The last days of my visit with Barbara and Terry carried on as they had begun with coffee together every morning and a few shared meals, some more successful than others. 

Actually, the only flop began as an effort on Barbara and Terry's part to support a local business that was suffering as a result of the Bay Street Bridge being closed in one direction for repairs. As I wanted to thank them for all they do for me, they suggested that I take them there for lunch. I was keen because I liked it when we last went there. As we arrived they said 'hi' to the owner who was outside casually chatting with a friend. We saw him next when he arrived at our table flushed, sweating from working in the kitchen and trying to explain why we had been waiting an hour for our food when people who had arrived after us had been served and were happily eating.

Explanation degenerated into feeble excuses and anger. We eventually ate. We were not charged for our drinks, but I don't think Barbara and Terry will go out of their way again to support his business. We had a good time that evening in their dining room eating a trouble free frozen pizza and talking about the waiting and confrontations of lunch, which as time lapses will become increasingly entertaining. 

I carried on with biking, kayaking and visits with Liz and Ross, including a dinner at their place with the Loon Lake gang. The food was delicious, and it's fun to get together once a year with old friends who know other old friends that I have lost contact with. 

I returned to find that my yard was a jungle. I've been working to tame it ever since. But the first thing I noticed was that the huge spruce that used to hang over the parking area was gone, leaving a wide open view of the back neighbour's yard and house. The new owner was there. To my relief she seems to be friendly, but that may be neither here nor there because she is doing extensive repairs to the place and plans to rent it. 

The new bridge that replaces the Blue Bridge, as seen from my kayak in the Inner Harbour

Barbara and Terry waving good bye to me 

Me just before driving back toVernon

I woke up at 5:30 this morning, as I have done every morning since I got home. I did my first laundry since before I left for Victoria and was in the yard by 6:00, cutting back any of the grape vines that show no signs of fruit. By 11:00 I had eaten breakfast and was resting on the couch. It's been so hot in Vernon that most of the people I know are doing what they want to do in the early morning and evening and staying inside in the middle of the day. And it's early June. What will August be like?