Side Gig?

 

Eric called me to ask me to come see the build.  He has so many little features.  Hidden areas.  Every inch planned.

Sooo much storage.

I even have a pass through basement area.  I needed a longer space for tent poles.  I might need a long hook to get things back in place though.  I have no idea why he made rounded openings. Because he could I guess.  They look like retro boat spaces.  I love it.

He has even made a hinged head piece that pivots up with a foot so the seats can move back and the flipped up piece will hold the mattress back.  

He could be selling this set up as a side gig.  But we won't.  Lol.  No time left in a day.

Always trying to catch up.

 

Visiting Eric's paternal Grandparents.

Hatley Memorial in Langford.

Saying final Goodbyes to Eric's Aunt Maxine.

We were a small group.  About 17 total.

We met for lunch first at the Brass Monkey.

Everyone went to Julie's afterwards but we skipped out.  Long day.  Boys were home on their own.

Saturday morning we were up and at it.  Squirrel and Oscar joined the convoy to deliver the cheque from Jeepapaloosa to the Cancer Clinic.

Lili came with me.  Kai and Luk went with Eric.

Lili played her music on the way and she had three Jeep songs on her playlist!  I need to update my Jeep list today when I find a quiet moment.

It was nice to be there for something not pertaining to my butt.

Yes, I'm the only one parked backwards.  For 3 reasons.

To show off Warrior Squirrel.

To keep my Intrepid banner out of the shot.  And finally because doing the one go perfect back up in front of everyone is WAY too intimidating.  For real.

$43000 from 2026

Over $350,000 over 12 years.

There were at least 5 of us there fighting.  So there was some emotions.

Three of us in active recovery mode.

The representative from the clinic cried a few times.  She loved all the painted f-cancers.  I showed her my cancer decal corner and she took a picture.

Belinda gave her a duck.

She said she loved the Squirrel so I ran to my stash and gave her a squirrel.  So that was fun.

I came home to a new Temu order and more squirrels to give away.  Even I will admit that the amount of squirrel's has reached total crazy town.

In my defence, Temu keeps showing me more and I don't sleep. So.  Things happen in the wee hours.  I shouldn't be left up to my own devices.

When we met up at Tim's there were some laughs because everyone was saying 'who is Squirrel?'.  Haha.  She was well received.

Afterwards we did lunch with the group.  Then Eric and the boys went home while Lili and I went to see the movie Girls Like Girls.  The lore of the song, then music video, then novel and finally the movie is sweet.  We need a continuing movie now.

We had a wee adventure in the city.  Trying to park Squirrel, who doesn't fit in parkades.  Ask me how we know.  Sheesh.  A little traumatic but she survived and then we just kept going until we found a street spot that we could be in long enough for the movie.

Oh, and on Friday, it took us three hours to get home from Langford.  I was driving Onyx.  That's a long time to be using the clutch and gears.  

At one point with Lili I was chanting, trees, dirt, trees, dirt, I'm not a city girl!  

Now, believe it or not.  We are home on a Sunday.  There is nothing on the calendar.  It's blank.  Such a thing of beauty.  I have of course over done it.  There is swelling in the nether region.  I know ya'll probably find that shocking.  Lol.  I started the day with a hot soak.

I'm hoping to finish a book this morning.  Have a nice relaxing lunch at home and then hit Walmart to get everything for campimg on Monday.  The boys and I are going to Bamberton for Canada Day.  

Eric has already been up and cleaned up the back deck because he is expecting family visits this week.  He has finished building Squirrel's bed and it's all stained.  He's hoping to install it today.

Eric and I are going next Sat to Nitnat River to celebrate a friends Birthday, we're camping in Squirrel and Oscar and taking both boys.  It's just one night.  Luk is extremely apprehensive about this plan.  Apparently it sounds extremely uncomfortable.  I think he means cozy.

Tomorrow is my first Tremfya infusion in Nanaimo at a private infusion center.  I finally read all the details last night at around 4am while I was still up.  Plan for 2 to 4 hours.  Wear comfy clothing.  Bring all the comfort things and things to do.  Drink a ton of water for two days before hand.  Oops.  Well, I can try today.  Then do nothing with very little movement for a few days afterwards.  That's a super hard one for me.  

Grooming

 

I was feeling particularly rushed for the last few weeks.  A lot was going on medically.  End of school.  Camping.  The dogs toes and hair cuts took a back seat.

I've tried a few times to find a groomer for them.  No luck finding anyone to take them.  So I've just given them bad mama cuts all along.

We drove past the new pet store who had a sign out saying there was a groomer on site.  She was willing to take them.  Today was the day.

I was traumatized just leaving them there and they looked horribly betrayed.  I just went home and Eric said "you left them?!"  I nodded.  He then said "is it horrible?"  And I nodded again.  

It was the longest two hours.  We were there 45 minutes early to pick them up.  By reports they did great.  I didn't.  The anxiety is just not worth it.  I vow to just do it myself from now on.  They look ok.  I forgot that there would be a smell different than the baby shampoo I use.  The cuts aren't any better than mine.  Perhaps a bit straiter on the bellies but I need to tidy their ears.  

They were definitely happy to see us.  

Sassy is annoyed at me and the second I put her on the front seat she leaped into Eric's lap and stayed there refusing to look at me.

Coco just looks panicked.

We're home.  They're on the couch with me.  I believe forgiven.

Eric is outside working on the bed in Squirrel.  He stained it today.

G.I. Scope

 

Made it through another procedure.

This one with Dr Smith, a Gastro Intestinal Specialist.

We all wondered what he had planned since the last two surgeons couldn't get past the stricture (closing due to scar tissue) at the surgical anastomosis from the colectomy in 2005.

His plan was to use a pediatric scope for stomach endoscopy.  It didn't work, so he had someone get an infant one.  That worked.  Then he was able to dialate the stricture.  I had no idea they could do that.  If the stretch or dilation holds it should be a massive improvement on bowel movements for me.  This is a wait and see.  I was sedated but wide awake.  Weird.  I'm dizzy and off balance but feel fine.

My poor battered sphincter is suffering.  Total incontinence again. Zero ability to close or clench.  Sigh.  Prayers the swelling goes away quickly.  I have too much to do.  

There was no sign of Chrones inflammation in the small intestine.  There is some inflammation and scarring in the anus from the surgeries.  A few biopsies were taken from the small intestine but he felt that things looked good and there was no need to worry.

The Tremfya starts on Monday. The nurses have never heard of Tremfya.

Temu for the win.

 

Who says money can't buy happiness.

$9.72 from Temu.

It defines me. 

Boys.

Thar's GOLD is these parts.

They did find some tiny shiny things.

The man, in his element.

Father's day was actually the relaxing day he hoped for.

We're home this morning and back at it.

The to do list is long.

Father's Day

 

Celebrating this guy by sticking to the campsite and doing nothing ;)

It's been a good weekend.  Lots of laughs and a ton of down time.

This boy.  Oy.  His said his phone wasn't charged because Luk unplugged him.  We suggested he figure it out because he has his own charging station.  Then the lights wouldn't work because Eric found him with his fingers in his charging port trying to plug in his phone with the wrong end and no button charger there. My gawd.  So, we needed to head out for fuses.  And the kicker...his phone was at 100% and so was his power bank.  Eric pulled his whole bed apart to find the button charger.  We need a better solution for him clearly.

Right beside the Lordco in Qualicum is a really great market.

The legion has pancakes in a private garden.  We were there right at 11:30 so it was lunch.  I'm on low residue for a few days before the next procedure so it was perfect for me.  I was concerned about a spike, but I didn't spike. Yay me.  Oh, and the pancakes were actually exceptional.  

Then on the way home, Eric decided to take a short cut.  I was protesting loudly and quite annoyed at my beautiful Cherry out on a trail.  Her first 4xing.  Turned out the trail was indeed a massive short cut.  She handled the trail like a champ and Eric was redeemed.  I see her in a whole new light now.

This is exciting.  We can't wait for the Hawaii trip.

Little Qualicum Falls

Little Qualicum Falls.

Our site is lower loop and just across from the river.  My favorite sound.

I had the best sleep last night.  Including a five hour stretch.  

It's 6am, I have no intention of getting up.  Next on the agenda, a morning nap.

Kai's last day of school.

Grade 10 next.

He's camping with me.

The new shower/potty tent on Squirrel.  She is going to be the best overlander.  I can't wait to finally camp in her.  We need more hours in a day.

The car door opens right into the space.  

I was supposed to rest yesterday after the fishbane experience and covid shot.  I didn't.  We were full on go for the whole day.  

Kai and I have no plans for today.  We will get some serious resting done.

Squirrel was in the shop yesterday.  Her issues were minor.  Eric gets to pick her up today.