"I can fix that!"

 

On our last run, I hit my back bumper coming through a gully.  Eric was spotting me, my window was down, the second there was a loud noise he yelled out "I can fix that".  So Squirrel is in the same boat as Oscar now.  Which was the plan, to use her as intended and enjoy.  It still stings a little bit.  Normal people thoughts should be 'I could avoid that by not wheeling', my thoughts were 'I need a bigger lift'.  Haha.

I ran frustrating errands with Jia yesterday. Chasing medical help and prescriptions.  Our system is pretty broken in some places.  Also chasing paperwork with government offices.  Online people tell me it's possible.  The phone number you call agrees.  However, the ladies at the counter disagree.  I have a blank square on the calendar.  It's today.  So, the debate is on, head back into the govt office with print outs from their services page with instructions or lay in the sun and finish a book.  Decisions, decisions.

Eric is doing Lili's brakes today.

Thursday I have Goldstream booked, Eric still has a long list of things he wants to do, so it's looking like it will be another Mama and boys weekend.  We gave Luk choice.  It might even be just me and Kai.  

This morning I started thinking about what we will actually do in Hawaii.  You can snorkel with the green sea turtles in Kona.  So, that is my plan.  I have never snorkeled.  The general plan for me is to NEVER let me see what is actually in the ocean.  Lest, I then have to refuse ever getting back in.  Haha.  However for turtles I might be willing.  So for funnsies I get to practice using a snorkle in the pool this summer. Countdown is on, 77 days.

Again Walter?!

 

Oh Walter.  Sigh.  Really?

He's literally drooling and making love eyes at whoever this is.  Lol.

Mom sent me a link to the post.

This is Eric's version of 60.

 

He didn't get the memo about being too old.

The Road Less Traveled.

 

A light wheeling day on the Malahat with Ryan, Stephanie and kids.

Look what Steph gifted me.  Too cute.

Poor Squirrel.  She has a gapping hole.

We found a few trails that get tighter and tighter leading to no where.  It is still pretty lush up high.

The bushes were swallowing us.

It was an incredible day for views.  Funky clouds but clear enough to see.

Ruh Ro Raggy, someone needs help.

Nothing makes the men folk happier than rescues.

I mean he had no recovery gear and wasn't likely to get unstuck on his own.

Oliphant Lake.

Another perfect camping canoeing spot.

We found the cell tower, look out point.  Or Ryan did and we followed.

Worth the drive.

On the way out Paul Blart was at the gate giving his spiel or lecture.  They have no teeth.  Basics, no fires, don't cut trees, don't litter, bring recovery gear, be prepared.  Ya, ya.

Can you spot the Squirrel?

It was a great day.  Very relaxing.

Mental health attentioned.

I'm learning lots.

A few wee challenges today.

We tired him out.

So rare to see Eric nap.

Eric's 60th Birthday

Well, he got his wish, we gathered, he played with Oscar.  Lol.

Funny story.

Eric wanted Angel Food cake.  We don't have a proper pan. I usually make it in a lasagna pan and just ice the top.  He attempted two round pans.  They fell, were crunchy on the edges and were flakey.  The finished project was unattractive.  Lili and I went to town to find him a cake.  We ended up buying mini angel food cake, whip cream and strawberries, a cookies and cream cake and raspberry tarts.  Ryan and Stephanie brought him cupcakes and cookies.  So many desserts.  Oh, and his fugly cake tasted pretty good ;)

Happy 60th Old Man.

Why, yes, that is Coco enjoying attention from someone other than me, or Fei.

Stealing my own Jeep

 

Squirrel had an appointment for Thursday to install a new connection to the passenger air bag.  It would be a quick fix except the wrong piece came.  They told me it would be there in the afternoon.  It wasn't and they didn't call.  I fell asleep and missed the window to call.  I was annoyed that she stayed overnight.  Likely outside.

I called yesterday morning.  Part expected in 1st shipment.  Then called at 3.  He was chasing answers would call me back.  I called at 4, he would call me right back.  I called at 5.  Service department closed for the weekend.  Arg. Communication not Derrik's strong suit.

I had Eric drive me down.  Yup, she was parked outside at the back.  Not cool.  The salesman were in over their head with me.

I told them not cool.  They told me I couldn't have it.  They made calls.  I asked what was to stop me from just taking it.  They all looked stunned but supposed nothing would stop me.  Lol.

Then the big boss came out.  Told me it was illegal to take it mid service.  I asked Eric to go home and get the spare key.

Then he told me it was illegal to drive with the passenger air bag dismantled.  Who knows if that is true.  

I repeated that she was a fully functional 4x4 rv.  That anyone could literally live in her full time and she would be going home for the weekend.  I repeated that there was no need to be at the dealership for days on end in an unsafe area. He did offer to move her in at that point but I was intent on stealing her.

He finally got curious and went to see her.  He was impressed with her set up.  Hadn't seen anything like her and he handed over the keys. Agreeing that you could actually live in her.

So for a hot minute I was indeed stealing my own Jeep.

Lol.

Don't mess with Squirrel's Mama.

This crazy Jeep lady wasn't having it.

She's home.  Eric passed me and followed me home.  I checked the 360 app and knew which road to take home so he would see me.

Lili texted me when we were at the dealership and asked what I was doing.  I said "stealing Squirrel".  She responded with "oh nice".  Hahaha.

Oh, oh, oh, we did hear from Royal, our bid worked.  For $250 each we were moved to a balcony room with an inside sitting area on deck 12.  That's fun.  I don't particularly care about balconies.  I find them sticky from sea air and the chairs are uncomfortable so the odds of me relaxing out there are really low but Eric loves them.  He packs his ocular and lounges with coffee.  It will make him happy.  I'll enjoy having the couch inside.  

Wykyk

 

With Herculeon effort we finalized the Hawaii trip details today.

I trapped Eric in bed this morning until he looked at dates, times, logistics and hotels with me.  Good or bad we made decisions.  I didn't want to be overthinking things for weeks.

The Hopper bunny ran across our screen and I was cautiously excited to have a plan.

We are staying on Oahu for two extra nights at a boutique hotel flying home late on the 3rd day.  Arriving in Vancouver the next morning.

Leaving and parking from Hullo in Nanaimo.  

Fei will be home every night that we're away.  Luk will do general care of Kai.  Fei and Luk are going to muddle through cooking.  Gramma is going to do morning and afternoon school driving.  We will cancel Kai's extra appointments.  Jia is almost never around and she isn't particularly helpful with Kai.  Lili is working full time in Nanaimo at a new job so she won't be home much going forward.

It was insanely complicated to pull it all together.  We looked at respite.  We still hate that idea.  Paying for care for Kai is pricey.  It was going to be cheaper to take him with us.  

So, a big thank you to the family for taking over so we can escape.

We didn't pay the upcharge for a hotel with ocean view.  12 days on the ship should cover that.  Flights were reasonable.  We didn't pay extra for seats together.  Saving everywhere we can.

Eric is still committed to the idea of a family day at home for his Birthday.  He's making chilli the day before and has requested Angle food cake with dimes inside.  We will skip the dimes though ;)

Eric's back is still hurting.  He didn't tinker with cars yesterday.  We ran errands all day.  Including getting Kai's passport renewed just in case we are stuck taking him.