Until recently I’ve been in a deep funk. This Covid 19 pandemic is dragging on, and on, with no end in sight. This past summer we experienced another depressing season of wildfires and choking smoke, reminding me that our planet is crying in crisis. I’ve been reflecting on whether global warming can even be reversed at this stage and it weighs heavy on my chest, like a hopeless stone.
Little things have been happening though, like small electric shock treatments clearing the dark fog from my brain. Another of those happened this past weekend. It was supposedly a Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. I have to say that I can’t feel very thankful however for how our country has and continues to treat our indigenous people. Instead of celebrating Thanksgiving this year, we chose to welcome fall into our midst. We also celebrated my husband David’s birthday.
This year his birthday fell on Saturday, October 9th, 2021. While he and our our oldest daughter Alyssa, and our three younger kids. Will, Kate and Victoria went for a long walk through our nearby Kalamalka Provincial Park, I stayed home making a four layer, chocolate cake which I call, “Tall, Dark, and Handsome.”
For two hours, I was home with just our Siamese cat Ryuuki, who was curled up, sleeping on the window seat in our kitchen. Other than the whirring noise from our mixer, our house was still and quiet. In the silence, it occurred to me that I’m seldom alone these days. David started working from home two years ago, when he and his partner bought their engineering company. Every day I hear him in our den participating in Zoom meetings and looking intently at the drawings on his computer. He has jobs all over B.C, Alberta, Saskatchewan and they even have a job down in Alabama. The project manager working down there calls it,”the Red Neck Riviera.” Long before vaccines were being rolled out here in Canada, they were readily available at any pharmacy down there but the majority of the population refused to be vaccinated. They claimed there was a government conspiracy to control the south and tracking devices were in the vaccine. David always comes out of his office at the end of the day full of interesting stories, even though he never leaves the house.
Anyway, as I was icing Tall, Dark and Handsome, I wondered if the lack of alone time was perhaps the cause of my slow funk into oblivion. I’m one of those people who likes their own company and I tend to be an introverted person, so perhaps this was the reason for my current mental state. Or it could be that everyone but me has a useful purpose. David heads into the den each morning and is our main breadwinner. Our older daughter Grace is enrolled in University and even though she is largely taking those classes from her bedroom, she has a life. Our younger children, Will, Kate and Tori are now back to school and are busy members of the Kokanee swim club. Also, they have their respective music lessons and instruments to practice. I have the endless task of doing laundry, and other chores like icing this cake. With this thought, I finished the cake, topping it with luscious, maraschino cherries and sparkly white sprinkles.
While wrapping David’s birthday gifts, I started to relax into the quiet, breathing in the peace of our home. Once all the presents were wrapped, I whipped through the house straightening things and when everything was done, I sat next to Yuuki on the window seat, sipping some peppermint tea and stroking his soft fur. Someone was wind surfing on Kal Lake below our house, and the colourful sails flew across the white caps without a care in the world. Just as I was wondering whether David and the kids were ever going to come home, I heard the rolling hum of our garage door opener. Moments later, noisy, rosy, red cheeked children spilled into the kitchen. My tall husband, his brown hair messy from the wind, smiled at me. He poured a cup of coffee and the kids oohed and awed over the cake sitting on the counter. As they pulled out the hot chocolate and boiled some water, they talked over each other, telling me about all the sights and sounds from their walk. Each had their own story to tell.
A little piece of gratitude flashed into my heart and I gave thanks for the perspective of quiet, and the joy of happy noise. Of course, the sight of Tall, Dark and Handsome didn’t hurt either…and I’m not talking about cake!
My tall, dark and handsome husband…David. (On his birthday October 9th 2021, Kal Park
Our oldest daughter Alyssa, out for a birthday walk at Kal Park
Will above, being silly. Our little tree huggers, Kate and Tori, below.
Tall, Dark and Handsome is just a double batch of my Rich Chocolate Cake recipe. If you want to make it, check out the previous hyperlink for the recipe…I often make it for Valentine’s day. If you are feeding a crowd this recipe with four layers will do it and then some.
Happy Fall….and Happy Birthday David!
Until we meet again, may you be well, happy and peaceful.
“In a world of more than seven billion people, each of us is a drop in the bucket. But with enough drops, we can fill any bucket.” ~David Suzuki~
The view from our upper deck on a brilliant early 2021 summer day. Is this simple blue colour going to be a thing of the past in the future?
Dear family, friends and blog readers,
Now that we are safely on the other side of summer and cooler days are with us, I’d like to take a moment to look back in the rear window, as we leave summer 2021 behind.
Summer of 2021 was the third worst wildfire season on record in our Province. Day after day we endured scorching hot weather. Smoky air, thick as pea soup, filled our lungs if we ventured outside. Every morning I woke hoping to see a little bit of blue sky, but most days heavy grey blankets of smoke covered our valley, making me feel claustrophobic, like being stuck in a box without a lid.
On our hottest days we often were visited by a deer or three. A few times we had a mom with her spotted twins. Being outside was like living in an oven but on the north side of our yard, under our Japanese Maple, there was a bit of relief.
A bit of history so we don’t forget; our 2021 wildfire season began officially when the George Road fire seven kilometres south of Lytton started on June 17th. While we were away on our first camping trip of the season, an oppressive heat dome covered our Province and we experienced record breaking temperature spikes. The plump ripe cherries ready for picking in our yard suddenly became dehydrated clumps in our trees and our strawberry plants, normally at their juiciest peak, were cooked to dry, brittle leaves.
Our cherry harvest totally destroyed by the early heat in July 2021
On June 28th, while we were camping, a Province wide campfire ban was declared and while we cooled off in Mabel lake, the little town of Lytton, the hottest place in Canada for three consecutive days, was destroyed by fire. Two people died in that fire.
During our week camping at the end of June and into early July 2021 a heat dome covered our Province and while we were staying cool in the mountains up at Mable Lake, wild fires erupted everywhere
By July 20th, people in 2900 properties in our Province were evacuated and our Public Safety Minister, Mike Farnsworth, declared a wildfire related state of emergency in our Province.
Fires were burning everywhere.
The darkest days for our little community of 40,000 people happened on August 6th and 7th. I’ll never forget Friday, August 6th, as the air was thick and heavy with smoke. Dark grey clouds started to billow up from where I knew fire fighters were combating the White Rock Lake fire burning across the valley from us. All day long it felt like we were in a war zone, as helicopters flew over head with lines hanging down holding water filled buckets. Then by mid afternoon, the wind started to whip up the lake below our house and I ran around frantically, first rolling down the poolside patio umbrella and then racing up to our second floor deck, rolling down the umbrella outside of our family room so it wouldn’t blow away. Once the umbrellas were rolled down the poles continues to bend and sway and the trees around our house whistled in the hot wind.
This image was taken on an ordinary summer day in 2021…this was not one of the worst smoky days either…those days you could hardly see our neighbours…but this one gives you the idea of what we lived through this past summer….no blue sky and no clean air to breathe. I snapped this picture mid afternoon on August 6th, in a few hours the sky would be as black as night. A few days prior to this the community of Monte Lake north of us was ravaged by the same, White Rock Lake wildfire. Many people lost their homes to this fire!
Standing on our upper deck I could see grey smoke billowing up into the sky from what was called the White Rock Lake Fire across our valley. By 6 pm the sky was as dark as night. Pieces of wildfire debris were dropping from the sky as David came back after picking up our daughter Grace, who had been working at the waterslides. The windshield of our van was covered in black dust and there were black fir needles caught in the windshield wiper blades. It felt like Armageddon had arrived and all night the winds raged. The next morning we woke to pieces of burnt moss and blacked bark laying everywhere. The trees, grass and drive way were covered with the black scorched remnants of the fire, which we found out later had moved 2 kilometres every hour the night before.
On Saturday morning the 7th, we woke to an evacuation alert. That’s when we realized we didn’t really have anywhere to go, as every direction in our Province was not safe. That was also a moment of realization that what was truly important wasn’t a material item that we could just pack up and take with us. Our only priority was keeping our family safe. Our house, our pool, our second car, all those patio umbrellas, and T.V.’s etc…well, they didn’t matter in the big scope of things. Yet, those were the things we had worked so hard to acquire.
Our earth is suffering from mass consumerism. We are in this situation after a century of our earth’s population trying to have it all. Bigger houses, more stuff, fancier cars, exotic vacations. Our world is at a breaking point and it’s only going to get worse, unless we start shifting our priorities and focus on this climate crisis.
At the end of summer of 2021, nearly 8,700 square kilometres of land in B.C. was burnt and at the height of the wildfire season, the number of active wildfires in B.C. was over 300. We were not alone in facing fires this past summer; so many other parts of Canada and other countries around the world faced a similar experience. Can we do anything to change global warming?
The good news is that there is something we can all do…
Here are ten things the David Suzuki Foundation suggests we can do now to assist in this global crisis: (details of each can be found at the link below)
1. Urge government to take bold, ambitious climate action now
2. Use energy wisely — and save money too!
3. Get charged up with renewables
4. Eat for a climate-stable planet
5. Start a climate conversation
6. Green your commute
7. Consume less, waste less, enjoy life more
8. Invest in renewables and divest from fossil fuels
We are already doing number 5 if you’re reading this blog post! Being aware and changing our perspective is the first step.
My family celebrated fall this weekend by going on several walks. The air is starting to be crisp and clear, some leaves are changing to brilliant reds, golds and oranges and are starting to fall, making that satisfying crunch under our feet. The kids climbed some trees and revelled under a blue sky. A blue so peaceful it makes me grateful. After the 2021 summer we experienced, it’s these simple things that make me happiest. Being with my family in nature. There is nothing more that fills me up with joy.
How about you? What brings you joy and makes you grateful?
While we can’t take on the world’s issues all on our own, we CAN each be that little drop in the bucket that David Suzuki talks about; each of us can make choices every day to live on this earth in a conscious, more intentional way. Yes there will always be people who do more, or less but do what you can. Look at the list above and ask yourself, what can I do today.
Let’s fill up that bucket, allowing it to spill over and provide the earth what it needs to heal. Need inspiration? Just go for a walk in nature today and listen to what the earth tells you.
At the beginning of summer 2021, Victoria and Kate took their violins down to the beach below our house and played, “Touch of Blue.”
Thank you for visiting today. Thank you for being a beautiful drop. Thank you for helping me stay inspired.
Until we meet again, may you be well, happy and peaceful.
A month ago we were returning from the west coast, after helping our son Harrison move into his new place. Harrison is starting his fifth year living in Victoria, the capital city of our Province. He’s been enrolled in the University of Victoria’s Gustavson business school. This is a coop program, where you study academically at the University, but then have the opportunity to work for several companies throughout the program to enhance your education. This fall, Harrison secured a wonderful opportunity to work for a large investment company, located in Toronto (he’s working in Victoria, on line due to the pandemic) and next Spring, if all goes well, he will complete his degree.
He’s been doing exceptionally well and has even garnered some scholarship money. The only downside to attending the University of Victoria has been the housing situation. It’s never been great for students, as the University only has enough housing for first year students and this year the demand was so great that they couldn’t even accommodate those request. It’s not like we were ignorant of this fact, since our older children, Alyssa and Mitchell both completed their degrees at U Vic, but you know, you always hope that something will be found.
The first year Harrison lived on campus but by the second year, since U Vic doesn’t have adequate housing, he had to secure something off campus. Fortunately, Harrison made some great friends and he and three other guys rented a house together, where they lived for year two and three. Then in year four, wanting a change, he and his two other roommates, rented a trendy 3 bedroom apartment in the Uptown area of Victoria. That worked well last year but his roommates, both business students, are spending their last year of school learning abroad, so Harrison had to find something else. By this time however, he was really ready to find his own place. Easier said than done, since demand was out weighing inventory and this blew the roof off rental prices. Well, all real estate for that matter!
Victoria is one of the nicest places to live in Canada….this is a picture of the inner harbour
It was literally down to the wire and we were telling Harrison that he could always come home for the fall, since he was working on line anyway, but then he found a place. A perfect place. The fact that the real estate agent hired to rent the suite, had also attended U Vic’s business school, might have swayed things his way as he secured it quickly. It’s always good to have mutual connections!
Harrison’s new, 400 something square foot, one bedroom condo suite is located in a styling building on the edge of downtown Victoria; walking distance to the famous inner harbour and has all the amenities that living in the city brings.
That cool urban lifestyle is attractive in so many ways.
Harrison’s new place to hang his hat, has a unique look
When we agreed to help Harrison move out of his apartment and into his new place, I thought it was going to be two busy days but Harrison had been busy selling unwanted items and decluttering with a vengeance. It’s not that he had tons of things. In fact the fact that he didn’t, made it a lot easier. as he could pick up each item, down to individual math books for instance and say, “do I need this? do I want it?” and then find a home for it. He had also rented a van and started packing some things in it before we arrived on August 30th.
Will, Kate, Tori and David….no whales on our trip over but it’s always fun going through the Active pass and looking at Ocean side cabinsThere is something so restorative about being on the ferry to Vancouver Island…always an adventure!
We arrived late afternoon on August 30th, and with the help of our three youngest kids, Will, Kate and Tori, we were able to move Harry out of his apartment and fully pack his van in a matter of hours. Easy, peasy! We were able to pick up dinner and have a lovely evening back in our hotel room. He was officially out of his apartment and everything he owned was in the van or in the back of our mini van. It was a breeze.
The next morning, August 31st, we were up early. Harrison and his Dad went off on several errands; Harrison had to meet with his previous landlord to hand over the keys and have the final walk through of his old place. He had to pick up the keys for his new condo’s elevator, so we could have it exclusively the next morning for his move. Later in the day, he finally got to see his new condo, while picking up the keys from the real estate agent. Up to that point, he had only seen pictures of his place but both he and his Dad were thrilled seeing it for the first time and they returned to the hotel later that day with many stories. The kids and I had stayed in our hotel for most of the day. I took them swimming in the poo,l which we had reserved for our own use, we had read, played games and snacked a bunch.
We had the pool all to ourselves while Harrison and David accomplished moving errands
When David and Harrison returned, we went to do some shopping, (new bedding etc) and to pick up dinner. We did get to bed early though, as we knew the next day would be busy.
We got up early the next morning and put on our running shoes, ready for the big move. Harrison had the elevator and parking spot reserved from 9 to 1 pm and I thought we would really have to hustle to get everything in during those hours. Between the five of us however, we were able to move him into his place in 45 minutes. I kid you not!!! We packed that elevator maybe three, at the outset, four times and were easily up and into his apartment with all of his belongings in NO TIME. The kids were a big help! Once everything was in the suite, David and Harrison put his bed together and the kids and I unpacked all the kitchen items, washed them, and placed them in the perfectly tiny and well appointed kitchen.
By noon, the kitchen was all set up. David and Harrison went out on a few errands; to return the elevator key, and the moving van, etc and the kids and I remained. The only hitch was that the new white sheet set we had bought from Homesense the day before, only had 1 flat sheet it it. Where was the fitted sheet and pillow cases that were supposedly inside? No problem though, as we had a number of things to still obtain and we would return it and find another set, garbage can and cutlery container, to name a few other helpful items to make things feel homier.
This picture is from the advertisement of the building and while it isn’t Harrison’s bathroom configuration….it has the same colours and finishes…small but chic! I loved the flooring which you can’t see here but it’s black and white.
While Harrison and David were gone, I made up his bed with the bedding we had, and the kids being so exhausted, actually all laid down in a row on his bed and fell asleep on the cozy duvet. I was shocked at how fast they all dropped into a deep slumber but the place was so restful that even I wanted to just lay down and dream. I didn’t though. I unpacked a few more boxes and moved the furniture around into a better configuration. Not that Harrison had much, but having less makes it more fun. (Harrison’s girlfriend Dani, had lent him a few pieces that fit in beautifully with the decor of the place…she has incredible taste) When David and Harrison returned a few hours later everything was in place. Other than a few Rubbermaid boxes, which I stacked in the hall, there really was nothing else to do. He could literally just start to live.
…except we needed food.
I couldn’t resist putting baby bear in the middle of the pillows when I found him in one of Harrison’s boxes. He’s had him for 22 years now!
With the thought of food, the little kids woke up and we took off again. We had lunch in the van as we drove to Costco, and then we had a delightful time shopping for food to fill Harrison’s fridge. After living with roommates for several years this was the nicest part for Harrison, as the whole fridge and freezer would be his alone and he could fill it with all the food he wanted. It made me so happy too! In the picture below, his fridge is behind the wall to Harrison’s right and the stacking washing machine and dryer are in the cabinet to his left.
Harrison and David on move in day…..almost everything is unpacked! The ceilings are super high and the feel is an urban loft with exposed pipes etc….the hall wall is concrete. The floors are a dark distressed wood….easy to clean!Harrison’s first moment to sit in his new digsThe moving crew
Once we returned and filled his fridge and freezer, we took off again for a delightful walk to Victoria’s historic inner harbour. We soaked up the downtown life; watching people, window shopping, and taking in all the sights of Harrison’s new neighbourhood. As the day’s curtain slowly closed, the evening breeze gently flowed in from the ocean. We ended our walk at one of our favourite places to eat in Victoria, “Tacofino.” We ordered up our chosen taco’s and ate them right on the street. On our walk back to Harry’s place I was thinking, “what a cool, hip place to live.” It suits Harrison perfectly.
Will, David, Tori and Kate in front of the infamous Empress Hotel in Victoria’s inner harbour The sun set as we were down at the inner harbour on this Sept 1st, 2021….it was an exciting and fun day
Returning to Harrison’s building, we all hugged and took a few more pictures, then it was time for us to say goodbye and return to our hotel for our final night’s stay in Victoria. It was the easiest and most fun move I’ve ever experienced. Since then, we have spoken to Harrison many times and each time he marvels over the joy he feels in his new place. While it’s nice to live with other people, there is something to be said for having a place all your own. It’s a place where you can really relax and be at peace.
Harrison has found that in his tiny place.
Well dear blogging friends, family and blog readers, I will close for now as I’m off to bed. It’s late here and as per usual, the only time I feel like I can write is when the house is quiet. I hope this post was somewhat coherent as a result, ha! I’m glad to have shared Harrison’s move with you. While we may not have a small footprint of our own, we can always carefully edit our belongings and surround ourselves with only things we love and use. We can all have a place of peace to call our own.
Until we meet again, may you be well, happy and peaceful.
