photos, but I decided to only include the one. </p><p>Our trip to Maui was the last foreign travel we will do for a long time. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;"> </h4><h4 style="text-align: left;">Enjoying the Outdoors on Vancouver Island<br /></h4><p>Back home in Canada, we had a wonderful time skiing at our local ski hill during February and the first half of March. In fact, we had the skis packed in the truck and were about to leave to drive to the ski hill on the day everything closed down in BC in mid-March.<br /></p>We checked the website one last time before we left (it's a 75 minute drive), and found out that the ski hill was closed because of covid-19 restrictions. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dvevRYr3tncPXpREk0I5otPbRpFfLh9-MH-nbwXbsEExgqRKd3lZ0c_D6fbXCcm9AAC_R-BRtrVPgZ4siqIkHu4lu0b_57fW4wtSkfKWBBHlfPcnum2NBv6KaYzyNjUbI4_KxxH9u-2A/s2048/Meski.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dvevRYr3tncPXpREk0I5otPbRpFfLh9-MH-nbwXbsEExgqRKd3lZ0c_D6fbXCcm9AAC_R-BRtrVPgZ4siqIkHu4lu0b_57fW4wtSkfKWBBHlfPcnum2NBv6KaYzyNjUbI4_KxxH9u-2A/s320/Meski.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AChX6ttbCZfbb-kESjmwAGBe8b6Q4tzm02D8dbJMs9WkdqnIS9Of2RbIyhUsJ5tABzGOc2G1DJY5PAiSA1i0fD1zrfSqccVMy4YIGg_pvdTBz7OnStGUOEdTMXdzRBP6jhbDaccfg5pK/s2016/Robcycling.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AChX6ttbCZfbb-kESjmwAGBe8b6Q4tzm02D8dbJMs9WkdqnIS9Of2RbIyhUsJ5tABzGOc2G1DJY5PAiSA1i0fD1zrfSqccVMy4YIGg_pvdTBz7OnStGUOEdTMXdzRBP6jhbDaccfg5pK/s320/Robcycling.jpeg" /></a><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We live on beautiful Vancouver Island, so we switched to other outdoor activities.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J95TyqK45Faqybj0teoGWn9PFzyogjWKIdSJvHzzyI673eEvs9gDFEDyDRMaDA5lHBm8NYphrsM61jwHZR7WTIoGbU2RE_ESNnaESgXIAYlssRUh_M8Ojk9eUvF_z8q_VzhS98AY46tl/s2016/Mehiking.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J95TyqK45Faqybj0teoGWn9PFzyogjWKIdSJvHzzyI673eEvs9gDFEDyDRMaDA5lHBm8NYphrsM61jwHZR7WTIoGbU2RE_ESNnaESgXIAYlssRUh_M8Ojk9eUvF_z8q_VzhS98AY46tl/s320/Mehiking.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>In the initial six weeks of the pandemic restrictions, everyone was encouraged to stay home and only to go out among people as little as possible. However, outdoor activities were allowed, as long as we employed physical distancing. </p><p>We are fortunate to live in a semi-rural area, where there are lots of trails through the forest and along the ocean shore. </p><p> As it became safe to do so, we began to <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/05/settling-in-moving-on.html">meet up</a> with friends and my adult kids for hikes and picnics. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpA4fArzj7enE2iH78Us41TBHRZ4tFvWuZbaAeD4pJU7ctPIJGCcxacTC0_eXaamqvP_yRcH7d-uQ6vTgPSYv1i3IahK0G7Apl2cID0k5pV6rXW-jlSorzAUjeKg21U2D7mElUiR7VR50/s2016/alexhike.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpA4fArzj7enE2iH78Us41TBHRZ4tFvWuZbaAeD4pJU7ctPIJGCcxacTC0_eXaamqvP_yRcH7d-uQ6vTgPSYv1i3IahK0G7Apl2cID0k5pV6rXW-jlSorzAUjeKg21U2D7mElUiR7VR50/s320/alexhike.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking with my Son<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> I realized that for me, not seeing my kids and grandkids throughout the
spring months has been the most difficult period of the pandemic so far. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBPEyrMtvlbgQM7a8VgjIuO7Emb9nlrJs_3yTmkHWbvJxTJJ97yKLSuCEisroJ9MdPnYbv8nG8BP9YXP7GHVPsIlreWTjTjVjdKzz-lmWJuvngVrnDtfedrUv9ugovQ6Cq3VWIV4iB2_x/s2016/Katherinehike.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBPEyrMtvlbgQM7a8VgjIuO7Emb9nlrJs_3yTmkHWbvJxTJJ97yKLSuCEisroJ9MdPnYbv8nG8BP9YXP7GHVPsIlreWTjTjVjdKzz-lmWJuvngVrnDtfedrUv9ugovQ6Cq3VWIV4iB2_x/s320/Katherinehike.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking with my Daughter<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Although we talked on the phone and used videoconferencing, it was not like being together in person. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lsdb5xThIDVcZRxsmIOOEqsI6rgaIdnNqiVFkwlyMvVZc_qkY-ttzxABYHsG029aQUCr9-8_7FomxdY8fmnrQNGxXNY0TRtvQThov0Kz1YTIJBYJSlg1_-WbuwcNW7ocsL9vYWzZeWnQ/s2048/Elliottmoney.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lsdb5xThIDVcZRxsmIOOEqsI6rgaIdnNqiVFkwlyMvVZc_qkY-ttzxABYHsG029aQUCr9-8_7FomxdY8fmnrQNGxXNY0TRtvQThov0Kz1YTIJBYJSlg1_-WbuwcNW7ocsL9vYWzZeWnQ/s320/Elliottmoney.jpeg" /></a></p><p>In the summer months, the numbers of daily new cases in BC were in the single digits. So many of the earlier restrictions were lifted.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0W3SkRRZaER-7HGJW8KVRjma1ctf16KEN4hBL9sBRDTvk3Q_elNUdOgnCM5O8hu0OdmnobMThv40mcvpWmLndcpRt43P0KaK3TtpIfLVS1OM_QRfV1gJVmp5nMM__LDEvAHF8qRyy9Kj/s2048/Calebplayground.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0W3SkRRZaER-7HGJW8KVRjma1ctf16KEN4hBL9sBRDTvk3Q_elNUdOgnCM5O8hu0OdmnobMThv40mcvpWmLndcpRt43P0KaK3TtpIfLVS1OM_QRfV1gJVmp5nMM__LDEvAHF8qRyy9Kj/s320/Calebplayground.jpeg" /></a> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I helped my daughter out providing part-time childcare while she worked. I loved having "Grandma time" with the two boys!</p><p>So, although it was a terrible year in many ways, for me, the first six months of 2020 also had many happy highlights. During this pandemic, I have learned that being able to spend time with those I love, and also spending time in nature are things that allow me to find joy even in difficult times. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-53635471134141598412020-12-08T18:36:00.001-08:002020-12-08T18:36:30.060-08:00Author Interview: Gail Madjzoub<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxygOnU6QORh53bYSZW6Zu-Skdate082uuYxPAW5z5f2LU5F4OUvoJCRwNlH0b_CbLyfWWvv6OP7eHA1uIbZ-4mgtbxUEpxBBZoWyW-97zDhSf4UJyKn6vprrToEU6fq9ZWU3wsNbt4mxl/s1180/0-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1180" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxygOnU6QORh53bYSZW6Zu-Skdate082uuYxPAW5z5f2LU5F4OUvoJCRwNlH0b_CbLyfWWvv6OP7eHA1uIbZ-4mgtbxUEpxBBZoWyW-97zDhSf4UJyKn6vprrToEU6fq9ZWU3wsNbt4mxl/w400-h209/0-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author Gail Madjzoub<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Today, I am delighted to bring you an interview with the author, Gail Madjzoub. Gail is currently based on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, but she has spent her life living all over the world.
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Gail is a member of my writers' group. I had the opportunity to serve as a preliminary reader for her recently published novel, and was very pleased when Gail agreed to do an interview with me for <i>Dr Sock Writes Here</i>. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Your novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Crimson Ink</i>, spans a period of more than five decades in modern
Iran. Tell us, briefly, what the novel is about.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Gail:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sPQ4ZJjDfZuKrhrhFQRyg70EB58ptLjaOBR-hCU2KieSizlRvpkSSqQPvfa4qk_ZKsl52Dup6gdYZ0D_pI4wNUXKS70JqzPm3A-xCQLWoT8dTXIF86SsxGDuqY3eI03mPYJJD-RPl1J6/s699/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sPQ4ZJjDfZuKrhrhFQRyg70EB58ptLjaOBR-hCU2KieSizlRvpkSSqQPvfa4qk_ZKsl52Dup6gdYZ0D_pI4wNUXKS70JqzPm3A-xCQLWoT8dTXIF86SsxGDuqY3eI03mPYJJD-RPl1J6/s320/0.jpg" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US">After
the Islamic Revolution, Fereshteh, a woman doctor and a Baha'i, experiences along
with her family and religious brethren far greater than usual persecution for
their beliefs; they struggle to survive. Compassion for the countless others who
also run afoul of the regime prompt her and her physician husband to treat those
emerging from the torment of prison in the ‘80s and again following the chaotic
aftermath of the 2009 election. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Meanwhile, Fereshteh joins forces with others
to help women enduring not only the regime’s oppression but also domestic
abuse. Her work and her religion become the pretext for her imprisonment and
worse. This has unintended consequences for other family members, yet there is
resilience and there is hope. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The story is told from several points
of view. As a writer, what strategies did you use to provide narrative
structure and coherence, given the various points of view and long timeline?</span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Gail:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US">To help readers make
sense of the large cast of characters from three different Iranian families
(all with names unfamiliar to a Western reader), I created family trees,
bolding the names of those who are important, especially whose point of view
drive the story. At the end I added Glossaries and References.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">To manage the
long timeline I grouped chapters into “Books” that reflected eras:
Pre-Revolution (1955-1978), Revolution (1979-1980), Post-Revolution
(1989-1993), “2008”, and Reform (2009-2011). Within these I selected only
significant years, months and seasons, showing each family separately but
simultaneously up until 2008. Only during the final three years of the
narrative do all three become inextricably intertwined; their interaction then
drives the plot to its climax and resolution.</span> <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">One of the themes in the novel that I
found very interesting is the complexity of family. Could you talk about that?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Gail:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">The main
characters come from a large extended family split down their religious lines:
a Muslim brother and a Baha'i sister. While the sister’s family embraces
everyone, it’s only because of the brother’s love and loyalty to his sister,
despite what he considers her religious ‘defection’, that he and his family
tolerate hers. Sinister undercurrents, and secrets and betrayals born of fear carry
grim consequences for many, some of which emerge only over decades.</span> <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">In the second
family, the one fair-minded son finds he can’t escape his family’s legacy. This
and the Revolution tether him to a path that causes him to forget who he is.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">The third family
produces a son out of squalor, desperation and neglect. His eventual
reconnection with his powerful cleric father gives him free reign for his yet
undiscovered aberrant proclivities. His dealings with and marriage into the
first family, and his professional relationship with the son from the second
family complicate all relationships in unforeseen ways.</span> </span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span><b><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Although your story is fictional, it
speaks about real political and social events. What challenges did you face in
meshing fact and fiction?</span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Gail:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">Historical
events created a solid framework for the story and details of these helped fill
it in. It was actually easy for me to fit my fictional characters and their
personal stories into this. They’re a mix: composites of real people whose
stories I knew or read about, and purely fictional ones based on probable personality
types likely to be found within such a narrative.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span><span lang="EN-US">The real
challenge was balancing my portrayals of characters and events. I didn’t want
to get into the quagmire of politics and known personalities, nor did I want to
reduce characters, politics, social justice and religion to simple black and
white depiction. All are complex and I saw my task as providing nuance and
opposing perspectives without becoming dogmatic. This took a great deal of time.
Discussions with early readers helped me in this.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span> <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">There are many routes to publishing.
What approach did you take, and why?</span> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span><b><span lang="EN-US">Gail:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">I researched all
possibilities and had conversations with other writers. Then sat on the fence
for a long time. Finally, after forays into the world of query letters, agents
and publishers, consideration of the issues with publishing contracts, intellectual
property rights, the long timelines, and possible frustrations of being at the
mercy of other peoples’ demands and delays, I felt that self-publishing was the
only route for this book. It had taken me many years to research, write and
edit, and I wanted it to be published on my own terms and timeline.</span> <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">Are you working on a writing project
now? Can you say a few words about it?</span> </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Gail:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US">Yes. It’s a
sequel to <i>Crimson Ink</i>. I’d thought I was done with the story, but in
early 2020 I realised this wasn’t so. In light of current events my characters
were agitating and telling me they had more to say. Iran has become
increasingly harsh in its treatment of many of its citizens, particularly women
and minorities. Social justice questions continue to loom large. In my sequel,
at least, I can bring some resolution to a couple of the issues I addressed in <i>Crimson
Ink</i>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">Jude: </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">What advice do you have for writers,
either about writing or publishing?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span><b><span lang="EN-US">Gail:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span> <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">You can write at
any age. I’m a late bloomer, having started when I was 50. You simply must have
passion and the courage to set words onto a page. And now, many years later I also
know that you can learn about and navigate the publishing game. There’s a
wealth of information and tools out there. You can learn new technology: how to
use writer-specialised software, software for formatting a manuscript, the ins
and outs of self-publishing, and social media as a marketing tool. If you want
your book published, you will learn how to do it. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Apple Color Emoji";">😊</span> <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDEp_MMR-DYLqEpttAk1WB7sCl-_ZvBboDL0Je6A_6hxoVGCG1_Q1kye-lywz5KGw0wTQ6eZ4sycjh0h2Kbt9DaXw3bEt9L70tP-1cS0rEDxubCQb1vUcHBiIy-2Wu5AQFC_TMnBhKGJ9/s1099/0-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1099" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDEp_MMR-DYLqEpttAk1WB7sCl-_ZvBboDL0Je6A_6hxoVGCG1_Q1kye-lywz5KGw0wTQ6eZ4sycjh0h2Kbt9DaXw3bEt9L70tP-1cS0rEDxubCQb1vUcHBiIy-2Wu5AQFC_TMnBhKGJ9/w320-h203/0-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bio:<span lang="EN-US"> Originally from
the American East Coast, I lived & worked for more than 30 years in Europe and
Africa & have traveled extensively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After settling again in North America I began writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My professional background includes
education, health care, life coaching & facilitation.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">To follow Gail’s writing updates click
here:</span></span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Website: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.gailmadjzoub.com"><span>https://www.gailmadjzoub.com</span></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><span><span lang="EN-US">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gailmadjzoub/">Gail Madjzoub </a></span> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Facebook:<span>
</span><a href="https://m.facebook.com/glmWrites/">Gail Madjzoub, Author</a></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span>Email: </span><span lang="EN-US"><span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="mailto:gail@gailmadjzoub.com"><span>gail@gailmadjzoub.com</span></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></p><p>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><span></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">The book is available on <i>all</i> Amazon
sites.</span>
<br /><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-17421515369375177482020-11-23T22:27:00.000-08:002020-11-23T22:27:15.069-08:00The Cost of Responsibility<p>Many years ago, early in my career, I had the opportunity to travel to Quebec City to give a presentation at a conference. I was terrifically excited. I'd never travelled to Quebec City, nor, for that matter, had I visited any parts of Canada east of Saskatchewan. </p><p>The conference was in an area of rehabilitation in which I was developing some unique expertise. I applied to my employer for funding, and they agreed to pay for the the plane ticket, hotel room, registration, and my meals during the weekend of the conference. It was a very good career opportunity. The icing on the cake was that one of my best friends had also had a paper accepted at the same conference, and was planning to attend too. Fun!<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-Iu_1mYGE7E4uuUOznq4_q2Daifka6Pyvs1KjXigMBX6BLc1vnY7lHzuShCCzoLKOEb_1bEeC1tbzQeE046OFTRtN04TRpxG5GQijxZGsFdSNWsWCo97r7MeLtQ5B8GWtveQEiYIkCQ1/s2016/Unknown-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-Iu_1mYGE7E4uuUOznq4_q2Daifka6Pyvs1KjXigMBX6BLc1vnY7lHzuShCCzoLKOEb_1bEeC1tbzQeE046OFTRtN04TRpxG5GQijxZGsFdSNWsWCo97r7MeLtQ5B8GWtveQEiYIkCQ1/s320/Unknown-3.jpeg" /></a></div>I was a new mom at the time, and our baby was about eight months old. The dilemma I faced was how to attend the conference and also look after my daughter. My husband and I decided that we'd go to Quebec City as a family. That way, he could care for her while I was in the conference sessions. <br /><p></p><p>We also decided we'd both take some vacation time off and stay for a few extra days after the conference. My husband, of course, paid for his own plane ticket and expenses, and the baby flew for free. We rented a B&B for the extra days after the conference. </p><p>The morning that we were to leave to fly to Quebec, my daughter woke up with a red rash on her face. She'd never had anything similar. However, she seemed happy and her behaviour was normal, and she did not have a fever. The spots seemed to be fading a bit, so we made our way to the airport for our flight. </p><p>But I was consumed with anxiety. What if she had something contagious, like measles? Perhaps we'd be putting others on the flight at risk, crammed together in a row of seats for the hours it would take to fly from Vancouver to Quebec City. </p><p>So, after being cleared for our flight when we went through inspection, I pointed out the rash and asked whether they could change our seating assignment so we weren't seated right next to anyone else.</p><p>Well, you've never seen airline officials move so fast. They whisked us out of the inspection area and put us into a holding room while they contacted their supervisor. The verdict was that we couldn't board the flight, or any flight, until we had medical clearance to fly. </p><p>As we made our way back home, I felt like a fool. Why had I opened my big mouth? The airport personnel hadn't even noticed the rash until I'd pointed it out. The baby was clearly fine. She was gurgling happily in her car seat. </p><p>It felt like a crisis. At that point in my career, it was inconceivable to not show up to deliver a presentation that I'd promised to give, that was already printed in the program, and that I'd spent many hours preparing. My employer had paid for the conference and flight. Would they have to forfeit the money? Would I have to pay them back? Would we forfeit the cost of my husband's flight and the deposit for the B&B? My husband had cancelled his clients' appointments for the week. We would "waste" precious vacation days. </p><p>After some frantic phone calls, we were able to get in to see a physician that same day. The physician examined my daughter and declared that the rash was nothing serious, perhaps heat rash or a mild food sensitivity. She filled out a medical authorization form and the airline put us on a flight the next morning, by which time the rash had totally disappeared. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CUE9aiwvcINGSdSqocysuzibk1IFMP2QS7RUzR4_EXYJPTtSWsLE-gScjJMpspfDmKZOu6j8W2ofCGZ0DZUAHkubwFCpFVsgQ-d7E-tEbSCaQ8Yoyh_Dpb-BtT78P_5gqYAiJ0uU4hJA/s2048/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CUE9aiwvcINGSdSqocysuzibk1IFMP2QS7RUzR4_EXYJPTtSWsLE-gScjJMpspfDmKZOu6j8W2ofCGZ0DZUAHkubwFCpFVsgQ-d7E-tEbSCaQ8Yoyh_Dpb-BtT78P_5gqYAiJ0uU4hJA/w300-h400/Unknown.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With friend & daughter; Chateau Frontenac<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> We arrived in time for me to attend the opening reception of the conference. The entire conference was excellent, and we had a wonderful time in Quebec City. We happened to be there at the time of lobster fest so we ate a great deal of yummy lobster. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwTN-v5MqC04vvk9sbkQK0X3NZYivMWQIPKcYKocPd7mfk9e14Tng7cJxNI38s-rokrY0sRau2P12IJw1UYOVVPhABBADhEwVgj7npo777z1682rM5qEJOwz8C7rTD5y8a0Ef8AqqvMMo/s2048/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwTN-v5MqC04vvk9sbkQK0X3NZYivMWQIPKcYKocPd7mfk9e14Tng7cJxNI38s-rokrY0sRau2P12IJw1UYOVVPhABBADhEwVgj7npo777z1682rM5qEJOwz8C7rTD5y8a0Ef8AqqvMMo/w300-h400/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strolling Around Quebec City<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> For a long time, I thought the lessons that I had learned from this experience were:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Don't create problems for yourself by pointing out minor issues that the authorities otherwise wouldn't notice</li><li>Something that seems like a huge crisis in the moment often turns out to be a minor bump in the road</li><li>Always leave some extra time before and after a scheduled event when travelling, in case of unexpected delays. <br /></li></ul><p>But through our collective experiences during this worldwide epidemic that has been dragging on and on, I suddenly remembered this long-ago experience and realized that I learned something else, too. </p><p>Because what if my daughter's rash had NOT been a temporary, minor occurrence? What if it had been been measles or chickenpox or some other very contagious disease, and by going on the flight we exposed someone else -- perhaps an expectant mother or an elderly person -- to an illness that could cause disability or death? My desire to attend a conference and to tour Quebec City would have seemed like trivial reasons to have put others at such grievous risk. </p><p>There can be costs for making the responsible choice. </p><p>But sometimes the costs of making an irresponsible choice can be ever so much higher. <br /></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-52410755486603144062020-11-18T00:12:00.001-08:002020-11-18T00:12:18.925-08:00Procrastination Kickstart<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGL1UM7PTR0BZ5Wb3KSOYmvlk57UQg6zVAvsIb5MLuYU8yDfqyhdkQLm0C8NFJaNcRtwezCynYdaZ0Ls70Q1fTfnQdXRnAFAyXQNRgZEuVU38NcpyWPhRUJa_PTrQ4G2nBM9YkRQ-VUwm/s2016/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGL1UM7PTR0BZ5Wb3KSOYmvlk57UQg6zVAvsIb5MLuYU8yDfqyhdkQLm0C8NFJaNcRtwezCynYdaZ0Ls70Q1fTfnQdXRnAFAyXQNRgZEuVU38NcpyWPhRUJa_PTrQ4G2nBM9YkRQ-VUwm/w400-h300/Unknown-2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beauty of Nature Inspires Me<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Have you ever had a big project that you keep putting off, day after day, week after week? </p><p>No matter how much you mentally flog yourself, you can't get started. You find an endless number of other things that suddenly <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2019/08/self-sabotaging-writing-habits.html">need to be done instead</a>, and manage to put off starting the big project this morning, and this afternoon, and this week. The stress builds, and the lack of progress starts to feel like a crisis. You don't feel good about yourself.<br /></p><p>Procrastination is something that I struggled with during my career. I was fortunate to have work that was very self-directed. I had a lot of choice in what projects I chose to take on, and the freedom to structure my work-time as I chose, as long as the work got done. For the most part, I thrived with this much independence. But the downside of all that freedom was that procrastination could strike, and there was no one to tell me what to do and make sure I did it. I remember some projects that "fell off the side of the desk," and I regret to this day that I procrastinated and never finished them (or sometimes, never even started them). <br /></p><p>Of course, now that I'm retired, there's way less stress. But I still find there are certain things in life that I procrastinate on. One of the good things about my lifelong struggle with procrastination is that I've learned some strategies to address it. Here are some of them. <br /></p><p><b>Am I procrastinating?</b></p><p>The first thing to do is to notice that I am procrastinating in the first place. </p><p>I am a master of convincing myself that the reason I am not doing the project is because I am too busy, or because something else urgent has to be done first. I have to go out to get my daily exercise, or I have to clean the kitchen, or today is a perfect day to re-pot all the houseplants, or, etc., etc. If I keep myself in a whirl of busyness, I can justify to myself why I can't possibly start the project right now.<br /></p><p>A variation on this is, I am so tired or overworked (because I've been so busy!) that I need to rest or do something fun and rejuvenating first. And the days go by. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18cWXMkSBQ4B_Obh04JXjkgKCGsQZjwac3egVb0x8IUGoaaXpkCD6NFYGVUKwSrusFG9OY9OdPuns-dkHCdO9ZcMRi-3V6T5KoBhoZTdeuAMTmU91-d51Z4FsGEJsmVYA9IZ0NAOJdEIk/s2016/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18cWXMkSBQ4B_Obh04JXjkgKCGsQZjwac3egVb0x8IUGoaaXpkCD6NFYGVUKwSrusFG9OY9OdPuns-dkHCdO9ZcMRi-3V6T5KoBhoZTdeuAMTmU91-d51Z4FsGEJsmVYA9IZ0NAOJdEIk/w300-h400/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Distract Myself by Going for Walks<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>And then something will pull me up short -- perhaps someone else has completed something similar to my project -- and I suddenly ask myself: "Wait! Why haven't I done MY project yet?" Or I start feeling really grumpy and annoyed with myself and I don't know why. </p><p>If I stop and think about it, I realize I've been procrastinating.<br /></p><p><b>What is the nature of the project?</b><br /></p><p>Once I notice I've been procrastinating, it's time to figure out why. It turns out that I procrastinate on different things for different reasons.</p><p>There are things I have to do and things I want to do. There are things that are important, and things that are not very important. </p><p>For example, I belong to a lot of different community groups. Often, in the excitement of the moment, I volunteer to do something, and then later find myself procrastinating and not wanting to do the thing I said I'd do. I feel as though I "have" to do it because I said I would. </p><p>Strategies: Sometimes, the task is ill-defined or not super important, and just by having a conversation with someone, we decide to go a different route, and I'm off the hook. Sometimes it can be delegated. Sometimes, I simply buckle down and do it while making a promise to myself to not say "yes" so quickly next time when a volunteer is needed for that type of task. Externally imposed deadlines can be really helpful (e.g., it needs to be done by the next meeting). Often, once I make myself do it the first time, it becomes much easier subsequently. Little regular tasks are more likely to get done if I put them into a routine. <br /></p><p>There are some things that are unpleasant but very important. These are things you HAVE to do, but really don't want to. An example is having a medical procedure that is necessary for quality of life. Helpful friends who have had a similar procedure can take some of the uncertainty away by talking you through it, making it easier to take action. Support groups or websites or fellow bloggers can be great resources, providing information and encouragement. </p><p>When I discover myself procrastinating about things that I WANT to do, figuring out why I am procrastinating can be a lot more perplexing. <br /></p><p><b>Do I know how to do it? </b><br /></p><p>Sometimes, I procrastinate because I don't know how to do something. The <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2019/02/about-commitment.html">project can feel too big</a> and overwhelming. The two most helpful strategies for me, in this case, are to research the topic area and to make a plan. Once I gather information about what needs to be done, and <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2016/02/between-structure-and-freedom.html">ways other people have done it</a>, the project becomes less intimidating. With the information about what needs to be done, I can then sit down and make a plan. </p><p>For a big project, I like to write my plan out. I break it down into specific goals and sub-goals, and list a number of very small, easy steps under each goal. Once I've broken it down into extremely small steps, it is much easier to begin. The whole project might be big, but I know I can figure out how to do each tiny step, one by one. <br /></p><p><b>What is the fear that keeps me from starting?</b></p><p>Very often, the root of procrastination is psychological. There is a deep-seated fear that your intended project, for some reason, triggers. Perhaps you're terrified of public speaking, and you know that once you've completed your project, you'll have to present it to others. So you don't even start, as a way of avoiding that scary future situation. </p><p>In my case, very often my fears are related to perfectionism and <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2016/02/tim-harford-on-success-and-failure.html">fear of failure</a>. Maybe my project won't be successful. Maybe what I produce won't be "good enough." It will fall short of perfect and reveal that I am a flawed human being. <br /></p><p>When I finally zero in on the underlying fear, I can take some of the power out of that fear. Recognizing the nature of the fear helps to get me unstuck.<br /></p><p>I can give myself a pep talk, reminding myself of other things I accomplished in spite of being afraid.</p><p>I can remind myself that no one really cares about my project but me, or how "perfect" it is. I can remind myself that it's not either/or: fail vs. perfect. There are a lot of gradations in-between. It is the journey that counts, <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-tyranny-of-productivity.html">not only the product at the end</a>. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOBgLyOQQxukhplrZ2n7n1_3D06w_aDJ_r_mRgrKo4RNFDPiVHzPu29g5jhRDH5iC8kC4lifQKwbWWI0IGCtacUZYaylGnIvModaNlIhUeMNBDOPgIG5nS6PTBiF4q878OQkTHahgfap5/s2048/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOBgLyOQQxukhplrZ2n7n1_3D06w_aDJ_r_mRgrKo4RNFDPiVHzPu29g5jhRDH5iC8kC4lifQKwbWWI0IGCtacUZYaylGnIvModaNlIhUeMNBDOPgIG5nS6PTBiF4q878OQkTHahgfap5/w400-h300/Unknown.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature's Glory puts Fears in Perspective<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>The value of examining procrastination</b></p><p>Ultimately, <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2018/01/fighting-creative-muse.html">personal projects and goals</a> we set for ourselves (as opposed to those things we say we'll do to please others) are deeply important to who we are as people and what's important in our lives. If we wiggle out of doing things that are essential to our core values or stepping stones toward our life purpose(s), it is a sad personal loss, and sad for others, too, who'll never benefit from our gifts. </p><p>Examining the causes of procrastination can get us unstuck and help us learn about ourselves. The things that seem hardest are often our best learning opportunities, and procrastination can be a signal that we are approaching one of those moments of transformation. </p><p>So, what kind of project is it, you ask, that leads me to reflect on procrastination? I have needed a procrastination kickstart because I am seeking to publish my novel, and am starting to embark on that publication process. <br /></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-74885308268219920822020-10-25T17:28:00.000-07:002020-10-25T17:28:06.022-07:00Pumpkin Season<p>Autumn is my favourite season. (Although, I have to admit, I also love Winter, Spring, and Summer.)
But yesterday when I woke up, the rain was pounding down and the wind was howling. There was fresh snow on the mountain tops. I thought twice about loving Fall. </p><p> But then I put on my rain clothes and went out for a nice long walk, which included a stop at the Little Free Library in my neighbourhood. I picked up new Kate Quinn novel, and tucked it inside my raincoat to keep it dry. I admired the Halloween decorations at various houses. And I was back to loving Fall.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZTttvjCrd6bLYEgc9Pp13NKtytciZFDsDEgU8rN5rcGQRWZFdJRGU7hOkIebKFPGQj1ftqAFUIYuZkUJQTSJOk7PXpwualCWOyyjDv3FyY1BjlYALiXGyoSp4r2huWBziKMTf19m6ZEL/s2016/IMG_9451.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZTttvjCrd6bLYEgc9Pp13NKtytciZFDsDEgU8rN5rcGQRWZFdJRGU7hOkIebKFPGQj1ftqAFUIYuZkUJQTSJOk7PXpwualCWOyyjDv3FyY1BjlYALiXGyoSp4r2huWBziKMTf19m6ZEL/w400-h300/IMG_9451.jpg" title="My Backyard" width="400" /></a></p><p>
Today the sun shone gloriously all day long. The leaves are multi-coloured, a perfect Fall day. Our back garden is a vision to behold on a day like this.<br /></p><p>I went to a local pumpkin patch with my daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJchHkYVleJSGbWafRaayHmy1rkKMfXQ4k3NgW1WioFZZ_TGjQ9FHr6769BUrzKyP9U8MABCxY084AHoyEVUgqUPfMQfDPTcQtGV3dawsjIIKotVm9cYNsNFCl6uOAlqCqrJAekpVeYYzu/s2016/IMG_9435.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJchHkYVleJSGbWafRaayHmy1rkKMfXQ4k3NgW1WioFZZ_TGjQ9FHr6769BUrzKyP9U8MABCxY084AHoyEVUgqUPfMQfDPTcQtGV3dawsjIIKotVm9cYNsNFCl6uOAlqCqrJAekpVeYYzu/w240-h320/IMG_9435.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-CWKBM0CzOQEQbL8_JnRlT662Npb3gDkkg3e1U97DvaGqz4xVC2dbW2tAP3VGXWn-h6KEz61AOQlQ27lORmNpha2wTEoJLHm_LOlKFqdKoWhC8L4VxTazZQMLoaXm3Wc0DPUDZrmBZdS/s800/IMG_3645.JPG" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-CWKBM0CzOQEQbL8_JnRlT662Npb3gDkkg3e1U97DvaGqz4xVC2dbW2tAP3VGXWn-h6KEz61AOQlQ27lORmNpha2wTEoJLHm_LOlKFqdKoWhC8L4VxTazZQMLoaXm3Wc0DPUDZrmBZdS/s320/IMG_3645.JPG" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC9KMVHDSPv4sAxuufffbzkbdVBDIQhTtgsx5C5QBKdWtEsl33yyZWMQxXul1IeWyvrUmR50V09OvtGcwMXH6OXCZwATS0kGG1evvpQs7i7dZBOtWAqOHCoETg3pQvKWrCAOBzYMs_Ynp/s2016/IMG_3642.JPEG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC9KMVHDSPv4sAxuufffbzkbdVBDIQhTtgsx5C5QBKdWtEsl33yyZWMQxXul1IeWyvrUmR50V09OvtGcwMXH6OXCZwATS0kGG1evvpQs7i7dZBOtWAqOHCoETg3pQvKWrCAOBzYMs_Ynp/s400/IMG_3642.JPEG" width="400" /></a></div><p>We each chose a pumpkin to take home.
Later, I went for a walk on the forest trails near my home.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8L9c09SYH_kWvRWgvWsmvxTnrRr3muVssqjmmoIMWEpO06967GtSEX2LYJm1aOIGnHHqLEwmBQ07Sc9lumfeeJLNvUKYu3NFHnEV6SH6fcGGTX4KDTAKuWYiQPukv_PwZi09qc-sPS7LX/s2016/IMG_9440.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8L9c09SYH_kWvRWgvWsmvxTnrRr3muVssqjmmoIMWEpO06967GtSEX2LYJm1aOIGnHHqLEwmBQ07Sc9lumfeeJLNvUKYu3NFHnEV6SH6fcGGTX4KDTAKuWYiQPukv_PwZi09qc-sPS7LX/s320/IMG_9440.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF1jFKwxHlkEAX7vFn3j6_RrWDprTSOY1ud0zdMBOG_xC0dywboT48pzfazotOxlewQhAH6xXo1U4e59TT6BshVBDILeNN1fCctUCO5bisUsA721CkzuWAi_SWyoWOo9RU4hXIzGvUauu/s2016/IMG_9439.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF1jFKwxHlkEAX7vFn3j6_RrWDprTSOY1ud0zdMBOG_xC0dywboT48pzfazotOxlewQhAH6xXo1U4e59TT6BshVBDILeNN1fCctUCO5bisUsA721CkzuWAi_SWyoWOo9RU4hXIzGvUauu/w240-h320/IMG_9439.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The tree frogs are very noisy along the trails at this time of year. I paused to look for a frog that was croaking right beside my toe. But they are very good at camouflage. Although I stood there for several minutes looking for it, I could not spot it.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkLwRfFQBdeBICfU6-h2769Niy88eLFHXKIh-dXx0acLB5tiq3eq7aq83Cc5vmvwuHKYokE-KcJPTqUBQJa6Xmq_Ck_XsffutaemgQJwMz0jjg8QSMwf75ELfLBZHvxjDE-CzvE4WsN1e/s2016/IMG_9432.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkLwRfFQBdeBICfU6-h2769Niy88eLFHXKIh-dXx0acLB5tiq3eq7aq83Cc5vmvwuHKYokE-KcJPTqUBQJa6Xmq_Ck_XsffutaemgQJwMz0jjg8QSMwf75ELfLBZHvxjDE-CzvE4WsN1e/s400/IMG_9432.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A couple of days ago, I climbed up Notch Hill, and the views were spectacular. The arbutus trees were covered with red berries, which made them look very festive.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_m4GKPGn2fLhPmVWpw_QkCWbUnmtHVsd1d4NJlp_aXNyLEKBuOAObJhgfAvSJbMu8mufyVJmpLDvtJflFpEqgrEuZFnoMKYJCX6jn2GRcdssxNP6dycm5d7uvP2HFMgO1fAs6HNCICQm/s2016/IMG_9429.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_m4GKPGn2fLhPmVWpw_QkCWbUnmtHVsd1d4NJlp_aXNyLEKBuOAObJhgfAvSJbMu8mufyVJmpLDvtJflFpEqgrEuZFnoMKYJCX6jn2GRcdssxNP6dycm5d7uvP2HFMgO1fAs6HNCICQm/w300-h400/IMG_9429.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Yes, it's settled. I love sunny Autumn days.
Rainy ones are fine, too. They're great for rain walks, reading in front of the fireplace, writing, and baking pies. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrdnIvoq25Z7x_cdaf52H5CEnFozMr5WQKWfocqJgKD65_Bsqbcvj5ybzRUS4XEId50OD4gzhUDTzmoux-vH8NVeZDBG-EvBqLO20b54-Xo8WOPfMBqTNghlRJWmPmVg1qvIAus8bVXWr/s2048/IMG_9433.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrdnIvoq25Z7x_cdaf52H5CEnFozMr5WQKWfocqJgKD65_Bsqbcvj5ybzRUS4XEId50OD4gzhUDTzmoux-vH8NVeZDBG-EvBqLO20b54-Xo8WOPfMBqTNghlRJWmPmVg1qvIAus8bVXWr/w240-h320/IMG_9433.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In the last couple of weeks, I've baked two pies -- a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, and an apple pie this week. Rob is happy. Isn't retirement grand?<br /></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-52753781261604881602020-09-20T00:29:00.000-07:002020-09-20T00:29:00.193-07:00A Retirement Gift to Myself<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjZh85pSYxjbMUPL7Ewy8fKOCCpooBsrQgm-GgZl7Ziy9TT7cuv_wPIfuz-RdOZjvRsznotVd9Jef-hOoOeTDqfXjP4n3kAjdwxoJM8msnBXSYwvo2cyl2cWZFu_dGam2nifqgUEUm1zN/s2048/P1010544.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjZh85pSYxjbMUPL7Ewy8fKOCCpooBsrQgm-GgZl7Ziy9TT7cuv_wPIfuz-RdOZjvRsznotVd9Jef-hOoOeTDqfXjP4n3kAjdwxoJM8msnBXSYwvo2cyl2cWZFu_dGam2nifqgUEUm1zN/w400-h300/P1010544.JPG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Livin' the Dream<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Last weekend I bought a present for myself -- a retirement gift. I retired three years ago, so this gift has been a little slow in coming. In fact, I have waited far longer than I can believe for this.</p><p>I bought an ocean kayak!</p><p>I am now the happy owner of a beautiful Seaward Costa Grande. She's named "Sunny Side Up."<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_w3psr6ZFBVySPw-TtWuDEPPzKKuLz6IcpBYMOgyo0ShACJI28fKiuqpsnQvwag4ODDNSsDGN2hKed5d4_-41vDzgDKprTwQjOvo98qcESwUPHfBqtG2PopIr_j9njKg8AZ94sAdX9he/s2016/IMG_9215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_w3psr6ZFBVySPw-TtWuDEPPzKKuLz6IcpBYMOgyo0ShACJI28fKiuqpsnQvwag4ODDNSsDGN2hKed5d4_-41vDzgDKprTwQjOvo98qcESwUPHfBqtG2PopIr_j9njKg8AZ94sAdX9he/s320/IMG_9215.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny Side Up<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4BA-brMxJgwqyG9Cco_6EnO39Hl1JcLoVV2-ldOkXXwCeY9aCJ8dslgryaYBtVe0gVGzhCwjDXaw9SZfRiUJDIrlCpNZa-BVqlcN5T0ejcLQUo6AD63a8-mnTKhhDpRngDB3ODyTChff/s2016/IMG_9259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4BA-brMxJgwqyG9Cco_6EnO39Hl1JcLoVV2-ldOkXXwCeY9aCJ8dslgryaYBtVe0gVGzhCwjDXaw9SZfRiUJDIrlCpNZa-BVqlcN5T0ejcLQUo6AD63a8-mnTKhhDpRngDB3ODyTChff/w300-h400/IMG_9259.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Launch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>There it is, loaded into the back of Rob's pickup truck on the day we brought it home. It's
a fibreglass kayak, gently used: 16.2 feet long and 52 pounds. I was looking for
a kayak suitable for a smaller paddler, and lightweight enough that I
will be able to manage loading and unloading it. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seaward is a local Vancouver Island company. Today I took her out for her maiden voyage. </div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CDr5DMxblY2QrNkmJlYCw1EGXoA4dptHSsNhuFqtP6KT9dfIhck6TLSmYBEEEbmnJsi7cz-dp5Ubz0bv2tW_DxhuzMlvv4fnvB5DPJuZXwTV0snb_ewfzPfc1uw6LdZ-pf5THSNznN6l/s2048/IMG_9267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CDr5DMxblY2QrNkmJlYCw1EGXoA4dptHSsNhuFqtP6KT9dfIhck6TLSmYBEEEbmnJsi7cz-dp5Ubz0bv2tW_DxhuzMlvv4fnvB5DPJuZXwTV0snb_ewfzPfc1uw6LdZ-pf5THSNznN6l/w400-h300/IMG_9267.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out into the Bay<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>Rob helped me launch at a favourite beach not far from where we live. I spent about an hour paddling along the shore and around some little islands. I cruised past a sea lion up on a rock, who watched me with a wary eye. Porpoises were swimming at a distance. It was really fun.</p><p>When I say that this purchase has been a along time in coming, I am not exaggerating. I first tried kayaking 35+ years ago in the early 1980s when I lived in Vancouver. I instantly fell in love with the sport. Two of my close friends bought themselves kayaks around that time and began going on expeditions to remote locations along the west coast of BC. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBYSZ0U71sLGzo995sSSJoJieqxcTH9vLk_jY9kVXghJkGuwB9abZyr41XcZcwwRAuZteuGLuGFpuVjolziPyHNI_Sl9PdsGAdBPyDKEXVKwGanOk7nmyP_qJYePSfpocNLi9MCZLBU2R/s1242/IMG_9272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1242" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBYSZ0U71sLGzo995sSSJoJieqxcTH9vLk_jY9kVXghJkGuwB9abZyr41XcZcwwRAuZteuGLuGFpuVjolziPyHNI_Sl9PdsGAdBPyDKEXVKwGanOk7nmyP_qJYePSfpocNLi9MCZLBU2R/w400-h272/IMG_9272.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Friend W out for an Evening Paddle<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> As much as I wanted to join them, I did not because year after year, there was always something that stopped me. I had no money. I moved to the prairies to accept my first career job. I moved back to the BC coast and had a baby, and then two more. I moved up north to the interior of the province. I became a single parent. I worked long hours at my job -- 60 or more hours a week. I became an empty-nester and almost immediately moved to the prairies again. Because of these various circumstances, it never seemed to be the right time to invest in a kayak. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLAlc8dqug3Eepy9L9B-TSQDZlA0nY5e3_6o890k7iJ0TIDiRFGCgPyrZEi_bqh_7QWX2KnbIY6GfFww4b7RNHIZeaIHAnf26SZf-GVzr7F8vmgu5fgxtmBFYC4suHkfK0R5lDl-1SLjT/s2048/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLAlc8dqug3Eepy9L9B-TSQDZlA0nY5e3_6o890k7iJ0TIDiRFGCgPyrZEi_bqh_7QWX2KnbIY6GfFww4b7RNHIZeaIHAnf26SZf-GVzr7F8vmgu5fgxtmBFYC4suHkfK0R5lDl-1SLjT/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowron Trip: First Portage</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>But whenever I had a chance, over the years, I rented or borrowed a kayak and went out on the water. </p><p>My friend W, one of the two friends that bought a kayak in the early
'80s, has lent me her kayak many times over the years. I rented a kayak
and went on a overnight expedition with W and some other friends in
those early years. </p><p>In 2009, Rob, my son, and I paddled the eight-day <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2009/09/water-and-sky.html">Bowron Lakes</a> loop with
friends B & V and two other people. In fact, Rob and I were in an
18-foot freighter canoe set up with oarlocks, and we rowed the Bowron.</p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_cQOD7KEM4e1lF0RTn8DkJf-5jaOBF0rrsPoXMeEUoJtMgkSQE2NQGGAjuNnpxDpt_q-79ljYXa_j0eiDkFtZROpK3a8D3H-z67TVSAIAQyPwpR3-bRGibvQpZzzCt8UcjT8n32BDS2r/s2048/IMG_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_cQOD7KEM4e1lF0RTn8DkJf-5jaOBF0rrsPoXMeEUoJtMgkSQE2NQGGAjuNnpxDpt_q-79ljYXa_j0eiDkFtZROpK3a8D3H-z67TVSAIAQyPwpR3-bRGibvQpZzzCt8UcjT8n32BDS2r/s320/IMG_0116.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowron Trip: Enjoying the Sunshine<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Three of our party were in kayaks and the two others were in a canoe as well. My son used a kayak borrowed from my friend B, the red kayak in the header photo for this blog post. Sometimes my son and I switched for a while and I kayaked while he rowed the canoe with Rob. </p><p>In the photos to the left, top to bottom, you see our group beginning the first portage. In the middle photo, we've stopped at a sandy beach for lunch and to bask in the sun. Our freighter canoe is in the foreground. In the bottom photo, my son is paddling down the Cariboo river. <br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zgPtxsRPkczQgzA5ZNYUOsjdHIfpdQX6IbxkSjme9XYC5VVLDaip6RTq8u3pv6Z7PbrGkATURkXm6o0jwRnq7rlh1SYkHqMBcZCND4KYIIxnwY9BrnLgON_igYiFtH8KYN-yBeEI2OOG/s2048/P1010425.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zgPtxsRPkczQgzA5ZNYUOsjdHIfpdQX6IbxkSjme9XYC5VVLDaip6RTq8u3pv6Z7PbrGkATURkXm6o0jwRnq7rlh1SYkHqMBcZCND4KYIIxnwY9BrnLgON_igYiFtH8KYN-yBeEI2OOG/s320/P1010425.JPG.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowron Trip: Son Paddling Down the River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This was a five-mile stretch of river that connected two of the lakes. For this part of the trip, Rob and I paddled rather than rowed the canoe. It was a very special trip, and it reinforced my desire to get a kayak. But then I moved to the prairies, again.<br /><p></p><p> In 2015, Rob and I went on another fabulous trip -- an eight-day sailing trip on a 75-foot schooner in the ocean waters around Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands). We travelled from Moresby Camp down the east side of Moresby Island through the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve to S<u>G</u>ang Gwaay Llanagaay (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninstints">Ninstints</a>) and back. Ninstints is a Haida village site that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. <br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq0lLwg0HpstANvrQF8HpvAsQIwcQcqoOCRM18hrwVEM5DLLtlPN-TYuvHUcbqfebxVSPXStmLrpzSSYPU6sVegm2WshjE1wNl3MFHm97pEsitgSMYuogmMeZhHwjL-3FH56pZ_s9AOok/s2048/IMG_3996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq0lLwg0HpstANvrQF8HpvAsQIwcQcqoOCRM18hrwVEM5DLLtlPN-TYuvHUcbqfebxVSPXStmLrpzSSYPU6sVegm2WshjE1wNl3MFHm97pEsitgSMYuogmMeZhHwjL-3FH56pZ_s9AOok/s320/IMG_3996.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnaby Narrows: Sea Life<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I had always intended to write about this amazing experience here on my
blog, but still have not done so. The schooner had two kayaks on board,
so I had several chances to paddle around. </p><p>I spent a lovely afternoon paddling through Burnaby Narrows on Haida Gwaii. It is an area with incredibly rich sea life. I took these photos with my phone looking down through the clear plastic viewing window on the kayak. The photo below is of a moon snail egg casing -- it looked like a rubber tire.<br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0edodUFV06Fncjf8t-lhwz7_scA3jW_cDnmH0CRTeC_GU0Zm9kXmzlWcZkKOVcy5mudFrQPkgeRdY6QFC8yMIixSDQmeV8Pjt4aiC8np5gjT1FSpKhuMdeWHdD_YvsY181JSY17Cp0yuR/s2048/IMG_4021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0edodUFV06Fncjf8t-lhwz7_scA3jW_cDnmH0CRTeC_GU0Zm9kXmzlWcZkKOVcy5mudFrQPkgeRdY6QFC8yMIixSDQmeV8Pjt4aiC8np5gjT1FSpKhuMdeWHdD_YvsY181JSY17Cp0yuR/s320/IMG_4021.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnaby Narrows: Moon Snail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ugW_4r5RiaZse7uC_0kaGbP-bFEgadU6eiZlXdfexHm0vKgaFYT8O548RlY2fNYtv1nWqxQBOEVMr8VKaISU-BMreSUIuGYQnI9zQpHIBRMKGs3rCycCPkPPPsVpj5cyitpx69dUCWAh/s2048/IMG_4143.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ugW_4r5RiaZse7uC_0kaGbP-bFEgadU6eiZlXdfexHm0vKgaFYT8O548RlY2fNYtv1nWqxQBOEVMr8VKaISU-BMreSUIuGYQnI9zQpHIBRMKGs3rCycCPkPPPsVpj5cyitpx69dUCWAh/s320/IMG_4143.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Paddle<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>While I was paddling around in Burnaby narrows, a group of kayakers came through. I chatted with them and found out they were members of the Nanaimo Paddlers. I said to them, some day I will move to Vancouver Island and join a paddling group!<br /></p><p>In the photo to the right, I was out for an early morning paddle. I saw a
commotion onshore and paddled in to see a raccoon in its natural
habitat. Haida Gwaii is a very special part of the world and I feel very
lucky to have spent time there. </p><p>Since retiring to Vancouver Island, I have made a couple of friends here who are kayakers. I have joined a small kayaking group. <br /></p><p>This is a story of delayed gratification -- 35 years of waiting. And now I finally have my own kayak!</p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-67721024365034645932020-09-12T18:15:00.002-07:002020-09-12T23:23:04.820-07:00Entertaining in the Age of COVID-19<p>As the pandemic drags on and on, many of us are trying to find ways to live our lives again, while still following COVID safety guidelines. I'd like to share some of my strategies for hosting friends and family during these very strange times. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfU1Yr84lM-gUHHX1w5gUkUAh-i65SUs4reIjQ3GVjjo7OKEb-5CbU5VjP8-D3sPDMc8xr8bqpdAamv7XvjOxnpGngo2WlvGLaapJ69mwfgkEWIISRaIE_7nDvIgErfuzJEQ36ft1NlGX/s2048/IMG_9180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfU1Yr84lM-gUHHX1w5gUkUAh-i65SUs4reIjQ3GVjjo7OKEb-5CbU5VjP8-D3sPDMc8xr8bqpdAamv7XvjOxnpGngo2WlvGLaapJ69mwfgkEWIISRaIE_7nDvIgErfuzJEQ36ft1NlGX/w400-h300/IMG_9180.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Parksville Community Beach<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"> Following Public Health Guidelines</h4><p>Before I write about some of my strategies, I'd like to emphasize that I always look at our provincial public health website (<a href="http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19" target="_blank">BCCDC</a>) first, and follow the guidelines there. In British Columbia, we have been successful at flattening the curve and reducing the infection rate, although during the last three weeks the number of new cases per day has begun to rise alarmingly. Lately, we've had upwards of 100 new cases per day identified, whereas a couple of months ago we were down to as few as 4 new cases a day across the whole province. On Vancouver Island itself, as of today, we've had a cumulative total of 190 COVID cases since the pandemic began. <br /></p><p>During the flattest part of the curve, and in congruence with the advice of Dr. Bonnie Henry, our Provincial Health Officer, Rob and I felt comfortable gradually increasing the frequency of our outdoor socializing, and have hosted a number of outdoor get-togethers.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Knowing our Risks and Risk Tolerance</h4><p>How we have evaluated our personal risk and the risk we pose to others has changed gradually as more scientific knowledge about the virus has become available. So our practices have slowly changed, and might change again should we need to adapt to an upsurge in infection rates. </p><p>We have educated ourselves about what we need to do to stay safe and keep others safe. (See BCCDC website linked above.) We are fortunate that we live in a semi-rural area and we're both retired. Therefore, we're not subject to possible exposure in a workplace. As well, neither of us has a pre-existing medical condition that puts us more at risk. Our biggest personal risk factors are our ages (64 for me, and 71 for Rob), and the fact that Rob is male. Neither of us is a caregiver for someone with fragile health. <br /></p><p>Of course, other people have different risk factors to consider, depending on where they live, their personal health situation, work status, and their household members' circumstances. So consider nothing that I write here as a recommendation; it might not apply to you. Follow your local public health advice instead! <br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"> Where to Meet</h4><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5ZVxcEzsUvMO8epSm-zjfDPz0t8obDdUD7xCQL1JXQDOqj74ENrVsQTZWtqqhxuyZdHYuM4hcx92gDTOSlJbMajmgEHhlwsE61w9b-2MRj-GyFrSOm1jaDECC60L0B3jJ3Nu2vezV69A/s2016/IMG_8235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5ZVxcEzsUvMO8epSm-zjfDPz0t8obDdUD7xCQL1JXQDOqj74ENrVsQTZWtqqhxuyZdHYuM4hcx92gDTOSlJbMajmgEHhlwsE61w9b-2MRj-GyFrSOm1jaDECC60L0B3jJ3Nu2vezV69A/s320/IMG_8235.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mothers' Day 2020<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The short answer to this is -- outdoors! We live in a climatic zone where May through September weather is usually quite lovely, and fine for gathering outdoors. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5ZVxcEzsUvMO8epSm-zjfDPz0t8obDdUD7xCQL1JXQDOqj74ENrVsQTZWtqqhxuyZdHYuM4hcx92gDTOSlJbMajmgEHhlwsE61w9b-2MRj-GyFrSOm1jaDECC60L0B3jJ3Nu2vezV69A/s2016/IMG_8235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>One of our first get-togethers was with our daughter and her family for Mothers' Day in May. We met at a local beach. We brought separate food for ourselves and they brought their own picnic. We made sure to maintain two meters (six feet) of distance. </p><p>Over time, we formed a bubble with our daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren, so we now share food, sometimes meet indoors, and are more relaxed about the the two-meter distancing. <br /></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5ZVxcEzsUvMO8epSm-zjfDPz0t8obDdUD7xCQL1JXQDOqj74ENrVsQTZWtqqhxuyZdHYuM4hcx92gDTOSlJbMajmgEHhlwsE61w9b-2MRj-GyFrSOm1jaDECC60L0B3jJ3Nu2vezV69A/s2016/IMG_8235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>As well as meeting at parks, we have hosted people for gatherings on our deck. We have a large outdoor deck, where it is possible to have 10 or more people and still maintain appropriate social distancing.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2gEHgCWEkwTTe1GZOVbBII77hMbadq1rn9-yfZWhZ7F2_BzpDi5yLpB_fcDzADTD2VqJRFXLhCS-3lNQwc3GKYz0uU-cxFdxwqHojpVPhJHhQ8VqFWXgTa6r1C-kVwNMXNObUYFdOUE0/s2016/IMG_8351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2gEHgCWEkwTTe1GZOVbBII77hMbadq1rn9-yfZWhZ7F2_BzpDi5yLpB_fcDzADTD2VqJRFXLhCS-3lNQwc3GKYz0uU-cxFdxwqHojpVPhJHhQ8VqFWXgTa6r1C-kVwNMXNObUYFdOUE0/s320/IMG_8351.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Service Group Meeting Outdoors<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>For example, we hosted a meeting of our service club on our deck. I forgot to take a photo of any gatherings on our deck, but have included one here of our service club meeting outdoors at our local community centre, where physical distancing was possible. (Note that members of the same household were able to be seated close to each other.)<p></p><p></p><p>We've also continued to make good use of local parks. For example, my son and girlfriend met us at a popular picnic site at a lake. They drove separately and I brought my grandsons in my car. Although other families were at the park, we had no difficulty maintaining a two meter distance from them. <br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wN-OAGbsSWgmGw3kPdCcUc36UUfDey5Gg5pXcbGZu3TqKLLuQyuDSsevuwNIY_uO_1MtQBEhQrXsqDTugxg9x5Zq7oOW36CP05ZfkhXSzukqJnNmOeoQQOlsGEWB2I6Fy6tOaGzTSOFS/s2016/IMG_8860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wN-OAGbsSWgmGw3kPdCcUc36UUfDey5Gg5pXcbGZu3TqKLLuQyuDSsevuwNIY_uO_1MtQBEhQrXsqDTugxg9x5Zq7oOW36CP05ZfkhXSzukqJnNmOeoQQOlsGEWB2I6Fy6tOaGzTSOFS/s320/IMG_8860.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic at a Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We shared the same picnic, but used hand-sanitizer liberally. </p><p>Finally, in our jurisdiction, public gatherings are legally limited to 50 people. However, for us, practically, we have limited gatherings we've hosted to a handful of people, and never more than a number that can easily keep a 2 meter distance on our deck. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Cleaning and Sanitizing</h4><p>People who know me well know that housecleaning is not my favourite activity. Nevertheless, I have done a lot of cleaning during the pandemic. </p><p>When people come over to our deck, we clean the table and chairs with disinfectant. If no-one has used the deck for a number of days, we leave it at that (because the virus cannot survive for long outside in the UV light). But if it has been used recently, we also clean and sanitize the railings and any other surface that might be touched. When guests come, they select a chair cushion from the storage box, so that they are the only person who has touched their cushion. <br /></p><p>We are fortunate to have more than one bathroom. So if we are expecting anyone to come over, we designate the main bathroom as the guest bathroom and do not use it. I clean and sanitize the entire bathroom, paying particular attention to high-touch surfaces such as light switches, faucets, door knobs, and the flusher handle. I provide single use towels, soap, and a spray bottle of disinfectant. I leave the lights on, toilet over up, and door open. After the gathering, I leave the bathroom to rest for a couple of days, then clean it again. </p><p>We provide bottles of hand-santizer placed within easy reach of the guests. When cleaning up afterwards, I wash my hands with soap or sanitize them after handling anything someone might have touched.<br /></p><p>In the cases when a family member has come to stay with us (my son or middle daugh</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOixbYkTe5VBdNGY9v6gkC_wEpjmxHkEodeiEagQNvYCCpcX3OrzRNxD6g6wg375sTbUD4yjEnn97ZHwQi4wuGsHtVCKkSbrAn5ypL-loJjbDvvqP0VTUGoof0o3uzHG2BpQTdV1h-XMts/s2048/IMG_8478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOixbYkTe5VBdNGY9v6gkC_wEpjmxHkEodeiEagQNvYCCpcX3OrzRNxD6g6wg375sTbUD4yjEnn97ZHwQi4wuGsHtVCKkSbrAn5ypL-loJjbDvvqP0VTUGoof0o3uzHG2BpQTdV1h-XMts/s320/IMG_8478.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing a Mask my Friend Made Me<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>ter), I cleaned the spare bedroom and then left it to rest for 2-3 days before they came. They had the main bathroom for their own separate use. Although they were inside the house,we practiced physical distancing during their visit (mostly). </p><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Food and Drink <br /></h4><p>As I mentioned above, early in the pandemic, we did not share food. Everyone brought their own. But as we've decided to once again offer guests food and drink, I have developed the following methods to reduce risks. I don't use all of these suggestions at the same time. It depends on who is present and their comfort level, as well. <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>no potlucks. I am the only person preparing food</li><li>drinks in cans and prepackaged items (although too much packaging is poor environmental practice, and the virus seems to be able to live longer on plastic packaging than on food)</li><li>only the host pours drinks</li><li>separate serving bowls and serving implements for the other couple</li><li>separate condiments for the non-household members <br /></li><li>pre-plated desserts rather than self-serve, or only the host serves<br /></li><li>provide hand-sanitizer and explicitly ask everyone to sanitize their hands before and after serving themselves</li><li>only one person or couple goes to the food table at a time</li><li>maintain 2 meter distance between people</li><li>compostable paper plates and compostable disposable cups</li><li>mask wearing except when eating</li><li>as the person preparing the food and setting out the dishes, I wash my hands before and after touching anything</li><li>guests not allowed to help with clean-up</li></ul><p>Another thing we keep in mind is being prepared to cancel on short notice if either Rob or I don't feel
well, or if the weather doesn't permit gathering outdoors. And, similarly, it's necessary to be understanding when a guest cancels, or doesn't feel comfortable gathering with others. I think it is good practice to explicitly remind people not to attend if they are not feeling well. </p><p>I will be interested to hear what others are doing in terms of hosting gatherings in places where the health standards permit some degree of social gathering. <br /></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-73414798977650803732020-08-22T23:27:00.002-07:002020-08-22T23:32:51.943-07:00Summer Fun With the Grandkids<p>One of the great joys of being retired and living back in BC again is that we have ample opportunity to spend time with our four grandchildren. Two live near us on Vancouver Island, and two live in Northern BC. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAhTtdDBxnIUMD9f2UdwHxTHF2IrSGsvsMC8K0hdo18csktI6xKKUEord8UK2lpnNW9HbuXPILpg5bZlDX9lRVEsDzJaprbTvUitcfAfZKM73YER4JBnh01iS3mP0yriGvOzDLTFKujmE/s2016/IMG_8639.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAhTtdDBxnIUMD9f2UdwHxTHF2IrSGsvsMC8K0hdo18csktI6xKKUEord8UK2lpnNW9HbuXPILpg5bZlDX9lRVEsDzJaprbTvUitcfAfZKM73YER4JBnh01iS3mP0yriGvOzDLTFKujmE/w512-h384/IMG_8639.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring Qualicum Estuary <br /></td></tr></tbody></table> In the first half of the summer, we did several excursions with the two who live nearby. They are 5 and 8 years old.<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwatUzLq8qHYs-M6THSaLntVrIfrjYqGgN7JJVA3stVMniAF7jxpShtjJZcfEUkmfGZcAX7US9l2BbI69zI1dS5UMv5dAOdySBBhsr-C0WYckjYCrIKtHS_CHeEa-1oS-MoQJqYbi2qItN/s2016/IMG_8640.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwatUzLq8qHYs-M6THSaLntVrIfrjYqGgN7JJVA3stVMniAF7jxpShtjJZcfEUkmfGZcAX7US9l2BbI69zI1dS5UMv5dAOdySBBhsr-C0WYckjYCrIKtHS_CHeEa-1oS-MoQJqYbi2qItN/w240-h320/IMG_8640.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E Claims his Private Island<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5VcrOCIBjzKHABry53xrJ0bI2ulC_BR7OsduSRu8m24w9ZR7iQlN1gjgbge6XwC8LKDqB3K3TurlLeoFxbL3OJfd0Fo3wQqY0DqEFOAQlL7uqehsResMdCaTU_0a3YO3aboGJoEgWGT_/s2016/IMG_8642.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5VcrOCIBjzKHABry53xrJ0bI2ulC_BR7OsduSRu8m24w9ZR7iQlN1gjgbge6XwC8LKDqB3K3TurlLeoFxbL3OJfd0Fo3wQqY0DqEFOAQlL7uqehsResMdCaTU_0a3YO3aboGJoEgWGT_/w246-h328/IMG_8642.JPG" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's Build a Castle<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>The favourite destination on "Grandma Days" is the big playground at the Parksville Community Park. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0q1qHzKJ1DIUCDcKz57ekQHjAJv1zABeIPm8FU6JFamD_Z-qYGR-WQ4_50ks9tHqmECJmtZiSAOvYXfPhg4xwR-_IDXWbSkXz9HgD3OIoOCzA_KntfW_ekMm4O8HMeyvZ0LLeqi1GrQj/s2016/IMG_8644.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0q1qHzKJ1DIUCDcKz57ekQHjAJv1zABeIPm8FU6JFamD_Z-qYGR-WQ4_50ks9tHqmECJmtZiSAOvYXfPhg4xwR-_IDXWbSkXz9HgD3OIoOCzA_KntfW_ekMm4O8HMeyvZ0LLeqi1GrQj/w246-h328/IMG_8644.JPG" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Love to Climb<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_rWkaU9xLWdS3soHug6L_f_ionHfR5hyphenhyphenjcBZJUMqJuhuJxtQ7Mc2yj1zPBD2Y2dq7BPzHNq_fnl9XEZ8UKTMsDR9-fzU88Y6JmWJfARKjXBaO8Rccu9STYbIbVow45Ol1HKO2cFrtkF8/s2016/IMG_8651.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_rWkaU9xLWdS3soHug6L_f_ionHfR5hyphenhyphenjcBZJUMqJuhuJxtQ7Mc2yj1zPBD2Y2dq7BPzHNq_fnl9XEZ8UKTMsDR9-fzU88Y6JmWJfARKjXBaO8Rccu9STYbIbVow45Ol1HKO2cFrtkF8/w246-h328/IMG_8651.JPG" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Climb on, Grandma. We're taking off."<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KvhzvmFHu8-98tNWu4fm9p-1Xby7q4QblDXmXmRsLM62NVoQPG4d6mCsqMy42rT3Nm-sS-STVGMN7yRu-tna72Hup-64CPAt1PbAr6auOyer1C18hH20cq0uBd21IBnwxk0n-sHCX0Di/s2016/IMG_8701.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KvhzvmFHu8-98tNWu4fm9p-1Xby7q4QblDXmXmRsLM62NVoQPG4d6mCsqMy42rT3Nm-sS-STVGMN7yRu-tna72Hup-64CPAt1PbAr6auOyer1C18hH20cq0uBd21IBnwxk0n-sHCX0Di/w512-h384/IMG_8701.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Cream Cones, then a Walk on the Boardwalk at Parksville</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqPuGN1r2e-Fx6aLEYnS9nWj0x1-pMxK3ikYsM_QCC78x21Ub9dw3bVoUt0pumw1JTPM5KGrRXJZ-OSuR5cBQaBRnZIZ7Uuw7JdQa-kWwTFDyFp9GyHeBHdvPpC0VFDhl8NJieSzLTOHu/s2016/IMG_8703.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqPuGN1r2e-Fx6aLEYnS9nWj0x1-pMxK3ikYsM_QCC78x21Ub9dw3bVoUt0pumw1JTPM5KGrRXJZ-OSuR5cBQaBRnZIZ7Uuw7JdQa-kWwTFDyFp9GyHeBHdvPpC0VFDhl8NJieSzLTOHu/w246-h328/IMG_8703.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the Adult Gym Equipment</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWMLGIybK9p7oCse8K6PQ4SPVVwWYQgo0adRDpHeUIQigqyHHL-L_Tkl-oioCTu7mqIBXPFeXIjQCktE7JAHg1fFsgGNoJ6ITyOLaQrkXFm82t7rg-rtVKrxqIZDN4eHkjeOZxf6pf4P1/s2048/IMG_8857.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWMLGIybK9p7oCse8K6PQ4SPVVwWYQgo0adRDpHeUIQigqyHHL-L_Tkl-oioCTu7mqIBXPFeXIjQCktE7JAHg1fFsgGNoJ6ITyOLaQrkXFm82t7rg-rtVKrxqIZDN4eHkjeOZxf6pf4P1/w246-h328/IMG_8857.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Swim and a Picnic at Spider Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aFi_DQe0vjdhtada8DgmAP4KcNcI671HYE55h6WTs5KT3NHqwCvYyr1n8mBCIjiVFh4GX4tf66ukGqkVkHiFrPGvNXrxeruhxTk1zcq9ZUXO89nqTqtR9RtL3ggBk38zSA_8hiXKNi7b/s2048/IMG_8945.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aFi_DQe0vjdhtada8DgmAP4KcNcI671HYE55h6WTs5KT3NHqwCvYyr1n8mBCIjiVFh4GX4tf66ukGqkVkHiFrPGvNXrxeruhxTk1zcq9ZUXO89nqTqtR9RtL3ggBk38zSA_8hiXKNi7b/w410-h307/IMG_8945.jpg" width="410" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike Ride<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Because our other set of grandchildren live in the northern part of the province, we don't get to see them as often. However, we were very fortunate to travel to Maui with them in late January, before the corona virus restrictions began. And we also were able to visit them this summer. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aFi_DQe0vjdhtada8DgmAP4KcNcI671HYE55h6WTs5KT3NHqwCvYyr1n8mBCIjiVFh4GX4tf66ukGqkVkHiFrPGvNXrxeruhxTk1zcq9ZUXO89nqTqtR9RtL3ggBk38zSA_8hiXKNi7b/s2048/IMG_8945.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>They are 7 and 5, and love to ride their bikes. The first rainy morning, they rode their bikes and we walked through the new subdivision nearby that is under development. </p><p>The dog enjoyed the walk too.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZcgOZlWjtpsKyINIjhVaPNsPVyz3YmiI1ohyphenhyphenx5tNCRECsECYut8hXD2p-dwmrIoQQoDzqjKpGz-El6OIeeWHZupFqJjNHg28nshABdRZoorsLLY97hnVCsZyVehiFeit8YnZxEcPfCV2/s2048/IMG_8944.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZcgOZlWjtpsKyINIjhVaPNsPVyz3YmiI1ohyphenhyphenx5tNCRECsECYut8hXD2p-dwmrIoQQoDzqjKpGz-El6OIeeWHZupFqJjNHg28nshABdRZoorsLLY97hnVCsZyVehiFeit8YnZxEcPfCV2/w246-h328/IMG_8944.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa and Granddaughter<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We explored the Railway and Forestry museum, which was fascinating. <br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZcgOZlWjtpsKyINIjhVaPNsPVyz3YmiI1ohyphenhyphenx5tNCRECsECYut8hXD2p-dwmrIoQQoDzqjKpGz-El6OIeeWHZupFqJjNHg28nshABdRZoorsLLY97hnVCsZyVehiFeit8YnZxEcPfCV2/s2048/IMG_8944.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKutR0WrsqAtAzhIYpqE1MthjimuJUSgdwq_VGMzNFbe456rDWvkUUH_O9P676PDJVpBHQgYDpPJfl1sG9qTlGFpVyImZusMMyGT9DoC7MDNGzV79dpIEniyuGpXtljxVzVU4wYtkQJqnz/s2048/IMG_8970.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKutR0WrsqAtAzhIYpqE1MthjimuJUSgdwq_VGMzNFbe456rDWvkUUH_O9P676PDJVpBHQgYDpPJfl1sG9qTlGFpVyImZusMMyGT9DoC7MDNGzV79dpIEniyuGpXtljxVzVU4wYtkQJqnz/w246-h328/IMG_8970.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hurry up, Grandma!"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKutR0WrsqAtAzhIYpqE1MthjimuJUSgdwq_VGMzNFbe456rDWvkUUH_O9P676PDJVpBHQgYDpPJfl1sG9qTlGFpVyImZusMMyGT9DoC7MDNGzV79dpIEniyuGpXtljxVzVU4wYtkQJqnz/s2048/IMG_8970.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKutR0WrsqAtAzhIYpqE1MthjimuJUSgdwq_VGMzNFbe456rDWvkUUH_O9P676PDJVpBHQgYDpPJfl1sG9qTlGFpVyImZusMMyGT9DoC7MDNGzV79dpIEniyuGpXtljxVzVU4wYtkQJqnz/s2048/IMG_8970.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>For Rob, a retired locomotive engineer, it was a walk down memory lane. The kids liked it because there was lots of interesting equipment to climb on. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwKROTSe6_5Um8ZTD8Y1jYrYD67j3YZMH406hxqde0RbgtqDEx4CcG8TJp_OOJbDmDIC-o8niSEUiJHnBkAAtD8waGloT0obFOVgrKlLSVkyS0NGqhrF0ZNNH2Zq0V1wiJlXd4Hb92AAv/s2048/IMG_8981.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwKROTSe6_5Um8ZTD8Y1jYrYD67j3YZMH406hxqde0RbgtqDEx4CcG8TJp_OOJbDmDIC-o8niSEUiJHnBkAAtD8waGloT0obFOVgrKlLSVkyS0NGqhrF0ZNNH2Zq0V1wiJlXd4Hb92AAv/w246-h328/IMG_8981.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cool, I can reach the pedals."<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-Lf25era6VCLEXYWARuT-D4eYaiac3foUI9mKUHlOMYh7yoNEIVWsVbCQaDdVAHshSN1dLTT0A-nBDUb1mwDhomsQEFGa_96a4FrZzLGj1j0qZzLZvGelhKdZSQXv8CCZfTYycwu-rg4/s2016/IMG_8984.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-Lf25era6VCLEXYWARuT-D4eYaiac3foUI9mKUHlOMYh7yoNEIVWsVbCQaDdVAHshSN1dLTT0A-nBDUb1mwDhomsQEFGa_96a4FrZzLGj1j0qZzLZvGelhKdZSQXv8CCZfTYycwu-rg4/w246-h328/IMG_8984.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'll race you!"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>A highlight of our trip was a hike through The Ancient Forest. There were huge trees, the oldest perhaps 2,000 years old. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTZcBTdDYgBQrl24TfrZVzfNe2A4e2fdKxcgN__Ums_WKI9vOeuw1KS09jFTNG6CrOJqawkMw24Fm8mb18rkQOcQl4YGqmMczJRwvo-KPOkj5qBvpA5iJfrdHZtF6pphRBsTcRFNzx435/s2048/IMG_8995.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTZcBTdDYgBQrl24TfrZVzfNe2A4e2fdKxcgN__Ums_WKI9vOeuw1KS09jFTNG6CrOJqawkMw24Fm8mb18rkQOcQl4YGqmMczJRwvo-KPOkj5qBvpA5iJfrdHZtF6pphRBsTcRFNzx435/w246-h328/IMG_8995.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fallen Giant<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZz-CGBzAab1iDIubOjVn3yzo-gqsgm7_e0VjQcl2YdDURfm3cXTFmtq_cEZDDHWmccBuMkx-QH-5pih1aE-F6O7TdPApfRVMUnZIpP9frWBbfiRhBAziQBh65Wmw2ODbaTyf6wR7jUm0/s2016/IMG_8998.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZz-CGBzAab1iDIubOjVn3yzo-gqsgm7_e0VjQcl2YdDURfm3cXTFmtq_cEZDDHWmccBuMkx-QH-5pih1aE-F6O7TdPApfRVMUnZIpP9frWBbfiRhBAziQBh65Wmw2ODbaTyf6wR7jUm0/w246-h328/IMG_8998.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Boardwalk<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMiT2E89RPPWmhhOVprBgTzt3V8CqPQfi7PyUaA0tLmbpTEwmEEyRHTLvjrZ1aJcQsqx7ufk846u16Nd7ObXIMJpmWjYALWlXMtyAXCRDHGOr0goq4xha1WBKbGqJrMC4EWPLtkxR6eZr/s2016/IMG_9001.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMiT2E89RPPWmhhOVprBgTzt3V8CqPQfi7PyUaA0tLmbpTEwmEEyRHTLvjrZ1aJcQsqx7ufk846u16Nd7ObXIMJpmWjYALWlXMtyAXCRDHGOr0goq4xha1WBKbGqJrMC4EWPLtkxR6eZr/w246-h328/IMG_9001.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiring the Waterfall<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFRVprPdP0oJhTDnMn2OCMjOKaI4wPk_epIMvUxZ2oau4VbcSMfsrxXtsZ5mG-wCAIWlX-ulbzKycUgbJX4llNk65-vW_dfjWQcMDwo7v3AZQ5qq4mIHjXZGO_NFpqF5JchHNBPdh24jT/s2048/IMG_8989.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFRVprPdP0oJhTDnMn2OCMjOKaI4wPk_epIMvUxZ2oau4VbcSMfsrxXtsZ5mG-wCAIWlX-ulbzKycUgbJX4llNk65-vW_dfjWQcMDwo7v3AZQ5qq4mIHjXZGO_NFpqF5JchHNBPdh24jT/w246-h328/IMG_8989.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bat Girl<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Another day, and another excursion on bikes. This on included a playground, a water park, and some time spent beside the river skipping stones.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosVaVKnbyW5NM0wdwjK4vH3RYp2wboOGj6kfPR6avsqpccquksX4rF1JzhvUeCDphpXhmfL9b1_jU74TmXEbVjMcMtAVe5_ZmLtkPkaDIdEsK1F8moevKDJO3xHwnhm3F92MK02mAhiic/s2048/IMG_9014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosVaVKnbyW5NM0wdwjK4vH3RYp2wboOGj6kfPR6avsqpccquksX4rF1JzhvUeCDphpXhmfL9b1_jU74TmXEbVjMcMtAVe5_ZmLtkPkaDIdEsK1F8moevKDJO3xHwnhm3F92MK02mAhiic/w512-h384/IMG_9014.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Let's shoot some leaves up the jets of water."<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmXIMU7043C1BERZNXX2HWP0r4ymXG5Vdal7c-pGJKzAoshIs2XP3H0PRP782NF6L4clpG0cdtTbzzZn7YEGBbuyYIB8ya7If6JmFgjmlsr16rjZAEoWDS37bC7SnzB5ud3Hx7LVW9ky2/s2016/IMG_9017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmXIMU7043C1BERZNXX2HWP0r4ymXG5Vdal7c-pGJKzAoshIs2XP3H0PRP782NF6L4clpG0cdtTbzzZn7YEGBbuyYIB8ya7If6JmFgjmlsr16rjZAEoWDS37bC7SnzB5ud3Hx7LVW9ky2/w512-h384/IMG_9017.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"That one skipped three times!"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our grandchildren bring such joy into our lives.<br /></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-23795850919080886742020-08-09T20:25:00.004-07:002020-08-09T22:11:41.768-07:00So Many Waterfalls<p>In my last post about our <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/08/everybodys-gone-camping.html">camping trip</a> to Strathcona Park, I mentioned that Rob and I saw several waterfalls. But first, I'm going to start by showing you a photo of a waterfall close to home. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhE-Rt10onrEj6N_fSUo_FVPT4ajqZtMEYzeCgodrNF84S-BrPSJurYCkPyuyGYwbGwLz7qlxMN-9KukcJpA0ZsCssucmKC40qXrNys2MdtDA6kRS8vOWG9MxxngjeXZJJrNrSZSxoINo/s2016/IMG_8202.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhE-Rt10onrEj6N_fSUo_FVPT4ajqZtMEYzeCgodrNF84S-BrPSJurYCkPyuyGYwbGwLz7qlxMN-9KukcJpA0ZsCssucmKC40qXrNys2MdtDA6kRS8vOWG9MxxngjeXZJJrNrSZSxoINo/s640/IMG_8202.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cedar Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> I've mentioned before that I live in a semi-rural area. There is a large network of trails right outside my door, and I walk on them several times a week. This image above is of a waterfall created by a small seasonal creek on "my" network of trails. I'm cheating a bit here, because I took this photo a couple of months ago when the weather was rainy. I hiked along Cedar Creek recently, and the waterfall has disappeared until the next rainy season. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S_ufYIL8KvpR2WdhK3We2nY-khX816vBo0VqpTDbyVXh4Wh8EjpcZL0VjaVfJW7QxiBj2myJeOuf1YMnF9evsPZjasklK9SjqQXSVwDMVpsOnNLqUl5LUTCeyEz_3PmofPUlQ7Pfp5kc/s2016/IMG_8591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S_ufYIL8KvpR2WdhK3We2nY-khX816vBo0VqpTDbyVXh4Wh8EjpcZL0VjaVfJW7QxiBj2myJeOuf1YMnF9evsPZjasklK9SjqQXSVwDMVpsOnNLqUl5LUTCeyEz_3PmofPUlQ7Pfp5kc/s640/IMG_8591.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Name Waterfall<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> This dramatic waterfall is not really named "No Name Waterfall." I'm calling it that because neither Google Maps nor my Backroads map book supply a name for it. (I need to invest in a better map.) This waterfall can viewed from <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/08/everybodys-gone-camping.html">historical site</a> and rest stop along Highway 28 between Upper Campbell Lake and Gold River. The photo you see is the portion of the waterfall above the highway. It crosses under the road and continues to plunge another 1,000 feet to the Heber River below. </p><p>The Heber River passes through a narrow canyon at this point. Although it is hard to get a good view from above, there are some impressive rapids and waterfalls on the Heber River as well. <br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZtTl9ScBBg38sNGTt6H5fsTQhx7JyYC5R6SeFIq8XEQDRSEhAh-pQz5CKKmCvI-lCxjuSBgdOy5igIje8pKamgRVQLCHd1S8hGlQiAgRO8mj2xuLPJfRkI4WCEBfXAtB9-HROntchpKx/s2016/IMG_8596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZtTl9ScBBg38sNGTt6H5fsTQhx7JyYC5R6SeFIq8XEQDRSEhAh-pQz5CKKmCvI-lCxjuSBgdOy5igIje8pKamgRVQLCHd1S8hGlQiAgRO8mj2xuLPJfRkI4WCEBfXAtB9-HROntchpKx/s640/IMG_8596.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob at Lady Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAahDBD4zMmlpXqSpGwSaQNfK5kNiMQETZcndxQbjAytblGNlOsO1S_Sz31WZCbAWuBthuGtsuZ6EvIVbkcNh_xSbCIYxJe6qIyUI0rNu1hCcq5iGd_-5i_rj7BGNenqJrymkHlUUT7v1/s2016/IMG_8599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAahDBD4zMmlpXqSpGwSaQNfK5kNiMQETZcndxQbjAytblGNlOsO1S_Sz31WZCbAWuBthuGtsuZ6EvIVbkcNh_xSbCIYxJe6qIyUI0rNu1hCcq5iGd_-5i_rj7BGNenqJrymkHlUUT7v1/s640/IMG_8599.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude at Lady Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> These photographs do not do justice to this impressive waterfall. Lady Falls is much larger than it looks in the photos. Although it was a sunny afternoon, the area all around the falls was misty and wet from the force of the plunging water. </p><p>What you also can't see is that the viewing platform is cantilevered out over the lower section of the falls. Rob is standing there bravely with his hands in his pockets, whereas I didn't quite bring myself to let go of the slippery guard rails. </p><p>This trail is accessed off Highway 28, near the top of Upper Campbell Lake. It is a beautiful trail through big trees, Douglas Fir and Hemlock. I believe it was about 3 kilometers round trip, although we did gain quite a bit of elevation switch-backing up to Lady Falls. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKuHeXty-9WfTHWbfakvAxnFUul6kw7ePtjC0TxHov1T6CwiClhtu0skpPIDmzFJN4C4kv3dHmifnkx_zW2sf9QkoFv5Qa_msCz4Z7-wOdluZmDJrwPSl0Qdj-8_mYVYhEIEbvQEaJhvt/s2016/IMG_8604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKuHeXty-9WfTHWbfakvAxnFUul6kw7ePtjC0TxHov1T6CwiClhtu0skpPIDmzFJN4C4kv3dHmifnkx_zW2sf9QkoFv5Qa_msCz4Z7-wOdluZmDJrwPSl0Qdj-8_mYVYhEIEbvQEaJhvt/s640/IMG_8604.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Myra Falls, Looking Up<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMztB-BuGpNu0EolSJijEiImtUr8yAA4HsPKBAMNnUllkZhXhwBMt6kfd7mKtEjjkFqVzzCu-D0QvZzp9_C6RIO8QpTGyxe9aoDf5k6vwoJk3A106ChxI8VdYrG0dR5rYvlJqClK6vcl2/s2016/IMG_8606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMztB-BuGpNu0EolSJijEiImtUr8yAA4HsPKBAMNnUllkZhXhwBMt6kfd7mKtEjjkFqVzzCu-D0QvZzp9_C6RIO8QpTGyxe9aoDf5k6vwoJk3A106ChxI8VdYrG0dR5rYvlJqClK6vcl2/s640/IMG_8606.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Myra Falls, Looking Down<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Lower Myra Falls was, in my opinion, the most spectacular waterfall that we saw on this camping trip. It is a short drive away from one of the big provincial campgrounds on Buttle Lake. The easy, well-maintained trail is about a 1.5 kilometer loop. However, the disadvantage of Lower Myra Falls is that because it is so accessible, there were a lot of people there on this beautiful sunny summer day. It wasn't easy to get photos without people in them! <br /></p><p>We left Lower Myra Falls and decided to do a second hike to Upper Myra Falls. In order to get there, we had to drive through a large, active mine. Myra Mine, which extracts zinc, copper, and gold, was fascinating, but I forgot to take a single picture of it. We signed in and parked within the mine area in order to access the trail head. This area in the heart of Strathcona Park is presently designated as a mixed use area, and there is a plan in place to eventually shut the mine down and have it revert to parkland. </p><p>Our map book described Upper Myra Falls as an easy 3 kilometer hike. It was neither easy nor 3 kilometers. My fitness device recorded the distance we walked to and from Upper Myra Falls as 9 kilometers. </p><p>As it turned out, the trail head was a one kilometer walk from the trail parking lot. We wasted a lot of steps walking in circles looking for the trail head. A diamond driller who worked at the mine and who was out for an afternoon stroll finally pointed us in the right direction. The 3 km referred to the distance one-way from the trail head to the falls. We gained a lot elevation on a narrow rooty trail to get to the falls, so I would describe the trail as moderate rather than easy. Nevertheless, it was a nice hike through the forest. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GyLrsUEjaEcO80UKwC6fquku1KUQmPm0E4_ABKmj6ndpppPxuPPor96ZfdYeRgz1kp8sdrh32mcSM8KXYUJ93akoNK3oykeiNUtJDdtugc_jzmDz3o3U7CsEqF2E3VSH_kOxX7ihp8dN/s2016/IMG_8613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GyLrsUEjaEcO80UKwC6fquku1KUQmPm0E4_ABKmj6ndpppPxuPPor96ZfdYeRgz1kp8sdrh32mcSM8KXYUJ93akoNK3oykeiNUtJDdtugc_jzmDz3o3U7CsEqF2E3VSH_kOxX7ihp8dN/s640/IMG_8613.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Myra Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Upper Myra Falls was not as pretty as Lower Myra Falls but it had quite a drop. Those two brown sticks that look like toothpicks beside it are actually full-sized logs, so that gives you an idea of the height of the falls. </p><p>We were tired, but happy that we'd explored another interesting part of Strathcona Park.</p><p> </p><p></p>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-79919510542531019532020-08-03T19:19:00.004-07:002020-08-03T19:19:34.369-07:00Everybody's Gone CampingAnd we have been camping this summer too.
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfjO48k4NQxfJou__c8bRRAntlrV6iIFIOzV25Xk_1TQDW4FxyDrqoaRbyIuyh24nvSivq4ZFgoO6pp3jhx6UpZ_scd4hLGbma5KB1gFEwEu9kNcULqvJrbRqRqQJEgtTULLDmIJb52Zq/s2016/IMG_8556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfjO48k4NQxfJou__c8bRRAntlrV6iIFIOzV25Xk_1TQDW4FxyDrqoaRbyIuyh24nvSivq4ZFgoO6pp3jhx6UpZ_scd4hLGbma5KB1gFEwEu9kNcULqvJrbRqRqQJEgtTULLDmIJb52Zq/w512-h384/IMG_8556.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driftwood Structures on the Lake Shore<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Public Health Officer for the Province of BC, <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/04/reasons-to-feel-grateful.html">Dr Bonnie Henry</a>, has
encouraged British Columbians to get outside and enjoy the summer. Of
course, to keep the infection rate of COVID-19 low, she reminds us to
limit our contacts to (the same) small group, maintain a physical
distance of 2 meters (six feet), wash hands frequently with soap and
water or use hand sanitizer, and wear face masks in small enclosed
spaces or indoors where physical distancing is not possible.
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjwSrzQp5Bz0aUzwNWpD2RBtkO_MrzpArTp6b1tKnHNovSOWkuZdiKBVptOf68FnmMaivdgdpwo4GseYzVBqVvawn9Puz6Jx13R5XNMwK4LtLJX3ujtwFTx8ejT90EWPuO7arN9PRubIw/s2016/IMG_8565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjwSrzQp5Bz0aUzwNWpD2RBtkO_MrzpArTp6b1tKnHNovSOWkuZdiKBVptOf68FnmMaivdgdpwo4GseYzVBqVvawn9Puz6Jx13R5XNMwK4LtLJX3ujtwFTx8ejT90EWPuO7arN9PRubIw/w512-h384/IMG_8565.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandy Beaches and Wildflowers<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Our first camping trip of the year was to beautiful <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strathcona_Provincial_Park">Strathcona Park</a>, a huge wilderness in the interior of Vancouver Island. Established in 1911, it was the first provincial park to be designated in BC. A portion of the park lies within the Clayquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO environmental reserve. <br /><br />In the 1980's, the government of the day wanted to make the park smaller in order to expand industry into the area (mining and logging). Many people came out and protested, setting up road blockades. As a result, the park was saved and even expanded. A park management plan was set up.<br /><br />It contains a number of tall mountain peaks, including the Golden Hinde at 2,198 meters (7,211 feet), the tallest mountain on the Island. The park also contains Della Falls, the highest waterfall in Canada. Della Falls is not easy to get to. There is no road access. People can get to it by canoeing down a lake, and then doing a challenging hike. <br /><br />We did not go to Della Falls, but we did visit several other spectacular waterfalls in the area, which I will write about in a separate post.<br /></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj690GhKpNCa2CApnGReMwyyG5Vlk402aeetoc7HTxpDgnVAlJj7al385elDav1_n8KG3qnL68yRpqgQcPKWyVFifpXAvwddxmWm8NXEwJj6lNP7ts-TF_nZ685EW0Iq-kM6ZWqCTdbg7u5/s2016/IMG_8570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj690GhKpNCa2CApnGReMwyyG5Vlk402aeetoc7HTxpDgnVAlJj7al385elDav1_n8KG3qnL68yRpqgQcPKWyVFifpXAvwddxmWm8NXEwJj6lNP7ts-TF_nZ685EW0Iq-kM6ZWqCTdbg7u5/w512-h384/IMG_8570.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Windy Afternoon at the Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Strathcona Park has two large provincial campgrounds that can be accessed from Campbell River via the Gold River highway. They are the Buttle Lake and Ralph River campgrounds, both situated on Buttle Lake. <br /><br />As it turns out, everybody in BC has decided to go camping this year. What better time than a pandemic to enjoy the beautiful outdoors? The provincial parks and most of the regional parks as well are giving priority to BC residents for camping reservations. It is almost impossible to get a reservation at many parks. And, whereas in years past, we were usually able to get a non-reservable campsite via the "first-come-first-served" system, now many of the campgrounds are reservation-only. <br /><br />So we felt very lucky to get a site for four nights at Buttle Lake. We were also lucky that our trip there was earlier in July when the weather was cloudy and cool; therefore the hiking trails and beaches were not crowded. <br /><br />Although we had brought our belly boats and fly fishing gear, we ended up not taking our boats out on the water as it was quite windy most days. However, we did fish from shore (spin casting) and I caught and released a small one. <br /></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eYT2ptp-8dqD8neRx0FkyM29lW5yTu1t8-KsGZ-zN-honS3LXRLJK9p9unCc9EoKeFaZq0kGcy47RUMH5K_YJa92x2dUMFdXedeUfp_VR6oTkHunk1ejCzD_VrCp9yp3G9XEZZMyk6DC/s2016/IMG_8571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eYT2ptp-8dqD8neRx0FkyM29lW5yTu1t8-KsGZ-zN-honS3LXRLJK9p9unCc9EoKeFaZq0kGcy47RUMH5K_YJa92x2dUMFdXedeUfp_VR6oTkHunk1ejCzD_VrCp9yp3G9XEZZMyk6DC/w512-h384/IMG_8571.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Environmental Restoration<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s4KdPNo7km5t3NVEdyfx3jZncWHnxXAphMp_gEKA-ts9uUWe_1L_Fvm2aHxlrmtx7qy2V83gY8QCkbM2mUXujHqWlbic7nOCiCWNW9qjEn0l44r-uQf1hAUSWLqWuVRyzWXxAt0CZf-I/s2016/IMG_8601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s4KdPNo7km5t3NVEdyfx3jZncWHnxXAphMp_gEKA-ts9uUWe_1L_Fvm2aHxlrmtx7qy2V83gY8QCkbM2mUXujHqWlbic7nOCiCWNW9qjEn0l44r-uQf1hAUSWLqWuVRyzWXxAt0CZf-I/w384-h512/IMG_8601.JPG" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Beautiful Hike Through a Hemlock, Cedar, and Douglas Fir Forest<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Along the shores of the lake, we saw environmental restoration of the sandy banks in progress. According to the informational sign, parks staff are exploring various methods of reclaiming damaged areas. What you are looking at in the photo above are segments of branches, or withies, that have been stuck in the ground and allowed to root. They used native plants such as willow, red osier dogwood, and cottonwood. <br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUU2HePIgmybduUZAHZcckut307V_CqQ46lsRACo6xW95MrtG2Cz7qkM253vIb9UGudchmoRyz_YI3ctjyVhhESvD3jQUFgGwT0sWvmwbEDOT_wyF3B_elmIV6AckDQU00qQDPh0MUIgN/s2016/IMG_8593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUU2HePIgmybduUZAHZcckut307V_CqQ46lsRACo6xW95MrtG2Cz7qkM253vIb9UGudchmoRyz_YI3ctjyVhhESvD3jQUFgGwT0sWvmwbEDOT_wyF3B_elmIV6AckDQU00qQDPh0MUIgN/w384-h512/IMG_8593.JPG" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site of Historic Battle<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUU2HePIgmybduUZAHZcckut307V_CqQ46lsRACo6xW95MrtG2Cz7qkM253vIb9UGudchmoRyz_YI3ctjyVhhESvD3jQUFgGwT0sWvmwbEDOT_wyF3B_elmIV6AckDQU00qQDPh0MUIgN/s2016/IMG_8593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>We did a lot of hiking on our short camping holiday. We explored most of the trails in the park that were within walking distance of our campsite. Our hikes included walks all along the lake shore and out to a marine campground, a hike to a lovely stream, and the Darkis Lake loop. <br /><br />We also some side trips. including a hike to Lady Falls, a hike to lower Myra Falls, and a hike to Upper Myra Falls. <br /><br />On one of the days there, we did a road trip to Gold River, an area of the Island I had never seen before. The highway curved around Upper Campbell Lake, then followed the Elk River to Gold River, a small community situated near t<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUU2HePIgmybduUZAHZcckut307V_CqQ46lsRACo6xW95MrtG2Cz7qkM253vIb9UGudchmoRyz_YI3ctjyVhhESvD3jQUFgGwT0sWvmwbEDOT_wyF3B_elmIV6AckDQU00qQDPh0MUIgN/s2016/IMG_8593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>he head of an inlet on the west side of the Island. <br /><br />High above the river, we stopped at a historic site. According to the information sign, it was at this location the the Muchalaht and Mowachaht people met and had a battle. Since that time, the two First Nations have combined. <br /><br />This is an area I would be happy to visit again. There are so many areas to explore, and many lakes that are great for fishing. <br /><br />But, during the summer of 2020, I predict that the competition for camping sites will continue to be fierce. <br /></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-84385086462208200802020-07-05T23:44:00.081-07:002020-07-06T00:58:57.862-07:00A Gradual Reopening of Our Social Life <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGIP3nRXMQxIHwNX4rxshHMlUg-LFBkmGqUid2OjK0-6MH710FOecNk0KONnp5PcKbwBZYgZYOjhuXUeZOBaGhDdG2hvA2sc2VWtyjIKL2XMl0YQ92mE0saxHg57FtYmxMsw-qAUbR1Xi/s1600/IMG_8493.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGIP3nRXMQxIHwNX4rxshHMlUg-LFBkmGqUid2OjK0-6MH710FOecNk0KONnp5PcKbwBZYgZYOjhuXUeZOBaGhDdG2hvA2sc2VWtyjIKL2XMl0YQ92mE0saxHg57FtYmxMsw-qAUbR1Xi/w512-h384/IMG_8493.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nanoose Bay Estuary as seen from the Notch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />June was the month of birthdays. It was also the month that we gradually began to see people socially again, although still with caution.<br />
<br />
We are very lucky that we live in British Columbia, Canada. Under the wise leadership of our Public Health Officer, <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/04/reasons-to-feel-grateful.html">Dr. Bonnie Henry</a> and Provincial Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, BC has done an excellent job of flattening the curve. I also give credit to British Columbians, who tend to be socially aware and community-minded. (That's one reason I like living here.)<br />
<br />
Therefore the province was able to begin phase-three reopening at the end of May. That meant restaurants, retail stores, and shopping malls began to reopen. They were followed by dentists, hair salons, and other personal services. Now pubs are starting to open up again, as is the film industry. In order to open, businesses must have a plan for how to maintain physical distancing, and strict hygiene protocols. Although masks are not required in BC, they are recommended in indoor spaces if physical distancing isn't possible. <br />
<br />
On June 1, there were 2,597 novel corona virus cases in total in BC, and about 10 new cases per day being reported. On Friday, July 3, the most recent day for which stats have been reported, there were 13 new cases, and 2,947 total cases in BC. Since May 22, there have been only 5 new cases on Vancouver Island.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT9v3U98zvqXWG-sLTYJYwTgqGvMCfgCGa4joXHdE0mGLCentECJv5Ja_ucHXBgOf41y0sz4X6QCX87-3FRESs1w3tXHfOfLy58uu4b79M1V_QWNvmWcw2jGSB7pacsiTiXNOOtx-pPKQ/s4032/IMG_8404.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT9v3U98zvqXWG-sLTYJYwTgqGvMCfgCGa4joXHdE0mGLCentECJv5Ja_ucHXBgOf41y0sz4X6QCX87-3FRESs1w3tXHfOfLy58uu4b79M1V_QWNvmWcw2jGSB7pacsiTiXNOOtx-pPKQ/w240-h320/IMG_8404.JPG" title="We Found a Puddle on Our Hike" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2iMi8_5npwvHWQQKRRVdxAD2Sqr93r4pyVhvMCr4jlJq2rxi52cy92eUPPLVHNihJQUHbcST1fC831WTcBaw5LxMlBwwatWCm6e3fhB9ic9xYh53P9L19qaP25EdorlYDS4TN5dfmQ4M/s4032/IMG_8369.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2iMi8_5npwvHWQQKRRVdxAD2Sqr93r4pyVhvMCr4jlJq2rxi52cy92eUPPLVHNihJQUHbcST1fC831WTcBaw5LxMlBwwatWCm6e3fhB9ic9xYh53P9L19qaP25EdorlYDS4TN5dfmQ4M/w245-h320/IMG_8369.JPG" title="All Worn Out" width="245" /></a><br />We began to gradually form a bubble with my daughter, son-in-law, and
two grandsons. At first, I spent time with my grandsons only outdoors. But gradually we began to see them at their house and ours. <br /><br />In early June, we celebrated my son-in-law's birthday at their house
(carefully, using lots of hand sanitizer). <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KFm-QrgGlLnuLlqvspn1MjQw11OFKY8szouxzjEH_veF7I6LNr3vuvXuGl4_HzRPO7wQhlpqzLvL3H9ubg7ekn9KfxpG8SJct_VUCEsXv0bz6GLJuD5B5LNRT8s1SBSGfvWFM_UeIfUw/s4032/IMG_8370.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KFm-QrgGlLnuLlqvspn1MjQw11OFKY8szouxzjEH_veF7I6LNr3vuvXuGl4_HzRPO7wQhlpqzLvL3H9ubg7ekn9KfxpG8SJct_VUCEsXv0bz6GLJuD5B5LNRT8s1SBSGfvWFM_UeIfUw/w320-h240/IMG_8370.JPG" title="Happy Birthday!" width="320" /></a>A couple of days later, my
middle daughter came over from Vancouver and spent her birthday with us
and visited for several days. She had been self-isolating in her small
apartment, and we hadn't seen her since early February.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH_WLV6KD0d9WY5C5OSPlb53ILdr-ji0mNu74eOzp88FwJDrPW4hpYwrBHTLHGT4gQNBXd3pl1L45yy2A1X4YMLxWGcoOiqvO0xt1MAgZzwzjsKMmSRVTiepTlQFtp-oTli02pTUOMJlJ/s2016/IMG_2443.JPEG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH_WLV6KD0d9WY5C5OSPlb53ILdr-ji0mNu74eOzp88FwJDrPW4hpYwrBHTLHGT4gQNBXd3pl1L45yy2A1X4YMLxWGcoOiqvO0xt1MAgZzwzjsKMmSRVTiepTlQFtp-oTli02pTUOMJlJ/w240-h320/IMG_2443.JPEG" title="Mississippi Mud Pie Birthday Cake" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7ArnOa4igrFW3yVIg4_KFSu3rIEjXwmipoNm0A4ans6ItpP-Lh6q91kTr9_LOpZsOuZCskGZD55v7GsnFwOau74nJmldNDaItftFqOZ4e-yuxQx7-7u6mVkxOugc5pbMhG7F2shTig6t/s2016/IMG_8375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7ArnOa4igrFW3yVIg4_KFSu3rIEjXwmipoNm0A4ans6ItpP-Lh6q91kTr9_LOpZsOuZCskGZD55v7GsnFwOau74nJmldNDaItftFqOZ4e-yuxQx7-7u6mVkxOugc5pbMhG7F2shTig6t/w240-h320/IMG_8375.JPG" title="Hiking with my Daughter" width="240" /></a>It was so great to be together again. We hosted a small family birthday dinner for her (seven of us in total). It was the first time my older daughter and her family had been in our house since before the COVID restrictions.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY9tvJRoWJSRXJc2wt2dq6NtaBPGV8hXJyVQDZVs7RdHqaG0RInbnAx5ziTNzQD-2qsAlIhXYNW_nQtfFOh9UU32ByWONfBA_laDUAkSu8OFgR-xUSeSj3L6Z1bfDr3eNkWERTjsK6nWJ/s4032/IMG_8447.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY9tvJRoWJSRXJc2wt2dq6NtaBPGV8hXJyVQDZVs7RdHqaG0RInbnAx5ziTNzQD-2qsAlIhXYNW_nQtfFOh9UU32ByWONfBA_laDUAkSu8OFgR-xUSeSj3L6Z1bfDr3eNkWERTjsK6nWJ/w320-h240/IMG_8447.JPG" title="Crawling Through Caves with my Son" width="320" /></a>Later in June, my son had a birthday. He, too, came over to the Island and spent it with us. He and I went on a cave tour at Horne Lake Caves. There are more caves on Vancouver Island than in the rest of Canada combined -- more than 1,600 of them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlA76ZDpmuwYq9OicXP93YETpjGWb7AT8gbLGgxvHX9rMtvvOfvV83udsRbjPcqFkk2XRs28GCNyiWp_96ve4nQXTg6IA0kWZuoz7riWE6kp9dtqVe4Ih6hsi7Mb3RdmWYqQb2fcCcJpO/s4032/IMG_8462.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlA76ZDpmuwYq9OicXP93YETpjGWb7AT8gbLGgxvHX9rMtvvOfvV83udsRbjPcqFkk2XRs28GCNyiWp_96ve4nQXTg6IA0kWZuoz7riWE6kp9dtqVe4Ih6hsi7Mb3RdmWYqQb2fcCcJpO/w240-h320/IMG_8462.JPG" title="Another Birthday Cake!" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvRicw3ITUYyyfRTo2fQVC6QhCTgrga7lUocnDsURI34Mzozz4YAOKj8oH-RVi60_ywVl6FZrWl5Wrz6ZghCFt3mnDZiZTwPwtUJNCno4dN_Qm5wsP28mfKQdeHD5TytwSV_Z7YBp-drY/s4032/IMG_8471.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvRicw3ITUYyyfRTo2fQVC6QhCTgrga7lUocnDsURI34Mzozz4YAOKj8oH-RVi60_ywVl6FZrWl5Wrz6ZghCFt3mnDZiZTwPwtUJNCno4dN_Qm5wsP28mfKQdeHD5TytwSV_Z7YBp-drY/w240-h320/IMG_8471.JPG" title="A Walk at the Shore with my Son" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My older grandson rounded out the month of birthdays by celebrating his eighth birthday at the end of June. We went over their place and enjoyed ice cream cake on their deck.<br />
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<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa_Rp3KL81pRKQmOI57WcfHSH65TcP3BA-EfuR0yaFjEeC1MjvOUskpYH_LCXFPUIpjYtG7FM2h2y5gGxxEjEGDHMlFLh7mqvzzzoHNNHmIeVa4bjK1SpfsnRO3e7Th4DuEYm-u9upOeQ/s2016/IMG_2706.JPEG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa_Rp3KL81pRKQmOI57WcfHSH65TcP3BA-EfuR0yaFjEeC1MjvOUskpYH_LCXFPUIpjYtG7FM2h2y5gGxxEjEGDHMlFLh7mqvzzzoHNNHmIeVa4bjK1SpfsnRO3e7Th4DuEYm-u9upOeQ/w320-h240/IMG_2706.JPEG" title="We Have to Stop Eating so much Cake" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6dKOL_MyqJxue74afxejaQapqZUJdxKxtHivmfLLMM403P4HFIjKTMAqVwYinaH-8B3aOTJY0f6GfyQ9RnxZ0H0jkIRvpCZCho-NlLDOLCrYyAl4x8TgEmqMo6MYsQ8nZvJWAqQdfkgr/s4032/IMG_8517.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6dKOL_MyqJxue74afxejaQapqZUJdxKxtHivmfLLMM403P4HFIjKTMAqVwYinaH-8B3aOTJY0f6GfyQ9RnxZ0H0jkIRvpCZCho-NlLDOLCrYyAl4x8TgEmqMo6MYsQ8nZvJWAqQdfkgr/w240-h320/IMG_8517.JPG" title="Yum!" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><br />We also hosted two other gatherings at our place, in both cases outdoors on our deck. We hosted the AGM and annual barbecue of our service club (15 in total) the last week of June (by some miracle the rain stopped for one day). The deck is large enough that we were all able to maintain a safe distance. And on July 2, I hosted a small writers' group meeting on the deck. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTg2n02eV7L7kmiIN_m1ghhRw90sYcHnRJcvRPo33iV1GXsov5FUtzHXjJuJ7fYTjviNK5FB7fWlRhfd1uCDTgWRGIm_AnKjOfabdqpaZG9AE2XAP5yuZpX396z28fbAHQXM1kgzKzO_T/s2016/IMG_8492.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTg2n02eV7L7kmiIN_m1ghhRw90sYcHnRJcvRPo33iV1GXsov5FUtzHXjJuJ7fYTjviNK5FB7fWlRhfd1uCDTgWRGIm_AnKjOfabdqpaZG9AE2XAP5yuZpX396z28fbAHQXM1kgzKzO_T/w240-h320/IMG_8492.JPG" title="Rob Hiking" width="240" /></a><br />It has been a cool rainy month, but we have also gone for lots of walks and hikes. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTg2n02eV7L7kmiIN_m1ghhRw90sYcHnRJcvRPo33iV1GXsov5FUtzHXjJuJ7fYTjviNK5FB7fWlRhfd1uCDTgWRGIm_AnKjOfabdqpaZG9AE2XAP5yuZpX396z28fbAHQXM1kgzKzO_T/s2016/IMG_8492.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Next plan -- camping!<br /><br /><br />Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-54147117766176852902020-06-28T01:22:00.001-07:002020-06-28T01:22:05.734-07:00On Writing a Trilogy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQmm773H9FgHqNXpI95QB5AgVUnAVSOaw0ET0dl4dqyK4eUn_EiuvBwql37RAxxb4PNUeOpb7xbHpINaGPao3jLqfVSmL8O5IF2rXhi-5tFxgtGUO0rwXnosIq-KoYjZKJcWvbImE4M9_/s1600/IMG_8467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQmm773H9FgHqNXpI95QB5AgVUnAVSOaw0ET0dl4dqyK4eUn_EiuvBwql37RAxxb4PNUeOpb7xbHpINaGPao3jLqfVSmL8O5IF2rXhi-5tFxgtGUO0rwXnosIq-KoYjZKJcWvbImE4M9_/s400/IMG_8467.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piper's Lagoon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I didn't set out to write a trilogy. In fact, the idea of writing one novel seemed pretty intimidating. How would I ever construct such a long document, and keep the whole thing coherent?<br />
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My first attempt at writing a novel was about 20 years ago or so. It was a story told from the perspectives of three women who lived on the same street but didn't know each other very well. Each was going through a difficult period in her life, and each was trying to keep her troubles secret. As things got worse for each of them and the polished surface of their lives cracked open, their secrets ceased to be secrets and the women became entangled in each others' lives. I wrote about 2/3 of the first draft, and then I got stuck. I didn't know how to draw all the threads together.<br />
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I went to a week-long writers' retreat to try to work through it and finish the novel, and instead started writing another novel.<br />
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With this next novel, I managed to finish a very long first draft, which I sent out to some preliminary readers who were kind and helpful. But I became overwhelmed by the massive revisions that needed to be done. Although the story had good bones, almost the whole thing was told from the inside of the main character's head, plodding and slow. The story is about returning from the city to one's childhood home because of the death of a parent. The main character grapples with challenging family dynamics. Then an accident keeps her there much longer than intended, and plunges her back into childhood memories and a ultimately yields a more mature perspective on the family and community that have shaped her. <br />
<br />
So, stuck on the revisions, what did I do? Yes, you guessed it; I started writing another entirely different novel.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNK-uU20h0xaYWquqirfsP0YaSzohgMbvYQeA7uX4epZcZbF3SfymGTCZViASrYdmUe-MK0E2ZzpFyGS2ixi8o7avK1rQXyavZk8DRlOPAY2Rl-WL-dp3vOLrYxWSe4U66Kv7_aoTPV5h/s1600/IMG_8344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNK-uU20h0xaYWquqirfsP0YaSzohgMbvYQeA7uX4epZcZbF3SfymGTCZViASrYdmUe-MK0E2ZzpFyGS2ixi8o7avK1rQXyavZk8DRlOPAY2Rl-WL-dp3vOLrYxWSe4U66Kv7_aoTPV5h/s320/IMG_8344.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brickyard Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This one is speculative fiction, and it takes place in the near future. A group of girls and women have survived an apocalyptic event that has destroyed their society by sheltering underground for many years. It's written from the perspective of two best friends who are coming of age. Each separately faces the choice of whether to stay and try to save her community or find a way out and take her chances in the dangerous unknown lands on the outside. The novel explores themes of power dynamics, friendship, personal integrity, and motherhood.<br />
<br />
I have recently completed a third draft of it. My revisions incorporate the feedback from six incredibly helpful preliminary readers, as well as lots of the suggestions given by members of my writers' group over the last 2 1/2 years. My next step with this novel is to take steps to get it published. I have written about this novel <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2019/08/self-sabotaging-writing-habits.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2018/11/art-show-update-and-novel-newsflash.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uvRIzERBqb7vwbPVoxNBajixJ3WXw2CwDX4f9GeI6hP7HTBnjzY1SSbKUf1Kqe_PgaVUJXMlfbMHaGksiAhyphenhyphen_gnwRoDMaz6SadE9zD3b32PElWHdbObqLPHEMAfNFN3XoP2Ms0q5phe-/s1600/IMG_8452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uvRIzERBqb7vwbPVoxNBajixJ3WXw2CwDX4f9GeI6hP7HTBnjzY1SSbKUf1Kqe_PgaVUJXMlfbMHaGksiAhyphenhyphen_gnwRoDMaz6SadE9zD3b32PElWHdbObqLPHEMAfNFN3XoP2Ms0q5phe-/s320/IMG_8452.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spelunking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But, meanwhile, as I wrote this novel, I kept thinking, "I wonder what happened to their world that forced them to have to shelter underground?" A little bit of that story is included in the novel in the form of flashbacks and storytelling events recounting their history. I kept writing background notes about the time before they went into the shelter. And then, all of a sudden, the entire plot line for a prequel novel popped into my head and I wrote it down. <br />
<br />
So, last year while my first draft was out with the preliminary readers and I was waiting for their feedback, I started another novel, the story of how the world fell apart and how the women ended up in an underground shelter. I have written about 1/3 of the first draft. You can read a brief excerpt <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-month-of-writing.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
The other thing that happened is that as I was coming to the end of the novel about the women in the shelter, I found that the novel was getting longer and longer but there were several really interesting plot threads that I could not bring to a satisfactory conclusion in the space of the novel. The solution to that problem was. . . yes! You guessed it -- to write yet another novel, a sequel.<br />
<br />
So that is how I came to be writing a trilogy: a prequel novel, which I'm partway through writing, the middle novel in the trilogy which is ready to go out for publication, and a sequel novel.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUeH2-IltCDXxNmDkLX6cbJKEXHV-6XPsmV2K8ooPfPHl_pKdMmtmOZzRQQyjDPwk4OzB4ZlpAzT12IUplV1aZkqMJWXEyF0m5bBuch08VFtalydoAko7l5IPgSthS7x2DdMZ8ZjAnNLh/s1600/IMG_8487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUeH2-IltCDXxNmDkLX6cbJKEXHV-6XPsmV2K8ooPfPHl_pKdMmtmOZzRQQyjDPwk4OzB4ZlpAzT12IUplV1aZkqMJWXEyF0m5bBuch08VFtalydoAko7l5IPgSthS7x2DdMZ8ZjAnNLh/s320/IMG_8487.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Qualicum Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Although a few elements in the sequel were clear and I knew how I planned to resolve them, the overall story line was quite hazy to me until about a two weeks ago. Suddenly, the plot line for the third book revealed itself to me, along with the main characters and events, and I wrote it down. <br />
<br />
It seems miraculous how the story suddenly appears like that. But then again, perhaps it's not so surprising. I think about the story for the hours and hours I spend in front of my computer writing and revising day after day. During periods that I'm actively writing, I walk around with my head in the clouds thinking about my story all day long. My characters infiltrate my mind when I'm trying to get to sleep at night. My brain is chugging away much of the time trying to turn my made-up world, my characters, and the events I've already invented into a coherent narrative. So although it feels like the story just pops into my head, in fact, I've been ruminating on it for years.<br />
<br />
One of the fascinating things about writing a trilogy is going back and forth between the three stories. There is a character, Mother Beulah, in the completed novel who is important but not a main character. However, in the prequel novel, Beulah is a main character and many of the events are seen from her point of view. I learned more about Beulah as I worked on writing the prequel novel, and was able to go back and deepen Beulah's character in the middle novel while doing my revisions on it.<br />
<br />
Writing a trilogy allows me to include more characters and points of view than I could in a single book. It allows me to follow characters in different periods of their lives and different circumstances -- e.g., the younger Beulah and the middle-aged Beulah.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefnCDBw8UKs-kfEXwN7MvCTXXiQKHPh257u0VYoJGhiCVzE0de6Khwoeu9ERhtkVwBNaNorXPUKG-ktuhPQ_WVzqA4z83XdFa_4tJ6IBz_gZB4hhz-FtKs3_ONhKvkzKSLKRQJegYqqXw/s1600/IMG_8414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefnCDBw8UKs-kfEXwN7MvCTXXiQKHPh257u0VYoJGhiCVzE0de6Khwoeu9ERhtkVwBNaNorXPUKG-ktuhPQ_WVzqA4z83XdFa_4tJ6IBz_gZB4hhz-FtKs3_ONhKvkzKSLKRQJegYqqXw/s320/IMG_8414.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where I Write</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But it's also challenging because it's harder to remember and hold together the details of the story world and the characters across three books. As well, I am writing the three books so that each of them can be read on its own in any order without having to depend on the information that was in a preceding book. Although each is or will be an intact, complete story, there are certain themes, events, and characters that run across the trilogy.<br />
<br />
I have learned a lot from each novel I've written or attempted to write. Writing and revising are very time-consuming processes but I think doing them is the only way to really learn how to write. <br />
<br />
Maybe some day I'll be able to go back and finish those first two novels. Or maybe I'll have gone on to writing something else by then.<br />
<br />
It's hard to illustrate a blog post on writing, because all the visuals of the novels are in my head or in words on the page. I've included a photo of my desk where I write. Although I spend a lot of time writing, I do other things too. So I've included a few photos of the amazing landscapes of Vancouver Island from recent excursions. Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-9889789567098780722020-05-24T19:15:00.002-07:002020-05-24T19:15:48.912-07:00Settling In; Moving On<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsNNlFmM2EixzSMzR64wwIlmA9T8gVFMT6qsjfu2ChiCuaDBsIzHoMN-hGQQGzzuowexb8dcjnvGXNSyKsQikr0EQeWyEO5CHr1v6M33BEpAGO-yWuNSU9zz8J1HJuuUBs898WWk4EZpT/s1600/IMG_8274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsNNlFmM2EixzSMzR64wwIlmA9T8gVFMT6qsjfu2ChiCuaDBsIzHoMN-hGQQGzzuowexb8dcjnvGXNSyKsQikr0EQeWyEO5CHr1v6M33BEpAGO-yWuNSU9zz8J1HJuuUBs898WWk4EZpT/s400/IMG_8274.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking on Vancouver Island, with Physical Distancing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm pleased to report that the revisions to my novel have been going very well recently. This is officially draft number 3. I've expanded the ending, added scenes, and tweaked characters. I've also slashed out a lot of stodgy prose -- adverbs, nominal phrases, redundancies, and the like. It's leaner and punchier. I've managed to cut 5,000 words, which is good, because it's too long.<br />
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Unfortunately, when I'm successfully working on my novels, my blog writing doesn't fare as well. So today, I'm taking some time out to post an update.<br />
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<h4>
Pandemic Panic</h4>
Like so many others, I was quite calm about staying home and sheltering in place at first. It was an adventure -- a chance to cook new things and use up supplies in the back of the cupboard. "Staying at home for a couple of weeks: how hard can this be?" I said to myself.<br />
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But then, I found myself staring at the screen in horror as the death tolls mounted in Italy and Spain. I stayed up into the wee hours poring over corona virus statistics from <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/" target="_blank">John Hopkins University</a>, <a href="https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/" target="_blank">Worldometer</a>, <a href="https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/coronavirustracker/" target="_blank">CBC</a>, and the <a href="http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data" target="_blank">BC Centre for Disease Control</a>. I spent 3 to 5 hours online every day reading news articles, watching videos and live broadcasts, and tracking the statistics. I became a fan of <a href="https://globalnews.ca/video/6979162/coronavirus-outbreak-dr-bonnie-henry-amends-reopening-gathering-restrictions-to-include-vehicles" target="_blank">Dr. Bonnie Henry</a>, the top public health officer for BC, and watched her daily update without fail.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y7hPBFxs1ph_XWttjd9NDUyo06rVG7EYURZHZHT3QQuIgAxhCWBvMpUBrM8UUhAtm5uAEv_sSI1Dw5IvifLF4DfcdgvWuc2ezXVugVLQxkOzZMbf98KHkHlTtr0JMvAw0H8e1DB3x9Lm/s1600/IMG_8217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y7hPBFxs1ph_XWttjd9NDUyo06rVG7EYURZHZHT3QQuIgAxhCWBvMpUBrM8UUhAtm5uAEv_sSI1Dw5IvifLF4DfcdgvWuc2ezXVugVLQxkOzZMbf98KHkHlTtr0JMvAw0H8e1DB3x9Lm/s320/IMG_8217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will the Rain Never End?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It gradually dawned on me that we were in this for the long haul -- years, not weeks. I missed seeing my kids, grandchildren, and friends. I went through some pretty bleak weeks, made worse by a bout of cold rainy weather.<br />
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The five <a href="https://grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/" target="_blank">stages of grief </a>and loss -- denial,<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"> anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance -- I've been going through them all. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">You'd think that staying at home with everything wiped off my calendar would give me ample time for my creative pursuits, writing and painting, which I never seem to have enough time for. But no. For the first six weeks, I couldn't work on my novels. I couldn't seem to focus. I was too anxious. I had to spend all my time reading about the corona virus. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Perhaps the fact that I'm writing a three-novel apocalyptic trilogy had something to do with it. It's a little creepy when bizarre things I made up and wrote about in my fictional tale have suddenly started happening in real life. </span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<h4>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Settling In </span></span><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"></span></span></h4>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">It's now Day 69 for us. Tomorrow we'll hit the 10 week mark. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">We're starting to settle in. This is our life. We're getting used to it. </span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">(I'm writing this knowing, with immense gratitude, that I and my family have been extremely fortunate. We're fortunate to be living in BC, where wise Dr. Bonnie Henry has led the provincial epidemic response informed by science, and where the residents of the province have been very socially responsible in following public health guidelines. I'm fortunate to have not lost anyone in my social circle to the virus.)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Settling in means I'm getting comfortable with my life with its new, more restrictive parameters. I'm happy to have time to write, even though it's because so many of the other things I was doing have been put on hold. </span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">One of my friends said to me, looking a bit guilty as she said it, "I kind of like just staying home."</span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<h4>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Adapting</span></span></h4>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">I'm moving on with my life (while adhering strictly to the public health guidelines). Yes, things are different now, but that doesn't mean my life is on hold. I'm adapting to the new circumstances.</span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">One of the advantages of being 63 years old is that I've had lots of practice at this. No, not with pandemics, but with difficult, wrenching life changes. </span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">I've moved a lot. Every move has meant leaving behind friends, my home, my job, favourite restaurants, and favourite walking trails. </span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">I've had injuries that have impacted my mobility. There were times I thought I'd never ski again because of knee injuries. I've learned to ski differently. I once broke a bone in my foot that wouldn't heal. I was in a cast for four months. I wondered if I'd ever walk normally again. </span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRegAzc7k-KFmzsIsbVNZjuNePicHBVg89N1lQO471FT7eU557Hgvrchz7g3ZSaQmhQ5F-B1Q9SVltv0EkQwy4oxb20bforXI68n3c2F2jrSWafJga9tJa7nYgBRTeszMDq30ItOMIwqsK/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRegAzc7k-KFmzsIsbVNZjuNePicHBVg89N1lQO471FT7eU557Hgvrchz7g3ZSaQmhQ5F-B1Q9SVltv0EkQwy4oxb20bforXI68n3c2F2jrSWafJga9tJa7nYgBRTeszMDq30ItOMIwqsK/s320/IMG_1803.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping in Touch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">I've lost beloved family members. Every time it was extremely painful. It felt as if my own life had ended. I grieved. I came to acceptance. Time kept going along, and once again I found joy. I've adapted to changes and I've had a wonderful life. </span></span><br /><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"></span></span><br />
<h4>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Moving On</span></span></h4>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Living in the age of the novel corona virus means finding new ways to do things, and continue to live a satisfying, fulfilling life. </span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">I've started texting with my grandsons on Messenger. They love playing with the photo options and other media features. </span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">We enjoyed a physically distanced Mother's Day picnic with my daughter's family. </span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2-zgK4GWFwdUWzbU0sg0_9ORy6GRzFErNORtumBWbcJnFnpFsN8N-X1PPivedbcpNeC9UBEZBKRruzo0_HlCeotoGIYI_KgwIbB9dqXvwVlUflD_R0IVAHBSRDsIjGyiqfY_rp-TVdbZ/s1600/IMG_8250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2-zgK4GWFwdUWzbU0sg0_9ORy6GRzFErNORtumBWbcJnFnpFsN8N-X1PPivedbcpNeC9UBEZBKRruzo0_HlCeotoGIYI_KgwIbB9dqXvwVlUflD_R0IVAHBSRDsIjGyiqfY_rp-TVdbZ/s320/IMG_8250.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day Picnic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Before the physical distancing restrictions, I was very involved doing fundraising with my local chapter of Lions International. All of those initiatives have been suspended. </span></span><br />
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<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">However, our Lions club has been out with other community members cutting broom. Scotch broom is an invasive plant species that is a problem on Vancouver Island. </span></span><br />
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<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">We can stay apart but be together while we cut broom. </span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWZAwGltH8-WFxsPBy8bTLPAgHAHvsLCtfxf-E4h0Vu-1E8leIObqn2D2RvBtlOm9qmEo-41e9j_OMYK60U8A2Xz1iib9SM3SYoXGQBBtjOVi_cc9y6oWSqsQUVh5t1dP6cH2-FUeNTQB/s1600/IMG_8264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWZAwGltH8-WFxsPBy8bTLPAgHAHvsLCtfxf-E4h0Vu-1E8leIObqn2D2RvBtlOm9qmEo-41e9j_OMYK60U8A2Xz1iib9SM3SYoXGQBBtjOVi_cc9y6oWSqsQUVh5t1dP6cH2-FUeNTQB/s320/IMG_8264.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob with Broom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KFRcpcHosfuQ5xatZv3L_drUMSVm5BEEnvbdCBPTjSR6T0Wp7tHta5WZeQnfDFWbH0CwchcTdq3G4c87vSGQ3vufFS52u-qTw7IAbA2KxUj0mCuIZrZAoJTDvA5aKWbLCaf0uEw66C5A/s1600/IMG_8317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KFRcpcHosfuQ5xatZv3L_drUMSVm5BEEnvbdCBPTjSR6T0Wp7tHta5WZeQnfDFWbH0CwchcTdq3G4c87vSGQ3vufFS52u-qTw7IAbA2KxUj0mCuIZrZAoJTDvA5aKWbLCaf0uEw66C5A/s320/IMG_8317.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clematis in Bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I have spent a lot of time out working in my lovely garden. Although the
weeds are endless and I'll never keep up with them, I've been enjoying
my gardening time.<br />
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I have planted tomatoes, herbs and a few other things in containers on my deck.<br />
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The flowering shrubs bring joy. And I'm quite pleased with my little vegetable patch, tucked in amongst the decorative plantings. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5Rhs3180x5nFf4pClPBM4t6ENcp1OGS7J-9hyYsJxvsecZRwt22wRbja4aWLsYyNdOV5pyIJ8wiMNKwo5WJerXdJ5ukOnkX23s9yjhNW4BN6DLzWItpFtJbie2wvgnuQrVy6rXVUu5yO/s1600/IMG_8319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5Rhs3180x5nFf4pClPBM4t6ENcp1OGS7J-9hyYsJxvsecZRwt22wRbja4aWLsYyNdOV5pyIJ8wiMNKwo5WJerXdJ5ukOnkX23s9yjhNW4BN6DLzWItpFtJbie2wvgnuQrVy6rXVUu5yO/s400/IMG_8319.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veggie Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the long weekend, Rob and I went on a beautiful hike around the point with my son and one of my daughters. We enjoyed time together while still observing public health restrictions. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR22ZbpR-vbGKZEqzCdWyakGIZg_pqsDY0zwJe7h_0F8MoF1NSdjphOfsSkZZ8PuhXvEgL5c4Kh2noW2r4cMoM_iEO_0h8CEpQmYyVgInUc65JtF6HSVCfwGx-iCHmaDn-ySvcdFZ6aU1I/s1600/IMG_8291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR22ZbpR-vbGKZEqzCdWyakGIZg_pqsDY0zwJe7h_0F8MoF1NSdjphOfsSkZZ8PuhXvEgL5c4Kh2noW2r4cMoM_iEO_0h8CEpQmYyVgInUc65JtF6HSVCfwGx-iCHmaDn-ySvcdFZ6aU1I/s320/IMG_8291.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Son</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRpV3HdNj1_JWngS2X5hSVvENUFzzHTrT7Us5HnyshAHyU896PzxU24N0GQebHhoLHEvZGTfaPFmCED5sgN7xLIgfN2HN4N-2uPg82ram-hSZphVss-9Pl8HM58D5BGF9-juPIwMpMcJC/s1600/IMG_8290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRpV3HdNj1_JWngS2X5hSVvENUFzzHTrT7Us5HnyshAHyU896PzxU24N0GQebHhoLHEvZGTfaPFmCED5sgN7xLIgfN2HN4N-2uPg82ram-hSZphVss-9Pl8HM58D5BGF9-juPIwMpMcJC/s320/IMG_8290.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Daughter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Another way in which we have adapted is that Rob and I are going for more walks together. To celebrate our recent anniversary, we picked up take-out sushi and ate it at a picnic table in the park. Then we went for a lovely walk around the harbour.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qEB3SOVIz4yWFvti3LMReeIXQxwmPcJo1h-9NRoTq8vgntBKkYThkY7vjW7VClhX9KLD7sL4oYtGPaP5TIIInp7ngjWOUlCetFXf4WRLZWLjnHj8rJN_VrjxJTbLjnMFgYnYZE0xQ71S/s1600/IMG_8311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qEB3SOVIz4yWFvti3LMReeIXQxwmPcJo1h-9NRoTq8vgntBKkYThkY7vjW7VClhX9KLD7sL4oYtGPaP5TIIInp7ngjWOUlCetFXf4WRLZWLjnHj8rJN_VrjxJTbLjnMFgYnYZE0xQ71S/s400/IMG_8311.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Too Old for Selfies</td></tr>
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Settling in, adapting, moving on -- a good life.<br />
<br />Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-59745436238406934232020-05-02T17:40:00.000-07:002020-05-02T20:13:22.913-07:00Cooking My Way Through the PandemicFirst, a warning. Don't read this blog post right now if you're feeling hungry. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM_M0v7X5yX1lEj3fOy21SQ102AWhUsPjPTDFS2aeBHqgpk324wx62mEFobIeiwTOqeFZluP-1Fd5kPAINkPtzPD1jMursZiEZYb9wUqStPOiqmaPNchWNWR0uWpnQMtyVS5XfHASx69X/s1600/IMG_8035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM_M0v7X5yX1lEj3fOy21SQ102AWhUsPjPTDFS2aeBHqgpk324wx62mEFobIeiwTOqeFZluP-1Fd5kPAINkPtzPD1jMursZiEZYb9wUqStPOiqmaPNchWNWR0uWpnQMtyVS5XfHASx69X/s320/IMG_8035.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Piece of Salmon (Caught by Rob)</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDt94PkOepuAsDVogMHLUgMO4QEx-7FQZbMUyOscRZbhtXRcQDOSN01MozuYW3Cv85wiFjmDl0Gbw474NUtuylWUWsoC52u6X-zW7twVTQYRsQNfj4Q-i-G9sPqUCM7zyIBsgyllioqpT/s1600/IMG_8094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDt94PkOepuAsDVogMHLUgMO4QEx-7FQZbMUyOscRZbhtXRcQDOSN01MozuYW3Cv85wiFjmDl0Gbw474NUtuylWUWsoC52u6X-zW7twVTQYRsQNfj4Q-i-G9sPqUCM7zyIBsgyllioqpT/s320/IMG_8094.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Stuffed with Cheese & Sun-dried Tomato</td></tr>
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<h4>
Cooking and Me </h4>
I have always enjoyed cooking. It all started with baking. Somewhere in the family photo album, there's a picture of me around age 6 or 7 proudly displaying a cake I'd made in my Easy Bake Oven, a toy oven that was popular in the 1960's. My mom baked a lot, and she taught me to make cookies, cakes, and squares from scratch long before I took my one and only home economics class in Grade eight.<br />
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I helped with the cooking as a teenager, When I moved into my first apartment at age 20 after enduring three years of horrible university residence food, I embraced cooking and home meal planning with zest. I took a natural foods cooking course. "Natural foods" is what we called vegetarian cooking back in the 1970's, and the emphasis was on organic unrefined whole foods. I joined a food coop. I learned to make granola and bread. I went on to learn to preserve foods, and made a lot of jam, jelly, pickles, and canned fruit over the years.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGF4OLhDzdKg5WseSqVtmfl4nfoG2HKOplVIP9T9WXGtV-bVxbks3pLWAGnmY1YQ8yjXU4l6aAGgr3in5V-n5Qq4Jv5ocvx7AMcaGNTD6QGxKKNn0b-Zbz5PUSRruDnkiLY-bOu268IhP/s1600/IMG_8220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGF4OLhDzdKg5WseSqVtmfl4nfoG2HKOplVIP9T9WXGtV-bVxbks3pLWAGnmY1YQ8yjXU4l6aAGgr3in5V-n5Qq4Jv5ocvx7AMcaGNTD6QGxKKNn0b-Zbz5PUSRruDnkiLY-bOu268IhP/s320/IMG_8220.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's Pie Crust Recipe in her Handwriting</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg991dOEq0Og8tReme9mHTPycR4NQTPz0JYJFEAqo04wXet1IM4NAQzwAet_jIGkPbzgTecPpkTtwWYIiQOjDjhkusB1BMCzE2RqhGkyQS4XMAsUkC-JljZ6sEsohnWFnzQBI9yahocnMuk/s1600/IMG_8221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg991dOEq0Og8tReme9mHTPycR4NQTPz0JYJFEAqo04wXet1IM4NAQzwAet_jIGkPbzgTecPpkTtwWYIiQOjDjhkusB1BMCzE2RqhGkyQS4XMAsUkC-JljZ6sEsohnWFnzQBI9yahocnMuk/s320/IMG_8221.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Cookbooks</td></tr>
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I've collected a bookshelf full of cookbooks. As well, I have two thick folders of recipes that I've clipped out of newspapers, been given by friends, copied out by hand from somewhere, or developed myself and written down.<br />
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Most of the time these days, I invent meals as I cook them, without following a recipe. When I do use a recipe, I usually refer to one of my old standbys. Or, I look up recipes on the Internet and adapt them.<br />
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This past year, I lost enthusiasm for cooking. I don't know why, but I became bored with it. Except for a brief <a href="https://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-family-christmas.html" target="_blank">flurry of cooking</a> around Christmas, when my son and two of my brothers came to stay with us for a few days, and when I volunteered to plan a community Christmas dinner for 60 people and cook it with the help of my service club, our meals became rather ho-hum.<br />
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The pandemic changed all that. Over the past six weeks I have been cooking and creating all manner of things in the kitchen. The photos above of the baked salmon and of the stuffed chicken breasts are two examples of my cooking efforts.<br />
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<h4>
Turkey For Two</h4>
When Easter came along this year, I felt sad. Usually we have a big family dinner. We all get together and visit and feast. Our service club hosts an Easter Egg Hunt for the community, which my grandsons love to participate in. But, as we were sheltering in place, we couldn't be with our family to follow our usual tradition. <br />
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I decided to make turkey for our Easter dinner anyways, just for the two of us. I purchased the smallest turkey I could find and stuffed it and roasted it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKneUmhcSaeDnVguyrpCRqB3MJ9LxLGvprDy9cOSOH60C_qnsCm1pzXBT2RTQZ1HVZeVrD_SovXi23OHCRbPQPfbkV1rCkqj3J2FLS_uTUNgR3fNlfgSGImPl4HG-B_DO9k-F___wqYheN/s1600/IMG_8132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKneUmhcSaeDnVguyrpCRqB3MJ9LxLGvprDy9cOSOH60C_qnsCm1pzXBT2RTQZ1HVZeVrD_SovXi23OHCRbPQPfbkV1rCkqj3J2FLS_uTUNgR3fNlfgSGImPl4HG-B_DO9k-F___wqYheN/s400/IMG_8132.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roast Turkey</td></tr>
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When you look at the photo, don't be fooled by the bare drumsticks. It might have been the juiciest, most delicious turkey I've ever made.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwD01ekvfHLpPeobk4n9aeXrFsJUineoK5UASQSG0igzdGxHmvE-fOXFOPFhM1PIrUat8HBc7xUvTOb0IcrraLjQ_b9HWTAyXlXopGq5Aly4mxSzbOPM0rFqFJk5le68EYi8XNLTB2_n_w/s1600/IMG_8134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwD01ekvfHLpPeobk4n9aeXrFsJUineoK5UASQSG0igzdGxHmvE-fOXFOPFhM1PIrUat8HBc7xUvTOb0IcrraLjQ_b9HWTAyXlXopGq5Aly4mxSzbOPM0rFqFJk5le68EYi8XNLTB2_n_w/s400/IMG_8134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey Dinner for Two</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9u0jykLxMxOdOPDaQU2q0pIUfckz7v_574Gif1Qf0MFuad0X0hfCA530OcODp5ELwN5OqyWXwI0cPdwcxCUKJwed7GbICrqCzxV03fuExNRxa6-p3g7XWI2XKICKqO9F_ih_H5GMEoqi/s1600/IMG_8136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9u0jykLxMxOdOPDaQU2q0pIUfckz7v_574Gif1Qf0MFuad0X0hfCA530OcODp5ELwN5OqyWXwI0cPdwcxCUKJwed7GbICrqCzxV03fuExNRxa6-p3g7XWI2XKICKqO9F_ih_H5GMEoqi/s400/IMG_8136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey Dinner Close-up</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyNcEcj3n7CXDB7Pa737SPlOC1Ft_2GhR3z0W8XboPNZbDU1IBGX9MOjkZnHKvMoG47VcPLVC9iXSgzfSiFCY6IdVX7K4jcBZd0uN8wgul0lwapa88yJhws8y2rmszS_whsD6lSBPPamH/s1600/IMG_8137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyNcEcj3n7CXDB7Pa737SPlOC1Ft_2GhR3z0W8XboPNZbDU1IBGX9MOjkZnHKvMoG47VcPLVC9iXSgzfSiFCY6IdVX7K4jcBZd0uN8wgul0lwapa88yJhws8y2rmszS_whsD6lSBPPamH/s320/IMG_8137.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob Adds Gravy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLuR2KP1eyXrfGh0MFc_8At2C_SYH-86sqAWD0SOGPX2WHlHq16_eDb3LNVYQXdpqCIprbMcbgtgllQBOAHoQUUX51hOkMslJX8najlUBcVaAuD5WZc0CkB3wpe-K4QEGPXgNQ2Cs5Qll/s1600/IMG_8209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLuR2KP1eyXrfGh0MFc_8At2C_SYH-86sqAWD0SOGPX2WHlHq16_eDb3LNVYQXdpqCIprbMcbgtgllQBOAHoQUUX51hOkMslJX8najlUBcVaAuD5WZc0CkB3wpe-K4QEGPXgNQ2Cs5Qll/s320/IMG_8209.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey Pie</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ9OJIl6R2klNY2kwzwebYmpMmwQzhSXHd7svHL2XL1Xwc6w7jfdf7z_JMPtTnQqi0JiuZeQSnHuquJYCRZ8jgj8ohoaSs4TJb-xgHnwP3vCw1TdlsOSssw0jHIMbuwKbhOaqGwBm5KQZ/s1600/IMG_8131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ9OJIl6R2klNY2kwzwebYmpMmwQzhSXHd7svHL2XL1Xwc6w7jfdf7z_JMPtTnQqi0JiuZeQSnHuquJYCRZ8jgj8ohoaSs4TJb-xgHnwP3vCw1TdlsOSssw0jHIMbuwKbhOaqGwBm5KQZ/s400/IMG_8131.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Berry Pies</td></tr>
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I baked two mixed berry pies, one for us and one for my daughter's family. We did a pie drop-off the day before Easter. Perhaps we couldn't all spend the day together, but at least they had dessert for their Easter dinner. This pie has previously made an appearance <a href="https://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2020/04/learning-to-let-it-be.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Of course we couldn't eat the whole turkey, so I froze much of the meat, and the bones for stock. This week, I used some of the frozen turkey meat to make a turkey pie. I still have lots left for soup.<br />
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<h4>
Indian Curries</h4>
Last week, I also made a vegetarian chick pea and vegetable curry. The next day, we ate the rest of the vegetable curry along with some homemade chicken korma. A couple of years ago, my step-daughter gave me a great little cookbook, pictured below. I invested in some good Indian spices and learned to make my curries from scratch.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKwNNTe_c41YIzdapapLAUWma_dSXUQ9IEsPNcc-HZkZwqK0GVFEnNb1zFCaJOUorQC3-T0PsABDmXe3Ye3zU31PWzGomKkV2CCqlmSWYIicPKbk4v9bF8z0hKHhHvPY-fX8AiNo7HpJE/s1600/IMG_8219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKwNNTe_c41YIzdapapLAUWma_dSXUQ9IEsPNcc-HZkZwqK0GVFEnNb1zFCaJOUorQC3-T0PsABDmXe3Ye3zU31PWzGomKkV2CCqlmSWYIicPKbk4v9bF8z0hKHhHvPY-fX8AiNo7HpJE/s320/IMG_8219.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curry Cookbook</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz45IUklWiuYpS10hVDrLy21pkRnOczgrtJ93SNBGc_YZhr-ENjkBTybLr4gX4xjrYCJpbiv0bSzOya-gvJeHaxI3RB2mphZWIwtdUCxGv-vLsjcStQ545lxfmY-hdCQPnHK-6OKBAH4s8/s1600/IMG_8206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz45IUklWiuYpS10hVDrLy21pkRnOczgrtJ93SNBGc_YZhr-ENjkBTybLr4gX4xjrYCJpbiv0bSzOya-gvJeHaxI3RB2mphZWIwtdUCxGv-vLsjcStQ545lxfmY-hdCQPnHK-6OKBAH4s8/s320/IMG_8206.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Korma, Vegetable Curry, & Rice</td></tr>
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<h4>
Last Words</h4>
Rob is an appreciative diner, and therefore a delight to cook for. He cooks sometimes too. He likes to make pancake breakfasts for us on weekends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcncFgGp72B_HQSb6TKJ720-i3ozo_RQEHlOzYs5BADLveDmJzaM5VLoEZ4pCBLVcX6HLfjfz0GeeDguJj76dDWLoPNqOn-lPxqaNdLjAtlnKgJkMNlgIK6XuJYzKvymS25oWsMv6VblM2/s1600/IMG_8048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcncFgGp72B_HQSb6TKJ720-i3ozo_RQEHlOzYs5BADLveDmJzaM5VLoEZ4pCBLVcX6HLfjfz0GeeDguJj76dDWLoPNqOn-lPxqaNdLjAtlnKgJkMNlgIK6XuJYzKvymS25oWsMv6VblM2/s400/IMG_8048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1o6ZO8kvbRJB8Hqz_MMdcvag51RFX-y1zNpRlglqBUIEePZ-723TYWE8mgLvFsgML46rdJrwjAomVbKDF_VlEUZe1li-u4XfR6KAwRI3sI19WR-Wcfn_j11-4U0lfVXoo4vk0LIeAZPX/s1600/IMG_8071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1o6ZO8kvbRJB8Hqz_MMdcvag51RFX-y1zNpRlglqBUIEePZ-723TYWE8mgLvFsgML46rdJrwjAomVbKDF_VlEUZe1li-u4XfR6KAwRI3sI19WR-Wcfn_j11-4U0lfVXoo4vk0LIeAZPX/s200/IMG_8071.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil's Food Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just in case you're not yet hungry, I've included a picture of a devil's food chocolate cake. I originally got the recipe from a community cookbook and have been making it for 55 years.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, my desire to cook will still be with me when we're finally able to have guests for dinner again. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-87564887142712072592020-04-19T00:40:00.000-07:002020-05-02T20:17:11.972-07:00Learning to Let it Be<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOw1B4wnLFTMXGOd8Wh53rUHC_R4y-8EeiBqCypQpl07j9kTpVWBmMeGsNhjlqPlkd7q_bgxQck6u0fGNIFCnrqqCyDtgzgUqpCrNxMg87hLhswxn0tLGm1ize6q2JsWdAg2m_074Uwvbj/s1600/IMG_8140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOw1B4wnLFTMXGOd8Wh53rUHC_R4y-8EeiBqCypQpl07j9kTpVWBmMeGsNhjlqPlkd7q_bgxQck6u0fGNIFCnrqqCyDtgzgUqpCrNxMg87hLhswxn0tLGm1ize6q2JsWdAg2m_074Uwvbj/s400/IMG_8140.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnolia Blooms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRGQwj6qK2z4XIOu8kPzExEHP687_Ht9jfw5ZO9dNDQA5P-kVNr0WSfdsOdjJX-PobWjmfPIEOzrpkxCcJhe3YZZJvhgQKt6GRpoDbQfkyGLlpn7fcU9pPHdEwjD_fLMhxqZA70OZM57X/s1600/IMG_8155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRGQwj6qK2z4XIOu8kPzExEHP687_Ht9jfw5ZO9dNDQA5P-kVNr0WSfdsOdjJX-PobWjmfPIEOzrpkxCcJhe3YZZJvhgQKt6GRpoDbQfkyGLlpn7fcU9pPHdEwjD_fLMhxqZA70OZM57X/s320/IMG_8155.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stay the Course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today is our 33rd day of staying home, sheltering in place. It's been almost five weeks. <br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Societal Lessons</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
This pandemic has had some lessons to teach us. At the the broader societal level, we have been learning that: <br />
<ul>
<li>To have a good life, our close relationships and other human connections matter most of all -- more than engaging work, personal accomplishments, material acquisitions, or fun activities. </li>
<li>Essential workers, especially health care workers, have become our everyday heroes. They are ordinary people doing their jobs in extraordinary circumstances. They have reached deep inside and found the courage and faith to keep going, taking care of us all by making sure we have groceries, caring for the elderly and treating the ill, even while risking their own health and lives. When called upon, will each of us find our own inner hero?</li>
<li>Leadership really matters. COVID-19 has shown us that the difference between good and poor leadership can be and presently is a matter of life and death. So we need to choose our leaders wisely.</li>
<li>We are interconnected, globally. "Globalization" has been a buzz word for decades, but now we are learning what it really means. The disease transmission process demonstrates how people in each city, country, or continent affect each other. If people across the border from you have the coronavirus (or people on the next continent), it is only a matter of time until your city (or continent) has it too. To address it effectively, we have to work together across our communities and worldwide, supporting the "have-nots" as well as the "haves." We can apply this same insight about inter-connectivity to worldwide economics, food-security, and climate change. </li>
</ul>
<h4>
Personal Lessons</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOusR_OmPCdIP9EI9DLmo24lNlifzVGe5qJ6SosDvQxvc4kexPiowAj2n2PT_8lkKpejsm3g9hOYZGRF8YPVINh3BUDGXUyc9p6W9vSefAgyAj476N64nl6uWydI8z50O1-lCvB6_QEit/s1600/IMG_8161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOusR_OmPCdIP9EI9DLmo24lNlifzVGe5qJ6SosDvQxvc4kexPiowAj2n2PT_8lkKpejsm3g9hOYZGRF8YPVINh3BUDGXUyc9p6W9vSefAgyAj476N64nl6uWydI8z50O1-lCvB6_QEit/s320/IMG_8161.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trillium on Today's Hike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pandemic also has been teaching me some lessons at a personal level. The biggest lesson I have been learning is to "Let it Be."<br />
<br />
All my life, I have been achievement-oriented -- a doer. I have approached life at full tilt, a ball of energy. I have no patience whatsoever, and have always felt that I must spend every moment of my life <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2017/03/re-imagining-life.html" target="_blank">doing something productive</a>. (On the plus side, I'm never bored.)<br />
<br />
As you can imagine, I'm not very "zen." My greatest struggle in trying to learn to meditate is to make myself sit still "wasting time" doing "nothing" when I could be doing something productive.<br />
<br />
My approach to life made the decision to retire difficult for me. <br />
<br />
I retired in stages. The first part of the process lasted a year or two, and during it I agonized about <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2016/06/poster-boy-for-happy-retirement.html" target="_blank">whether and when to retire</a>. Finally, I decided to step down from my role as an administrator (which was very <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2018/04/how-i-tricked-myself-into-retiring.html" target="_blank">stressful</a> and causing negative health consequences), but without actually retiring. I planned to transition back to a teaching role after a year of earned sabbatical leave. Halfway through my sabbatical year, I realized I was, in fact, <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/2017/01/wrote-letter-set-date.html" target="_blank">ready to retire</a>. I've now been retired for almost three years. <br />
<br />
I have included several links to blog posts I wrote back then tracking my thought process about retiring. I found it very hard to let go of my work. What I did everyday seemed to be core to who I was. When I was no longer working productively, who would I be?<br />
<br />
As it turned out, I <a href="http://gideonsockpuppet.blogspot.com/search/label/balance?updated-max=2018-08-06T18:22:00-07:00&max-results=20&start=8&by-date=false" target="_blank">love being retired</a>. I discovered I was still me, and that my work did not define who I was.<br />
<br />
But, I brought my characteristic energy and work ethic to retirement and immediately joined a whole bunch of groups and organizations. Before I knew it, I once again had a calendar full of meetings and other commitments. Yes, the meetings were about things that I like to do -- art, writing, community volunteer work, social gatherings, exercise activities, book club, academic writing projects, and so on. It was nothing like the grueling long hours of work I used to do. But still, I no longer had many unscheduled chunks of time left. I was being productive -- all the time. I was also beating myself up for not doing even more. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWdIbwVhBQNYpC9te_2zSp1rahq3ff9iXTRS_86sG2xUKKZweV8UotEOw0rxBm8dVVVOpVi7NflQNFxUPqepy4JbEvFzV58ML1vRdolFDzPpKo-WSytMgBVZ9SvCahzNyzSQKAJy3aUSi/s1600/IMG_8150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWdIbwVhBQNYpC9te_2zSp1rahq3ff9iXTRS_86sG2xUKKZweV8UotEOw0rxBm8dVVVOpVi7NflQNFxUPqepy4JbEvFzV58ML1vRdolFDzPpKo-WSytMgBVZ9SvCahzNyzSQKAJy3aUSi/s400/IMG_8150.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manicotti stuffed with Spinach and Cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddlB-R9MPoyNjq8XggmopZp_CgWph1-RlfIkSVEU248xH-v9xP_W2JKluPCZ60_nn_iLdh4DhQTkSG1HSeduy2QZXEE7_XCeEIobY5OPofm_j_NNHa_Jpr80VgGutGp4ok0qSonf4NfW7/s1600/IMG_8139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddlB-R9MPoyNjq8XggmopZp_CgWph1-RlfIkSVEU248xH-v9xP_W2JKluPCZ60_nn_iLdh4DhQTkSG1HSeduy2QZXEE7_XCeEIobY5OPofm_j_NNHa_Jpr80VgGutGp4ok0qSonf4NfW7/s320/IMG_8139.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Berry Pie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Staying at home because of the pandemic has given me a second chance to retire. Everything disappeared from my calendar. I am finding out what it is like to just be rather than to always do. I haven't had time like this to let it be since I was a child. <br />
<br />
I've discovered that I love just puttering in the garden or in the kitchen. It is peaceful to have unscheduled contemplative days. Although I have appreciated zoom conferencing weekly with my yoga class and my blogging buddies, and monthly with my book club and my writers' group, I've resisted adding any more conferences into my days.<br />
<br />
It no longer matters if it's Monday or Saturday. I don't have to go anywhere. I can just hang out at home, and go for a walk if the mood strikes. I'm no longer personally responsible for single-handedly solving climate change, or for writing the defining book of the century, and that's okay.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_7Kayjv-EzpWoHCEmqw3Ok0O5q4ZpjEDl-KN-Tit-Z7N9B6bDfRpWQMuvJ2ws7DRd4su-yMU9vdJ7Rlq60pUv6ihpkZrpUxBrp65_GP86-4QsW42C3xoPAZ1iJXDrKtNKKSAm94Oa7mj/s1600/IMG_8148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_7Kayjv-EzpWoHCEmqw3Ok0O5q4ZpjEDl-KN-Tit-Z7N9B6bDfRpWQMuvJ2ws7DRd4su-yMU9vdJ7Rlq60pUv6ihpkZrpUxBrp65_GP86-4QsW42C3xoPAZ1iJXDrKtNKKSAm94Oa7mj/s400/IMG_8148.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoom Session with Blogging Buddies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDYfEBY9NM4" target="_blank">Let it be</a>. <br />
<br />Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-45593687552136409272020-04-10T21:30:00.001-07:002020-05-02T20:17:33.684-07:00Reasons to Feel Grateful<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8qJ7zX23W0zTVnkjIwzUU_adnRguzkkZ_SZgBQjKtaYM_pGVNAjOuARU_QxnYUnptBrARCvYgjwrfCpDmJizQkamAMT1yAym43pCY2Dq_SbLbfMvzGO_RlxFzoxXhV_86F30QoTzQ4U9/s1600/IMG_8102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8qJ7zX23W0zTVnkjIwzUU_adnRguzkkZ_SZgBQjKtaYM_pGVNAjOuARU_QxnYUnptBrARCvYgjwrfCpDmJizQkamAMT1yAym43pCY2Dq_SbLbfMvzGO_RlxFzoxXhV_86F30QoTzQ4U9/s400/IMG_8102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Trail Down Notch Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today is Day 25 of our self-isolation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, like so many people around the world, Rob and I have been staying home, not seeing friends or family. Our trips away from home have been limited -- twice to buy groceries, once to get pet food, once to the liquor store, once to the vet, and twice to pick up takeout food. Three times people have dropped something off for us, and twice we've gone out to drop something off for others. We walk on the streets and trails near home, stop and chat with people while physically distancing, and otherwise stay home.<br />
<br />
<b>Lethargy</b><br />
<br />
I was on a Zoom conference with some blogging buddies the other day, and when we went around the screen talking about our highs and lows of the week, a number of us said something quite similar. We felt lethargic, glum, blue, flat, anxious, and discouraged. We lacked energy and motivation to accomplish much of anything.<br />
<br />
It is understandable that we feel anxious, scared, and unable to focus. Just about everything in our lives has suddenly changed. Even for those of us who haven't been personally touched by the disease (yet), we are affected by the grim death tolls around the world, and are afraid of dying or of loved ones dying.<br />
<br />
Yet, even in these difficult times, we have so much to be grateful for.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Capable Leaders</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
I am so grateful to live here in Canada, where our health experts and politicians have done a very good job of managing the response to the COVID-19 crisis. Our federal, provincial, and municipal politicians have, for the most part, put partisan politics aside. They have worked together to address the pandemic by putting policies and support programs in place and moving resources to wherever they are most needed.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia82frvgzTmVaopgcHKgJt8XtEGo03xvsSiBj062JBD9DurvQF5ht3a6P8UADdJfRUm21GKJuB8g9I98uK57umSguIrbuLhP7qIKp55mYl7vTa8ued6tL1bGIN_YMzNhnT7l8nurRZ3J2q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-04-10+at+9.02.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="422" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia82frvgzTmVaopgcHKgJt8XtEGo03xvsSiBj062JBD9DurvQF5ht3a6P8UADdJfRUm21GKJuB8g9I98uK57umSguIrbuLhP7qIKp55mYl7vTa8ued6tL1bGIN_YMzNhnT7l8nurRZ3J2q/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-04-10+at+9.02.41+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Bonnie Henry, screenshot from Global News <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs_e5PWcw-0" target="_blank">Town Hall</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In particular, I'm impressed with Dr. Bonnie Henry, our Provincial Health Officer here in BC. She and the Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, provide a daily briefing to British Columbians. They are clear, transparent, and consistent in their communications, and publish the health orders, ongoing statistics, and epidemic planning models on the BC Centre for Disease Control <a href="http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19" target="_blank">website </a>for all to look at. They devote a significant part of each briefing to taking questions, and they answer the questions honestly and as thoroughly as they can, expressing genuine emotions.<br />
<br />
Dr. Henry calls upon all of us to be kind, and to do our part. Although her orders in this emergency are the law and she has the authority to enforce them, she appeals instead to our human decency and our desire to do the right thing to protect our families and communities. And British Columbians are rising to the occasion and following her health orders. Because of it, we are starting to see our epi-curve flatten. Our cumulative number of deaths in BC thus far has been low. <br />
<br />
Bonnie Henry is a leader we all can look to with gratitude. Phil Dwyer of Vancouver Island has written a ballad about her that you can listen to by clicking this link: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/phil-dwyer-music-inc/the-ballad-of-bonnie-henry" target="_blank">The Ballad of Bonnie Henry</a>. This <a href="https://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/island-musician-scores-a-hit-with-ballad-of-bonnie-henry-1.24114211" target="_blank">newspaper article</a> explains how the songwriter wrote the song and had it recorded. <br />
<br />
A final point that I'll make about our situation is that our good leadership did not occur by accident. It happened before COVID-19. We voted for decent people who put their civic duty ahead of self-serving aims. As a country, we have invested in universal healthcare, and paid taxes to fund pandemic planning long before this pandemic became a reality. As a country, we have invested in equitable education for all. A populace that has good critical thinking skills is more likely to support and trust their scientists and other experts, and therefore to be well-placed to respond in a community-minded way when a crisis occurs. I am glad I live where I do.<br />
<br />
<h4>
A Glorious Spring</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9kNATzBvH7M7Y1m2TQaCkbdScTXw08MP7hirIRlpatCBNG49g_Ngp9LLPcC16fJ8D7mSSC7zXwB6cd0UaL6vTXLRExVymLUhiPyu0sXEELOx8q4LYc50Oi45qEgbqBLTTSrSIvhw5wvY/s1600/IMG_8032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9kNATzBvH7M7Y1m2TQaCkbdScTXw08MP7hirIRlpatCBNG49g_Ngp9LLPcC16fJ8D7mSSC7zXwB6cd0UaL6vTXLRExVymLUhiPyu0sXEELOx8q4LYc50Oi45qEgbqBLTTSrSIvhw5wvY/s200/IMG_8032.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildflower by the Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love springtime, as the trees begin to bud, the wild flowers start to bloom, and the birds and bumblebees return to our yard. The hummingbirds are in the blossoms, the eagles are wheeling overhead, and every evening the frogs in the nearby wetlands sing, making an amazing racket.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpM-9fOgNVPZLXB3bv-UCyMXlXaAg_NRRAHrOf_J7yMPb6lf1sJ0g1-fssyAOOVWRp4UQZMi6rLyHE7JnO2a6JNKLpB01tmnJJuClpoExbzWdJY7VfWj79LPOkQ0Hh0OZddzcCJCIwLzrP/s1600/IMG_8008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpM-9fOgNVPZLXB3bv-UCyMXlXaAg_NRRAHrOf_J7yMPb6lf1sJ0g1-fssyAOOVWRp4UQZMi6rLyHE7JnO2a6JNKLpB01tmnJJuClpoExbzWdJY7VfWj79LPOkQ0Hh0OZddzcCJCIwLzrP/s200/IMG_8008.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocuses in March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have been especially lucky the last two weeks to have had lots of sunny days, and I have spent hours and hours out in the garden. I have dug up and planted a small vegetable plot. I have transplanted some shrubs, added more flowers to my spring garden, done lots of yard cleanup, turned over the compost multiple times, and spent a lot of time weeding (although there's still much more to do).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBjc4rkhYanhLjjoPgSMwkkCPmBlu01b7sm8cZsXeWJbpqNMDOBFMlU3lLrLnBxX4dm8I3cpustBzmUJJQgRMNq_aJEDE9hmMP5BjxWJZ1mLeDnVvGPSwCSfAuxg5zGV8XcYSYlMDlyPy/s1600/IMG_8110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBjc4rkhYanhLjjoPgSMwkkCPmBlu01b7sm8cZsXeWJbpqNMDOBFMlU3lLrLnBxX4dm8I3cpustBzmUJJQgRMNq_aJEDE9hmMP5BjxWJZ1mLeDnVvGPSwCSfAuxg5zGV8XcYSYlMDlyPy/s320/IMG_8110.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnolia Tree</td></tr>
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The magnolia tree that I planted last year is blooming. The first of the rhododendron bushes burst into bloom today. I have really been enjoying gardening, and also my forest walks.<br />
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<b>Staying Connected</b><br />
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One of the really hard parts of having to stay home is not being able to see people. I miss my kids and grand-kids a lot. Normally on Easter weekend, we would all be getting together and sharing a big dinner. I miss my friends, and all the people in the community that I usually see through volunteer work or in my book club, writers' group, art group, yoga class, and so on.<br />
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But at the same time, we have been reaching out to each other and staying connected in other ways. I have been making use of good old-fashioned telephone calls, especially to check in with my kids. I have zoom-conferenced with various groups, including my yoga class. I've messaged with my two older grandsons, and read stories to the grand-kids via FaceTime. I went for a physically distanced walk with my daughter. A screen is no substitute for being with people in person, but it has sure thrown into sharp relief what really matters in life -- the people you love, friends, and community. I'm grateful for the ways we are finding to stay connected. As for sheltering in place, as it turns out, Rob is a pretty good companion to spend my days with.<br />
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What are you feeling grateful for?Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2137356124184306084.post-10074437267456022302020-03-31T23:40:00.002-07:002020-05-02T20:17:33.544-07:00When the Cracks Start to Show<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpQhyMi7FvENOnoGrb0GYvESIhErno28h-q_OgAwXgESavdizT_Oc3KVANiuM_cFmOQsI1M_aGLC8YkcVAytJD4XE-t83gKaVtaJq1CBvqoNdny-vVjhYJ-IJmF5TUizlGTcGCcP7m5mv/s1600/cement-crack-wall-texture-background-260nw-1154664865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="433" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpQhyMi7FvENOnoGrb0GYvESIhErno28h-q_OgAwXgESavdizT_Oc3KVANiuM_cFmOQsI1M_aGLC8YkcVAytJD4XE-t83gKaVtaJq1CBvqoNdny-vVjhYJ-IJmF5TUizlGTcGCcP7m5mv/s400/cement-crack-wall-texture-background-260nw-1154664865.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cracks Appearing*</td></tr>
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Like many of you, dear readers, I am sheltering in place as ordered by our provincial Public Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. Rob and I closed our doors starting the afternoon of Monday, March 16. Since that time more than two weeks ago, we have both stayed home. I went out once a few days ago to buy some groceries and Rob went out yesterday to buy pet food. We picked up takeout food on Saturday. (At least I think it was Saturday. All the days and dates have become a blur.)<br />
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Other than that we haven't left home and our immediate neighbourhood. We haven't seen friends or family members.<br />
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We are very fortunate in that we are both retired, and therefore not worried about having to work or about loss of pay. We have a roomy home and yard, and because we live in a semi-rural area, we can walk on the streets and trails nearby, seldom encountering anyone. <br />
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Also, we are both people with many solitary interests. During normal times, neither of us has any difficulty entertaining ourselves for hours and days at a time, for example, me with writing, reading, gardening, and academic work, and Rob with woodworking, reading, outdoor projects, and watching movies.<br />
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And yet.<br />
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These are not normal times. We are living through a cataclysmic event affecting the whole world -- a pandemic. There is an ongoing media barrage showing us the mounting number of cases and deaths around the world. It is frightening as we contemplate the extent of human suffering; worry about health care workers, family, and vulnerable friends; and wonder whether our own lives are at risk.<br />
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I have found it hard to pull myself away from reading and watching coronavirus news stories. I have an irrational feeling that if I'm not tracking the news constantly, it will get worse the minute I look away.<br />
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Witnessing the progress of the pandemic, while also being sequestered at home and having all of our usual activities come to a halt, is stressful. It's also hard on relationships, and on individual mental well-being.<br />
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J.P. Sears recently posted a funny video called <i>How to Destroy Your Relationship During the Quarantine</i>, which you can watch by clicking <a href="https://youtu.be/FQ2U870PVj8" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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The video is funny, but the stresses on relationships are real.<br />
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Parents staying at home with children who are not in school or daycare may be trying to work from home while also finding ways to keep the kids who have been cut off from their friends and usual activities engaged, or at least not fighting with each other. Grandparents who otherwise could provide respite are in the demographic most at risk from the virus.<br />
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Children absorbing bits of the news may be anxious and fearful, and express their feelings by acting out.<br />
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Young people who are dating but not living in the same household may be struggling to hold their relationship together or tempted to ignore physical distancing.<br />
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The sandwich generation may be worried sick about their elderly parents on the one hand and their kids and jobs on the other. <br />
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Couples may find that the texture of their relationship has changed. Many of the activities and routines they enjoyed together are no longer available. Each may be responding to the crisis in a different way, or be in a different stage of coping. For example, one may be in avoidance mode while the other is seeking extra closeness and reassurance. Or one may be full of plans for new activities while the other can't drag him/herself off the couch.<br />
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The stresses can be extreme when struggling to work from home, or if a loved one is ill, or if the financial consequences for the family are dire, or if one or both are health care workers or in another essential service that puts them at greater risk.<br />
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People who already live alone may find self isolating especially hard, as their usual social resources are no longer available. <br />
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The little voice in the head might start saying things like:<br />
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I've discovered I actually don't like my family at all.<br />
Why can't these little fiends give me even one single minute of peace and quiet?<br />
He/she spends every single minute staring at their computer and doesn't even talk to me.<br />
We have nothing in common.<br />
He/she turns everything into a big emotional drama that is all about him/herself.<br />
What's wrong with me -- I can't concentrate on anything!<br />
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It's normal to feel strong emotions during a crisis situation like this. And, as strange as it may seem, the challenges we are all facing present an opportunity.<br />
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We have the opportunity to be kind to ourselves and to be kind to each other. We have the opportunity to open up to each other and deepen the relationship with our partner in ways we may not take the time for during our regular schedule. We have the opportunity to really enjoy being with our family members rather than passing like ships in the night as each one races off to work, school, or other activities. Children have an opportunity to learn to be more considerate of their parents and to develop a more caring relationship with their siblings. We all have an opportunity to reach out to people we know, and especially to people who may be lonely or in need of extra support.<br />
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With a heightened sense of the value of life we have now that our mortality is staring us in the face, each one of us can pause and take a long look at this beautiful planet we inhabit and be grateful for the life all around us right now. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWS2lyY3k9ugwkPAps9JuZkMKq1yb6wtgYoT2gq1hvNbl-AubKIgl2AgaHv8uGg6-K4Rtjg5e-e_vBoIgu6hm2XSlPId4GAxEqcWoAXPEKxD1LG-yHj8XbJnRRTc2BtQwZW4NktwhrslF/s1600/purple-flower-growing-on-crack-260nw-776381272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="390" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWS2lyY3k9ugwkPAps9JuZkMKq1yb6wtgYoT2gq1hvNbl-AubKIgl2AgaHv8uGg6-K4Rtjg5e-e_vBoIgu6hm2XSlPId4GAxEqcWoAXPEKxD1LG-yHj8XbJnRRTc2BtQwZW4NktwhrslF/s400/purple-flower-growing-on-crack-260nw-776381272.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life and Creativity Thrive in Cracks*</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Photos are free Shutterstock images from pixabay.com. </span><br />
<br />Dr Sock http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.com28