Camping season has started.

Osborn Bay.

A favorite spot.  Close to home and perfect for making sure we have everything for the first trip out.  We're here celebrating Amy's 50th Birthday.

My beauty got the honors today.  The neighbor here said she was a pretty rig ;)  then he said he bet she doesn't go in the bush.  Haha.  Not too much.  Yet.

Got it back today!  Fixed.  And I can't find the mend.  The jeweler did however show me the hole where I did indeed smash it. So ya.  

Out on my own, color matched with my girl.  Tunes too loud and enjoying the sun during my Jeep therapy time.

To Woodgrove to get my ring and a bonus lunch with Mary.

It's been a week.

Our trailer has mold in the section between the slide and floor and we have smell.  From a leak.  Dammit.  Eric has been doing overtime cleaning and laundry and more and more and more of both.  Yesterday it felt like we were winning the battle.  Today the smell is there again but milder.  Eric has thoughts and plans for tearing apart the dinette to get at it.  In the meantime I have to just endure.  

Jia decided she wasn't going to school this week.  I find that extremely frustrating.  Jia doesn't.  Jia also decided not to go to the pediatrician this week and when I called to reschedule, push it off for three months instead we were dropped from the roster.  So ya.  That happened.  

Lili gave her notice at her place.  Now is looking for an apartment with a friend.  They are zeroing in on a lease.  So that's fun.

Fei picked up some extra shifts and she might be regretting working so much, she is exhausted.  

I got our personal taxes turned in to the accountant.

Yesterday was a doozy of a day.  Boys to school.  Laundry.  Dishes.  Pet care.  Then to Superstore for prescriptions and camping groceries.  The prescription took longer than anticipated and getting through the till was beyond nuts.  So we ended up in a time crunch. Grabbed lunch, Eric at home working on the trailer me back down to get the boys.  Then rushed to eat an early dinner so we could go to the MineCraft movie.  Phew.  

So at the grocery store, our cart was full and a woman asked if she could go ahead with her blueberries.  We said sure.  Then she was a gong show of issues.  Added a drink.  Rung through with her status card, didn't have the money, returned the berries, had to redo the status, manager needed, then she paid with nickles. The whole time the man ahead of her, who is SUPER special and moving exceptionally slowly is just plugging along with packing his groceries but the woman inbetween us is proclaiming loudly that he smells of pee and is trying to get everyone around her to smell him and is complaining because she is sensitive.  I tried to keep my head down and ignore but I finally told her "I can only smell you".  I might get beat up one day.  When the man at the end went around his cart I squeezed past her and got out.  Poor Eric was stuck behind the cart.  She even went so far as to try talking to the fellow about how badly he stunk of urine.  Oy.  Who does that?!  Ok, so then fellow still packing and our order was all crammed on the far counter and I did all the bagging since Eric was still trapped.  Ending the whole event with the people in the isle where I was flipping a bit because I was in their way.  It was completely insane.  The whole thing. 

When we were at the movie with Kai and Jia I had the thought that we REALLY needed this time to just get engrossed in a silly, funny movie.  It's rare that we get Eric to join us.  Kai was very excited about seeing this movie.  Then half way through Eric leaps up announcing that he's been hit in the head with something.  He asked the theater who threw it?  I did have to remind him to watch his language.  Not long after Kai was howling because he was hit in the ear.  Eric leaped up, I turned and saw a kid duck down and fly to the floor.  Eric brought back staff who told the kids to stop it.  Eric had me go back and sit with our kids and he stayed behind the hoodlums.  Jia was also hit in the head but didn't report that until later.

Ok.  So hit Eric and it's just annoying brats.  Hit my Kai and it's a different game entirely.  When the movie ended I approached the boy and asked if his parent was around.  He said no.  I asked if he would like to apologize and he looked at Kai and said "sorry Kai".  So ya.  He knew Kai.  I took a picture of the row of kids and then a woman sitting behind the boys flipped because I took a picture.  Hahaha.  Public place.  Pure pandemonium in the lobby.  Another kid confessed to being involved and he apologized to Eric.  Eric ignored him and carried on through the crowd.  I took time to watch his parents soft parent him.  Telling him it was ok and mistakes happen.  Oy.  Wrong letter in a spelling test = mistake, beaming people in the head at the movies = poor choices.  All while crazy woman is following me and swearing her head off because I took a picture.  We think she was the Mom of the main culprit.  Not confirmed.  When we were in our car and she was still swearing, I took a picture of her license plate, she is in the photo calling me a long list of names because I took her picture ;) Someone else might need to update her.

So ya.

It was a bit much.

Then, we got home.  Where Luk told us his friend was texting him during the beaming because he was one of the nine boys.  He named all the culprits involved. So much drama.  

I asked Luk today if the drama had died down he said "kids don't usually talk about things the next day".  Hillarious.  Oh son, you mean boys don't talk about it because girls would absolutely keep the drama going.  

I had thought about talking to the schools or the rcmp youth teams about the bullying but turns out this idiot kid has been in the boys elementary classes before and he is a behavioral mess in general.  After experiencing the joy of his Mom I just pity the kid.  His future is bleak.

I did send an email to the theater.  They followed up today with the measures they are working on re: protocol and safety.  It was a nice letter saying all the right things and offering us free tickets.  They missed the point.

Jia was not impressed with us.  I did ask if we were supposed to just sit and let someone, anyone continue to throw things at our heads?  Jia said "you do you".  

Luk didn't come with us because he is going Tuesday with friends.  I have fears about him going in a group of boys ;)  I asked him if I should go and keep an eye on things.  He said that was ok with him.  He is so sweet. I trust Luk to make better decisions.

So far I've realized I didn't pack meds for me, Kai or Eric.  Oops.  We also haven't come across the shoe bin yet.  

We really need some time to relax this weekend.  

Wonder what fun surprises we get to survive and deal with next week.

Today's therapy.

 

Today's Oscar therapy brought to you by Shawnigan, Renfrew road, tranquil spots, Koksilah River, frogs and mountain tops.

Grrrr.

A zillion frogs!

We heard a strange sound while driving and pulled over to listen to the frog symphony.  So cool.

Ok, that link/video doesn't work.  I'll try again later.

We stopped at the Mill Bay Historical Society museum.

This is Adrian.  He gave us a personal tour.  He was awesome.  He learned lots from Eric about the area too.  This museum is free and honestly, it's tiny but PACKED with local history.  Definitely worth a wee stop. Update, they're only open on Sunday.

Last stop was Cherry Point for a walk.  Then home to the kids.  Jia works at 6 and we wanted to do an early dinner.

More mud than we were anticipating today so Oscar is getting ANOTHER bath.  Mom just asked the other day if Eric minded cleaning him so often.  Nope.  Just another chance to attention his favorite toy of all time.

And that ends spring break.

The most boring of spring breaks ever.  We tried to get them out to do the fun things.  

Eric's design.

A platform to even the back out for car camping!  He designed this and built it today. It fits in Onyx too.  When the back seats are up it is behind and it fits under his soft top shelf.  I've requested he paint it black.  All of the gear has been delivered, scavaged and thrifted.  The only thing to still come is the mattress.

So cool.

Room underneath for chairs, table,  and privacy tent.

My ring was ready to be picked up.  Mom and Fei came with me to the mall.  Unfortunately my ring was deemed unrepairable. That was disappointing.  We then took it to an independent goldsmith and they took on the job.  Fingers crossed.  We played in the mall for a couple hours.  Mom treated Fei and I to an i-spa massage.  Hillarious experience.  I bought a new raincoat.  My current one is almost fabulous.  It meets all needs of a perfect coat except the fabric is reflective and it ruins a lot of photos.  We bought Easter chocolate and cute things in the Miniso store.  Had a few laughs and ate lunch in the food court.

Today I got to galavant with Christine.  Tea and medium visits at the Blue Caterpillar.  Christine chose tarot card and I chose a tea leaves session.  I went into this with extremely low expectations.  Just there to spend time with a friend.  However....my reading was extremely accurate.  Nothing earth shattering.  Basically keep doing what I'm doing with health, she accurately pin pointed the current area of concern. Keep trying to find joy and take the time to appreciate the new lifestyle quest of more dirt, less pavement.  She sees travel, my feet in the ocean, bucket list plans happening.  I have an old girlfriend coming back.  Look out for hummingbirds, there is a message coming in a moment of peace and clarity.  Shockingly humming birds have shown up 3 times since I've been home. Once in tv, in conversation and on my phone.  The funny part was in smaller details like her just dropping that my Dad was there, without knowing he was gone or that on the way there I told Christine I wasn't looking for anything heavy or emotional like chatting with Dad.  Then she asked why she was being shown ducks over and over.  Haha.  Too funny.  So freaking random.  Honestly, every word was accurate.  Then we went to the pub next door for lunch.  

Two more days of spring break and lounging.

This is the wee little camp stove.  If a stove can be cute, it would be this one.

You guys....there is Dole Whip in Crofton!  At the thrift store/laundromat.  I've never had it in a cone before. It's good.  I'm delighted it's so close by.  Eric got a coffee, I got the whip and we went to the ocean.  I said "you know when I've had enough and I take off for a drive, this is where I come".  Eric responded with "I know, 360 app".  

Another thing the medium said was, I see a big heart, your partner really loves you, you have no issues there.  Swoon.

I have labor day camping booked. So the 'booking' portion of summer is almost done.  I have two more days to book connected to our Sam Joseph Bay trip.  We also just booked Osborn Bay for next weekend.  We're celebrating Amy's 50th.  

Puddle Jumping

 

Once upon a time the very best fun was dressing kids up in raincoats and boots and stomping in puddles.  

New era.

Now we leave the teens to sleep the day away and take Oscar to play in the puddles.  Check out that splash!!

We found new trails.  This section was full of rolled giant rocks.  Very cool.

If you go high enough there is still some snow out there.

No views with it being so overcast though.

So much splashing today.

Debbie sent us a photo of this shirt at Mark's.  Duncan had it, but no sale listed so I showed them the picture and we got the deal ;)

The slide.

 

Today's outing started with a Dr. appointment for me.  I have a spot on my temple that needed looking at.  Biopsy is scheduled for April 15.  

Will I get to wash my hair after?  

Then to Costco.  We found nice lined coats for the boys. Pee pads. Manuka honey for my impending head wound. A folding table for car camping and a bunch of groceries. Hotdogs and poutine in the car for lunch.  Costco was a total mad house.

Then we went to the Skywalk. It was windy and cold but it didn't rain and it was a good walk.

I told Kai to touch the talon and pretend it was sharp.  He grabbed the leg and started trying to vigorously shake the whole thing.  Oy.  Always moments you don't expect when out with Kai.

Kai loved the slide.  However getting on the slide was wild.  Eric and I discussed logistics a few times.  Finally deciding Eric should go first and Luk and I would stay up top and make sure he went down.  Kai eagerly leaped into the opening but couldn't understand the instructions re: putting his feet in the matt foot pouch.  He was flapping his arms and yelling "I have no clue". Except the fellow working couldn't understand Kai.  I yelled to him that Kai was visually impaired and couldn't see the foot area to tuck into.  While the worker is looking stricken with panic and yelling "is there a parent?".  So, I made my way past people in line, explained to Kai he needed to lift his feet up.  He was no longer able to deal and just sat there.  I leaned all in and physically fought his stiffness to get his legs up and feet tucked in.  Then had him scouchy his bum back.  Then he was told he could go and he just sat there.  I asked if we could push him.  It took two of us.  Omg.  He said weeee going down.

Luk and I wondered down, Kai and Eric wandered up.  This was our conversation.

Me: Wow Kai, you did it!  How was the slide?

Kai: I'm firty.

Me: Did you like the slide?

Kai: I'm firty.

Me: I'm asking you about the slide and you're telling me you are thirsty, are you two? How did you like the slide?

Kai: It was good.

We went ahead and got the boys passes.  Kai wants to go on the slide again.  It's not often he does things willingly.

Shannon texted that they got a room upgrade on the Alaska cruise.  A couple hours later I got an email that we got our upgrade bid too.  From inside to spacious balcony. So that was fun news.

I'll admit after today being with Kai in a new situation was a big reminder of what cruising with Kai is actually like.  I have some dread or trepidation.  Kai loves hotels and food so he likes cruising.  I'm however thrilled that Eric and I will get the bonus 4 days on our own beforehand.

Easy to please.

 

Sheriff Mike and Deputy Liv filming today in Ladysmith for Resident Alien.

Soooo exciting. We love this show.

I low key wanted to drive up and down the street but one of the orange vest people working looked Onyx over and then gave me a thumbs up so we wouldn't have blended.  

We did our Tuesday thrift store visit.  I got almost all of my car camping list knocked off there.  We decided to try Ladysmith.  Where we did find the last of the car camp thrift list. But first lunch from 7-11 to eat at Transfer Beach.  $16 for lunch.  We're so fancy. 

Then to the liquor store for wine to take on our next two cruises.  To the bank to get some cash.  To Superstore for a prescription and a few groceries.  Then to pick up the Commander that had a transmission service kit installed.  A wee upgrade for her and hopefully the shudder stays away to keep Eric happy.  I got to meet the Jeep mechanic.  Nice guy.  He checked out the 4 wheel drive shift in Onyx for me.  Nothing wrong, it's just too hard for me to shift into gear.  He has some ideas to try on her next oil change.  We stopped and filled both cars with gas. We finally got home at dinner time.  Eric cooked while I booked another cruise for the two of us.  A wee one.  4 nights from Vancouver to Vancouver.  We got a nice sale price.  It leaves in 34 days.  On the Koningsdam again.  I'm pretty excited about the strawberry ice cream and the wall of tea.  I splurged on a spa package so we can use the hydro therapy pool, sauna, heated loungers and misting rooms.  Did I mention how excited we are?   

It was a long full day.  We had some good laughs.

I have a doctors appointment in Victoria tomorrow.  The boys are finally getting bored because they agreed to come with us.  We're hoping for poutine at Costco and a walk at the Skywalk, weather permitting.

Weekend/Spring Break

         

Breakfast with the kibble crew. Finn drops it all over, the other three eat them.

Friday Fei offered to pick up Kai from school.  So Eric and I skedaddled.  We went with Bryan and Amy for a Jeep cruise from Youbou, past Kissinger, to Nitnat and onto Port Alberni.  A three hour drive that took 6 1/2 hours because we stopped to play and sightsee along the way.

The sun came out around the back of Lake Cowichan.

The road was rough.  Very jiggly.  We actually bounced Oscar out of gear twice.  Something we've never done before.

Tons of soft mud to play in.  Oscar is coated in chunky layers.  This super cool camping spot isn't ok for Cheese but I want to go back and I don't want to be in a tent anymore so my new brain obsession is planning car camping in Onyx.  I have a shopping list of things in my Shein cart.  We all know I'm unlikely to do this on my own in reality but I want to think that I will.  Haha.  Eric could likely be talked into at least one car camp attempt.  He's humoring me for now.

Oscar's 1st action shot.  I'm always in the car.  This was fun though so I might need to hop out more often.  This is not a river.  The river is on the other side of the bank.  

Francis Lake and then to Darling Lake.

Coulson (sp?) log sort.  Not in action anymore.  On the Port Alberni inlet on the other side.  A very cool spot.  Pretty sure I could get Cheese in here.  The road isn't too bad if you go in from Port Alberni.

The goal.  Worth it.  

SATURDAY

Fei has purged.  Home to this on Saturday after hanging out with Shannon and Ken for the afternoon.  

Her childhood in bags ;)  It was long overdue.

SUNDAY

We left a room temp lunch Sat and Sun for Kai.  Then set Alexa with a noon alarm.  That way he doesn't have to wait for siblings to get up to feed him.  It worked well.  He was delighted to get Mcd's apple pie for lunch two days in a row.  Jia brings left over extras home when working closing shifts.

We headed to Nanaimo.  To the mall for an errand at People's Jewelers.  Lunch out with Mary and Charles at a pub.  Then to drop off a kitchen trolley at Lili's.  We got it free from a Facebook free group.  Then Lili took us to Reds Bakery in old town for Cheesecake.

This is bizarre.  My fancy (too expensive) wedding band that is only 15 months old broke right through.  This is the hand of a fellow working at People's jewelry.  It's being sent to their master jeweler for a repair.  Fingers crossed.

The break is oddly jagged.  

The Cheesecake selection.

Lili picked Reeces and mine was lemon raspberry.  Mine was devine.  It tasted just like the lemon icebox cheesecake you used to be able to get at Woolworth counters.

Eric and I have galavanted three days in a row.  A lot of driving.  We're home now.  Eric is making dinner for the troops.  We're tired.  Jia wanted to know why we're never home.  Haha.  I mean it is their spring break and we would love to go play with the kiddos but they sleep half the day away and aren't interested in going anywhere.  So.....it is what it is.

Eric did point out after the long dive on Friday that we could have been half way to Reno.  Arg.