The West Commences: Next week in Victoria

This time next week I'll be driving to Victoria to visit Barbara and Terry for the first time since mom died. It's strange to think of being there without mom and dad, sad really. Just writing this makes me feel their loss more meaningfully than I have felt it before. How different the days will be without the unwavering routine of coffee with Barbara and Terry; mornings and lunch with mom and dad; on Sunday's takeout from Tim's eaten in the car at Willows watching gulls, boats and dogs followed by a walk along the water, for mom and me at least; my long walks by the ocean while they rested; dinner together followed by talking, watching tv or one of my slide shows that no one else watched, not even I unless I was with them and then a drive down Bay Street, over the bridge and back to B and T's for an early evening and bed, repeat, repeat, repeat. It was a wonderful, easy rhythm possible only because I could stay with friends whose home was a place of rest and whose company gave me the opportunity to release my feelings of exasperation, especially with mom. Looking back over those five years, I realize how lucky I was; mom and dad were never a burden. Visiting them and helping them to the extent I did gave some meaning to my life at a time when I needed them as much as they did me. I wonder if I will be able to steer myself and the Mazda 3 along roads other than the well worn routes between Vic. West and Oak Bay. B and T and I will have to find topics to discuss over morning coffee that have nothing to do with my parents' idiosyncrasies. We'll be able to do more together. I also look forward to seeing Elizabeth and Ross et al.

I took the new kayak to Jane's this morning. She lives on Lake Okanagan, so it was easy to launch. We had a good paddle. We switched boats at one point because she is thinking of getting an inflatable. As I paddled hers, I was reminded of the fact that a real kayak is easier to paddle and faster than an inflatable, but I could no more transport it than fly to the moon, so mine is a fine compromise. I look forward to getting it at least on The Gorge and maybe even on open water; it does track well.

All's well on the home front. Jay continues to enjoy work, he knows Vernon and all points bordered by Kamloops, Revelstoke and Summerland. May found a part time job for Min Hee at Rosalinda's, a Philippine Restaurant in Vernon, and in the process a part time job there for herself. She's driving her car now on her old Philippine licence but still has to take a driving test after she completes some training. Gin Hee carries on in her usual head on way and so do I, although I have a cold that won't leave.