ROBBLOG #649

Yesterday, Wednesday, we woke up to encouraging news that our Doyle had been sighted in Winnipeg after jumping ship- or rather Priscilla our RV, in a KOA Campground.

By the time the day finished we were led to believe that the cat who showed up on a doorstep a kilometre or two away from the KOA Campground was not Doyle but a neighbourhood cat. This revelation came after being told earlier that Orange cats are a rarity there.

From elation in the morning to tears and sadness-again, in the evening, it was quite an emotional ride for Tom and I. It had been suggested we fly out- at least one of us, to Winterpeg to have a look for ourselves with the other staying behind to look after the kids here. Not knowing the city at all, we decided we will wait for another sighting- if that happens. I am posting the picture we were convinced was Doyle yesterday morning. We think the cat looks gaunt and sure resembles him. Of course, we know that orange tabbies could look alike but why does this cat- who presumably lives across the street from the house where he showed at the screen door, look gaunt and appear to be pleading "help me".

Guess, we will never know.

Photo we were sent of the cat peering through the screen



Nights are cooling her in the Cowichan these days. 10c this morning but warm sunshine now at mid-morning. We have a cool week ahead after the coming weekend with temps only forecast to be 16 or 17c daytime. That is below normal as was the almost 4 months with no rain and scorching summer temperatures. Still with the "Mediterranean" winter months ahead, we will take it in stride.

We have to.

Its the reason we pulled up stakes and headed the wagon west!

Back in Orillia- I keep wanting to type "Home", I see that Jenna Hunter is calling it quits at the Casino after 16 years!

I hope it was her decision and her decision alone.

Jenna was always gracious when I asked for tickets to shows- because of Swisssh Radio. Thanks to her we saw many fabulous acts such as - Rita MacNeil, Rock Voisine, Neil Sedaka, Petula Clark,

Burton Cummings, Frankie Avalon, Diana Ross, Vicki Lawrence, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Bernadette Peters, Liza Minelli and many, many more. Thanks Jenna!

Best of luck in the future!

By the way, both Swisssh and Starlite Radio are still lodged in huge plastic containers waiting for our new build and the Den/Studio to be completed. I am anxious to have them both back on the Internet Airwaves.

Back west now, we went about asking for information regarding licence and insurance yesterday. Our driver's licence can easily be changed- with our present Ontario licence and a Passport, at a BC Government Office. The physical licence on our van and Priscilla is another matter.

First, we need to get an "Out of Province Vehicle Inspection" done at the cool cost of $99.99- before we can have our BC plates.

Can you say Cash Grab- like in Ontario for the clean air test?

We think we'll wait a couple of months before licencing Priscilla. She is just sitting in the RV Park and we hope to sell her- unless an Easterner comes out and wants to spend a month or two in her in an RV Park this January/February.

The plate exchange and vehicle insurance- which is a provincial matter, is done at an other location. This could be at a service desk at Wal*Mart, The Real Canadian Superstore or at a local branch of Island Savings. We haven't quite figured out the BC insurance yet but after we get the inspection done next week we will get more answers.

The test has to be completed first before we can proceed.

I may have told you we have rented a cottage about 10 minutes from our new build for the months of October and November. It's cute but it is in the country and when it gets dark in the country- it gets dark. This can be "Bear Country" and if you know me, you'll known I love worrying about bears consuming me as I step out my front door. Today, we see another possible lodging inside Duncan and closer to civilization. It will have to be as large as the cottage and a detached dwelling or we'll probably stick with what we have.

Either way- can you say expensive?

Have a good day friends.

More morning coffee on my schedule right now, although back in Orillia Town you are hitting 130ish.



ROBBLOG #648

If it's Tuesday...it must be The Island.

Well, it was a busy weekend and yesterday- Monday we did our first trip to an Island Costco.

First, The Weekend.

We started by going to the Cowichan Exhibition Friday evening at the invite of new friends Leanna and Jason. A Big Old Country Fair.

Scarry, eh? The Cowichan EX

We saw a Credence Clearwater Revival type band. They were pretty good. Tom and I watched with Leanna and Jason and had some fun singing along. Afterwards, we walked the midway- something about midway lights that I like- as you can see above and below. Later, as we headed for the Exhibition's exit we strolled through the light horse building. I love seeing the horses up close. One, Maggie by name, gave me a horse-hug. She pushed her nose into my cheek and neck on my left, then lifted her head to my right side and pressed tightly into me again.

It was amazing. Like she was comforting me or something.

Animals...they have their own way about things- right?

Exhibition Lights

Earlier in the week, Tom's Brother Ted and our Sister in Law, Chris, arrived on the Island. We had dined at Romeo's- a terrific Italian Restaurant that Tom and I have become partial to. It was a fun evening and our server was funny too. She was right in there with the quips and fast talk! A real pleasure!

We saw Ted & Chris again on Saturday afternoon- after they returned from Tofino, gushing at their time in that surfside town. We even took a side trip to our new house to show them and our RV park neighbours Val and Gus our new home. All four seemed duly impressed. That made us happy knowing they approved of our choices.

Sunday, we headed down Island on the Island Highway to Shawnigan Lake where we travelled a few kilometres off the TCH 1 to the Kinsol Trestle. You can google the details but this massive trestle was re-furbished almost 10 years ago. It traverses a gorge which allowed trains to moved through the mountainous central area of the Island...and it's high up. My knees were weak. I couldn't really look over the edge for more than 5 seconds. We crossed to the opposite side and even hiked down to the edge of a stream that sauntered along underneath the trestle.

Kinsol Trestle near Shawnigan Lake- south of Duncan

Fair warning!

If you come to visit and want to see this Kinsol Trestle, I will sit on my butt with a coffee in hand and wait for you to cross and come back. Once is enough for me- breath-taking as it is.

It's a long way down...

Running low of stock items like TP- we decided to drive to the Nanaimo Costco on Monday. There is a Costco in Langford BC as well- near Victoria, however, with construction on the Malahat, we opted for Nanaimo.

The floor plan was a flip of what we knew in Orillia- for the few times we shopped at that new Costco location there. Different than Barrie too. It sure throws you off shopping in a space that is the flip of what you are used to. Same for our Duncan Wal*Mart. It's the flip of the Orillia Wal*Mart.

Anyway, we got the TP and some odds and ends.

Oh...and it's Christmastime at Costco!

Trees and a jolly, 8 foot snowman that lights up with LED lights inside.

We even bought a set of Microdot Lights- the latest thing in Holiday Lighting, for $12.99.

I sure hope we'll be in our new house to use our Christmas Décor. Our Hallowe'en decorations will not see the light of day this year, since our new move-in date is Mid-November. Anyway, it seems like home shopping in a Costco. Like Hot Chocolate and a cookie- it's comforting.

Cripes!

Am I missing home?

After Costco, we stopped in a Hudson's Bay Store and a Sears- both in Nanaimo, discovering at Sears

that we had been past the store when we were in Nanaimo a week ago. Mostar Road is right next to Sears and we could easily find our way back to the Island Highway.

Gradually we are finding our way around and gaining confidence. A local last week told me that I knew the area quite well, considering the length of time we had been here.

I said I had been studying long before we arrived.

Hey, on another topic, have you noticed that store mannequins sure have changed over the years? Although not anatomically correct, the rest of the body shape is pretty bang on.

~grin~

We had to take a photo.

Is this fellah "pool boy" material or what- even with the "girly boy" hands?

I know. I know...very sad isn't it to "gush" over a muscle-bound piece if plastic but- any port in a  storm.

Headless Hunk- but having a head is so over-rated

Call me superficial or something...



ROBBLOG #647 The W E E K E N D

Yup, That's a pencil sketch of me- enjoying Island Life!!!

Nice teeth, eh??

Well I brush several times a day...

So, 24 days since we left Orillia, Ontario.

Time flies.

Our new Island Home is still a couple of months away- just go back 2 blogs and get set for some rather "rough language".

I couldn't help it. I was upset.

The new time frame has sunk in though...not that I am any happier- just resolved to missing Thanksgiving and Hallowe'en in our new house. The Hallowe'en and Harvest décor is packed away in boxes and stored at a warehouse in Nanaimo. Guess this year I won't be decorating the house for the first time in decades! If things progress as slow as they are right now, we'll be setting up the Christmas Tree outside Priscilla come December!

I don't think we can afford to stay more than two months in Jane's Cottage.

Cripes, the 2 months is costing us enough unless the builder looks after our expenses. This is not in our budget but there's no word yet on the builder pitching in. It would seem that legally, he has to. Wouldn't it be nice if they offered assistance all on their own without our nudging or pointing out the legalities?.

I am NOT holding my breath.

Speaking of our stuff being stored in Nanaimo, we took this pic a couple of days ago of a house in a beautiful Nanaimo neighbourhood, that we couldn't afford to live in. I am told the houses would be around $800,000 but look at the lovely palms and the green grass. This entire neighbourhood was green.

I smell money...

My Kind of Home





We had breakfast out this morning and invited our "new" friends the super Leanna and Jason- from Ed's Soup Shack- get it? Super? Soup shack?

We dined at the Doghouse Restaurant- as usual. Great Breakfasts and the conversation was fun thanks to these two Islanders- even though Jason's from Oshawa. Tom and I got the skinny on some local stuff but after brekkie we realized we had forgot to ask about driver licences and health info!

Another time.

After a final cup of coffee, Leanna and Jason had to go and get ready for a busy market weekend in Duncan and Cedar.

After breakfast Tom and I stopped by Canadian Tire to buy two bar stools that would match the two we used in Orillia, I sashayed into the garden centre while there- outdoors of course. I can tell you this garden centre still is fully-stocked, whereas you folks in Orillia are probably just looking at fall mums and grasses and colourful harvest pots. Here there were Rhodies, Banana plants, plants for water gardens, grasses and more. Here's a photo of  some of the plants I saw:

Green and Lush

Yesterday, we stopped by the new house to see Joanne the interior design assistant and happened to meet Peter the electrician who was on site to plot our lighting needs.

That was fun and we were happy we had the opportunity to speak with Pete. He was very helpful.

Afterwards, we wandered down the trail just up the street from our house. It connects with the Trans Canada Trail that runs behind the property. We hadn't had the opportunity to do that before.

The trail and the valley were breath-taking. Tom and I had no idea that it was so beautiful and right in our backyard. Trees were covered in moss. Some of it hung from far up branches.

You know, I thought moss-covered old growth trees could only be found in "fun" places like Georgia- you know where Bette filmed Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte and everyone has a gun hidden under their skirt or down their pants.

However, here was a forest that looked like it came right out of the south or at the least a "Lord of the Rings" movie.

I liked the sign at the bridge just below our property in Stonewood Village, so have a gander:

This trail goes all the way to Lake Cowichan and probably cuts quite close

to the cottage I showed you yesterday- which will be our interim home in October/November.





Here's a shot of the moss covering many of the trees:

...why Miss Scarlett, I had no idea!

Hennaway, we continue to soak up Island Life and learn more and more each and every day about our new Island Home in Duncan BC.

C'mon out to the West Coast.

The weather is fine and it doesn't even feel like autumn!



ROBBLOG #646

So, if you read yesterday's blog, you may be wondering- "What's Up?"

We have had advice from folks.

Suggestions, if you will.

Most of you think the builder and real estate have been unfair and may be negligent in offering assistance and compensation. Our lawyer would concur with you.

You know, to help someone- namely us, in this situation it wouldn't cost a dime.

Instead of hearing- "Hey Rob and Tom sorry about this but can you sign that addendum because 'surprize' you've been extended until November 16th." we could have heard-

"Sorry Boys but the builder's a little behind and you may not get possession until mid-November but give me a couple of days and I think I can find alternate accommodation for you since I know you don't want to live in the RV past the end of September".

There was nothing even remotely suggested- so far at least, that would offer us any help to find appropriate accommodation.

You know, after all, we are strangers in a strange land.

Strange to us but beautiful.

Nope, it appears we are on our own. Luckily we have met some nice folks here in the Cowichan who are helping us. I contacted a new friend- Leanna. I filled her in on our predicament and asked if she had any suggestions regarding a property we could rent.

She asked what we might be looking for in a rental property and how much we could afford to spend. After telling her what we wanted, Leanna got back to me in a few minutes with this photo:

This is a cottage on Sahtlam Estates Road in Duncan- about 10 minutes from our new house.

It's an Air B n B listing. We had a look online and read about the host. Here name is Jane and she is a former New Yorker who lived in the same building as Will & Grace.

Okay, she didn't live in the same building as Will & Grace- since they aren't real- except on television and in my own mind.

40 years later Jane is living the Island Dream. She ran a B&B for 16 years in Victoria and now she lives in the Cowichan where she has two private cottages on her property. The property is a "little" in the country but still has a Duncan address.

We can't believe it's just a quick 10 minutes away from our new build!

We booked our stay online and Jane called us this morning. An hour later- after punching in the code on the keypad at her front gate, we found ourselves standing in her driveway exchanging pleasantries while waiting to see the property.

Jane doesn't live alone.

She shares her country property with two dogs and a black a cat named Bob.

A pair of sheep with no names, plus a Rooster aptly named Mr. Roo.

Mr. Roo has a gaggle of gals- four to be exact, that he "services" daily and in return "The Girls" supply Jane with 3 or 4 fresh eggs each day- which she offered to share with us.

The cottage is cute and cozy and has a real range for cooking and a washer and dryer pair- almost new. The yard is fenced for our girls and without missing a beat Jane said we can park the RV in our drive along with the Swissshmobile. The drive is private and has it's own gate onto a paved road that runs just behind Jane's property.

How nice!

We knew this place would suit us when the road down the street is called "Hank's Road".

I mean can you believe it?

Hank, as in Hank has a road named after him.

I miss playing that character on stage.

Remember Hank?

All in all, we'll be able to live a nearly normal life for two months or whenever our house is built and ready for possession. However, this sweet little cottage with the sky light inside the front door is not cheap. A couple of months to live in this private, fenced country cottage will cost us under four thousand dollars.

Where the Hell is that money coming from?

We may have to cut back on our upgrades, sell Priscilla our RV sooner rather than later or rely on the goodwill and customer service we have been shown so far by both our realtor and builder.

WAIT!

~laughing~

That'll never happen...or...will it?

We have a meeting at the new property tomorrow and

just in case the bullshite runs high on the calf...

I'm wearing my rubber boots!



ROBBLOG #645

I wasn't going to tell you this but I am so pissed off I could spit!


Today- less than 30 days to our possession date of our new build in Duncan BC, our friendly realtor e-mailed us at 1pm Tuesday September 5th, 2017- yes, he e-mailed, to tell us our new home is delayed not one week....
Not two....
Not one fucking month...
But an additional month and a half until November 16th.
Now, he and the builder want us to sign an addendum- and believe me we have signed more than I can count since February, to defer possession until November 16!
Oh, he did call after the e-mail to talk with Tom. Tom's the "nice one".


"Darn"- he said, "I had hoped to talk to you (meaning Tom) before you received the e-mail I sent."


Well, numb-nuts call first- then e-mail.
Any grade school kid can figure that one out in 2017!!!
I won't even begin to list the excuses we have heard not to mention how much more our new home is worth since we officially purchased it all those months ago. Yes Sir, the day after we move in- if we ever do, we could sell for an additional $50,000 or more over and above what we will pay.
~small hands clapping~

Oh My!!

Fuck!
Shit!
Cripes!
MFer!
Damn!
Hell!
Shite!
Feckers!
and there could be more name calling coming from my little potty mouth but because I am a "lady"- like Karen Walker on W&G, I shall refrain from additional profanity.


We bought our home way back in February, well, on paper anyway.
We have paid the monies asked.
We have signed and signed again addendums extending the possession dates. Our real estate fellah says- "This builder is always on time!"


Well, fucka-dew-dah-day, they aren't even close!


I knew there was bad karma when we had to ask for- and finally got weeks later, a letter permitting our additional puppy to live with us to appease the All Mighty Strata Gods and their one cat, one dog rule- even though North Cowichan allows 3 dogs per property.
Powertrippers.
These are actually folks who live to get up in the morning just to tell other people -like us, what to do.


Fucking power freeks- who I understand from folks living in the Village already, knock on doors to share their displeasure with the family living on the inside and how they live or what they do.
Does this sound vaguely familiar or can you say Kay Gee Bea- and I don't mean Bea Arthur!
That's all for another blog.


This Province of BC is all "Strata" nuts.
Look it up. Kinda like condo rules in Ontario but here we own our land and house only to have a committee dictate- that's the key word, their pleasure- or displeasure.
Hmmmm...
What's the word I am searching for..
Oh ya- "Dictator".


They loves them some 'strata" rules here.


I tell you this honestly, I am this close to telling this company to shove their new build. I think we have been shite upon by the "wherethefuccowwee bird".
Tom is the calming force and is trying to be patient but what the "Farm-truck" is going on?


Right now, I don't feel any warmth or even a modicum of excitement to be moving into this "Lifetime Home" sometime this year...or next...or the year after that.
Cheese and Rice!!!
Who the Fire Truck knows
Our lawyer says- don't tell him I said this- that obviously this development has a small margin of profit and isn't important enough.

We are Royally Pee'd Off Too

But I am so Mad!
I think we have been strung along for a while now and I believe the real estate office- like some crooked used car dealer, has not been forthright with us.
I wanted to believe.
I really did.
I wanted Tinkerbell to live, so I clicked my heels, clutched my pearls and prayed to Drag Queens everywhere to make things be true and right.
Tinkerbell's lights have dimmed.

I too am P Eye Double S E Dee'd

You see, it really is all about the money and the commission.
Fuck the customer. Sorry about the fuck word...


Well, we'll see.
We have been looking at other housing options outside of Dear Priscilla who has been wonderful, marvelous and protective but another 2 and a half months inside her?
Gawd no!
Priscilla, Darling, we love you but 30 feet only goes so far....


So, we are looking at options as I said.
I mean we need to change our licence, our health cards, our insurance, our storage dates and a million other things however, we can't do that without a permanent residence.
Uh-Huh right there between "The Rock and a hard place- like Hugh Jackman, which under other circumstances might not be so bad.


~breathe and smile~


So, if anyone from a certain real estate is reading this blog, make your mind up to shell out some money to this little witch and make me feel better about this house purchase and your company and this builder or
I am getting outta dodge.

"Yes Sir, He typed "Fuck" in his blog several times
and now my Granddaughter uses that
profane word frequently!"

There...
I almost feel better. &^%$&^**##$

ROBBLOG #644

Labour Day Monday.

Imagine Labour Day and "In Labour". Think of your Mum if you are a Labour Day Baby.

The reality of "Living the Dream" on the Island Continues and it's HOT AS HELL.

34c yesterday when we passed through Ladysmith after visiting an outdoor Market in Cedar about 40 minutes from Duncan. There is an English Pub there called the Crow & Gate. Step inside and "poof" you're in England.

If you're "straight" it would be "Wow, I am in England"!

We couldn't take the puppies in- which you could in most English Pubs however, we will go back again.

Leanna and Jason from the Ed's Soup Shack in Duncan were there. We met them Saturday at the Duncan Market. A Terrific twosome and we plan on having Martini's together and maybe lunch or dinner. Jason's from Oshawa and yes he did work at GM for a while but I won't say what Jason said about GM...

Saw this Red Accordion in a Vintage Shop in Chemainus.
Just $295. I may take up being an accordionist. Just call me Lawrence Welk

Also at the Cedar Market, we met Nancy from Protection Island- just off Nanaimo. Nancy and her partner are from Calgary and have been Islanders for 2 years. They live in a "tree house" on the Island. Nancy says you can walk around the whole Island in about 40 minutes. Something else to do!

We chatted to the gal at Island Skalliwags (www.islandskalliwags.com) where we bought doggie treats and told the story about losing our Doyle cat in Winnipeg. She suggested the Winnipeg Lost Cats Facebook Page. Last evening I messaged them and Claudia answered in a heartbeat. We gave her all the Doyle Info. She will go look at the KOA and install a camera there- actually it's in St. Francis Xavier. Claudia said they have always found every feline they have looked for- baring wild animals fitting into the equation.

So again, we have HIGH HOPES of having Doyle return.

It's at https://www.facebook.com/WinnipegLostCatAlert/

Our Doyle

Have I mentioned how many "Doppelgangers" there are out her on the Island.

It takes you back some. A neighbour up this RV Row is the image of Orillia's Sherry Lawson. Jan has the same facial features and hand movements, body language, bright eyes and laugh of Sherry.

Spooky.

At times I believe it is Sherry untill I give my head a shake.

Another friend- Jaki, who lives in Mississauga, has a doppelganger here. We met her at Transfer Beach.

Same hair.

Same facial features and actions that Jaki has.

Jaki's Mum was our friend Sienny who passed from cancer 4 years ago September 2nd.

There are plenty of others too- too many to mention- but Sharon and Terri from Fowlie Street back in Orillia, you are represented here too.

Little Church in Chemainus

Today's sked?

We plan on visiting Canada's only Tea Farm in Duncan (Westholme). It's called Westholme Tea Company and you can look it up on Google. We met Victor- the owner, at the Duncan Market on Saturday and we said we'd drop by Monday and meet his wife as well.

Don't know her name yet but it is probably online on their website.

Victor says there's a café and more to see  at the Farm.

Betcha I buy some tea. I bought Island roasted coffee at the Duncan Market on Saturday.

By the bye, that market is open 52 weeks a years- OUTDOORS!

What does that tell you about this Mediterranean climate in the Cowichan?

That's it for today.

There's so much more I could write but I will make notes and type more next time.

A message to easterners, if you are fed up with -30c and cold and snow and ice, I think I might be able to suggest an alternative...





ROBBLOG #643

Labour Day Weekend!

How the Hell did that happen already?

Here we are in the Cowichan- just outside Chemainus. We left Orillia almost 17 days ago. Times flies when you're having fun! This is a fun place! Now, don't get me wrong, I would rather be in our new house than living in Priscilla week after week but it could be worse- like a drippy, cold tent.

Priscilla has central air and a furnace so it's not like we are really roughing it or anything like that.

We have a had a few problems like the toilet deciding to keep running, flooding the bathroom floor. The water seeped under the bathroom wall and soaked the edges of the bedroom rug. A soggy mess. I keep sopping up the water with paper towels. That cushiony kind with the guy on TV dressed up like a paper towel roll?

Useless.

The Best?

Costco brand.

Hennaway, it could have been worse- like the toilet holding tank overflowing.

Ya gotta be greatful for the small things.

We had a busy- but nice, day in Victoria yesterday. Takes us about 45 minutes to drive to Victoria- down Island, on the Trans Canada and over the Malahat. What breathtaking views and all in our own backyard! We picked up our friend Brenda and her Grandson Nick and headed to Downtown Victoria. They live in Esquimalt (Ss-squeye-Malt). Got to get the pronounciation correct!

Live Music and Fish and Chips on Fisherman's Wharf Victoria BC

We had lunch at Fisherman's Wharf- Halibut Fish and Chips. They were not cheap but they were good. A fellah was singing under a blue umbrella not far from our picnic table on the wharf. He did a couple of songs from Joni Mitchell and Peter Paul and Mary. Then, he started talking about Orillia and Gordon Lightfoot!

What are the chances?

I had a brief chat before we left our table. Well sorta, he chatted and I listened. Could not get a word in edge-wise and if you know me- that is quite a feat in itself.

Floating houses were moored on the docks connected to the main wharf.

Floating Houses. Even a couple for Sale

We drove somewhere in Victoria to Short Street- and it was, to the La Z Boy Furniture store. Thank goodness again for the GPS- although we had Brenda and Nick as co-pilots. After a couple of

"re-calculating" moments from both the GPS Lady that I call "Sheila" and from our backseat GPS- Nick, we made it to the store. Tom and I spent two hours or more choosing furniture. Our guests and the puppies were very patient.

Did you get that Orillia? Every store we have gone into has welcomed dogs. We always ask if it isn't posted. The only no's were at the Outdoor, Under a Tent, Art Sale in Ladysmith last weekend where we talked to a lot of disgruntled pet owners. Won't be there next year. We also can't take the kids into a restaurant but the Doghouse Restaurant has an outdoor take out entrance with a lovely, plant-filled patio where Missy and Koko were welcomed.

We like the Lazy B Boy product. We bought a new King-sized- Queens no longer, four piece bedroom set. Looks very antique.

A solid traditional look.

Of course, we needed a mattress and box spring too.

A love-seat caught our eye. It was at a great price so we took that as well. Then I saw this great-looking, electric fireplace that actually had fake smoke rising from the logs. It had been marked down to $996 from $2100.

I asked Ezra- our very helpful salesguy, if he could do better.

He did at $596 so, I said sold.

Don't know where it's going to go in the new build since we have two gas fireplaces but maybe the Master Bedroom.

A Bargain Fireplace/Piece of Furniture

STOP THE PRESSES!!

One of the park employees who toodle around on golf carts just came to our door.

She asked- "Are you from Orillia?"

I said "Yes..."

She broke into a big smile, screamed and said-"I am too!!"

We hugged and jumped up and down.

Cripes....it's a small world.

Holly and Bruce. Been here for 20+ years.

They live year-round in this RV park along with about 30 other permanent, year round folks.

We sat and chatted.

Holly is going back to Orillia next week for a few weeks to visit family. She'll miss the heat over the next 5 days. There are heat warnings out with temps to be in excess of 30c!

She told me she and her husband Bruce managed that condo building on Gill Street in Orillia.

I told her my sister lives next door to that building.

So, apparently Tom and I just have to go to the Pancake Breakfast on Sunday morning. Oh,

there's a dance on Saturday night too- complete with a 2 piece band.

Wow!

So, for those of you wondering about year-round, inexpensive living in an RV Park it is the norm here on The Island. No -30's.

No snow.

No staying in your house for 3 or 4 months because it's too miserable to be outside.

As Holly said- "Roses bloom in December. What's not to like here?"