September 15, 2015

Ann and Bob Bjarnason were here to visit for a couple of days. 

They visited us last year from West Kelowna and we were just thrilled that they made it this way to see us again this year. We spent a couple of days just catching up and visiting. Had a little fire in the backyard firepit early Sunday evening, and even played a couple of games of 'Sequence" later on. We gals dominated!!
Then on Monday evening we played some cribbage. The guys just killed us  - almost skunked us one game! 
We had a great visit. Didn't take a 'this year' photo, but they haven't changed  - - wonderful couple, love their company! 

September 13, 2015

Another fun filled weekend!  

Rich and Tina were here to visit. Arriving on Thursday from Ranier, WA, they left this morning. As always, so sad to say good bye. But this time, it's not for 6 months, it's only for one month....







In the few short days they were here we sure did have some fun. We did a lot of talking and planning as we are hoping they will travel to Panama with us this fall. As I've mentioned before, they are our 'go to - go do' buddies.  When we want to go somewhere they are always so willing to join us.  




Thursday evening we had a nice fire in the backyard pit. The first since last spring.

Friday morning we had a quick visit from old friends Ray and Judy Jesse.  Coffee on the deck.....








Our Island friends, Ray and Judy, we met in 2005 in San Felipe. Although we don't see them often, we do think about them, and it was wonderful that they took the time to stop in Greenwood.  We wish them safe travels and good health until we see them again!








Friday night we had a little soiree around the campfire again. This time we were joined by Steve and Doreen, with guitar in hand.








Steve's brother Keith was here as well, so we had 7 of us around the gazebo. We had a great time visiting, and singing. 










Keith plays guitar and sings too, so as well as singing along to all of the old favorites that Steve plays, we crooned along to a different set of songs. 









Michel bought a little drum thingee on one of our cruises, so he plays along with guitar. Fun had by all!

The evening went by so fast, before we knew it, it was 1:30 am - time to pack it in!


On Saturday afternoon Steve and Doreen cooked burgers on the bbq for us all. Thank You - awesome burgers!  
One last hoop-la before Rich and Tina went home.......

Until next time - thanks for reading.

September 8, 2015

Last Saturday our sewer backed up and Michel spent all afternoon digging a trench down to the sewer pipes in order to find the source of the problem. Because it was Saturday, we had to wait until Monday to get a hold of the City Water crew. 

In the mean time we welcomed Dennis and Nola back that afternoon. They arrived around 4:00:  just in time for a well deserved happy hour! They were only spending the night as they were on their way back home. Always welcome you two. It was nice to return a little hospitality.



Said good bye to my bestie this morning and it's always so sad to see her leave.  

Deb and her husband Len were here from St. Albert for a short visit enroute to see his son in Belingham, Wa. 

We had a great visit, although too short. 

While they were here we did a little touring (a drive around town and a quick visit to Rock Creek), a little tubbing and a whole lot of visiting!

A couple of late nights and not so early mornings. Love you guys - until next time, travel safe, and be happy!!

August 25, 2015

Card Night!
We've been getting together with Leo and Solange off-and-on once a week all summer to play cards. We play 500; a game not too many people play anymore, at least not around here. They were happy to find a couple who could play that game.
So we have a lot of laughs and play away the evening!  

August 24, 2015

This is what we've been looking at since Saturday night.

It is smoke -- not fog. 











This being the 3rd day of the smoke, it is 3 times lighter. Saturday night you could cut the smoke with a knife.  It stung the eyes and hurt the throat. Needless to say we've had a couple of 'inside' days.  








But we haven't had it as bad as many in our surrounding communities. 

On Thursday, August 13th fire swept through southern BC. Starting just north of Rock Creek and in less than an hour it had leveled the whole west side of Kettle River Provincial Park.  






Approx. 200 guests and staff, leaving behind their RV's and camping gear, had to evacuate across the bridge (many on foot) as the only park exit was engulfed in flames.





The park managers, who live full time in their 5th wheel, have lost everything. 

This picture on the right shows what is left of their home. The man walking is our boss.








The fire didn't stop there. It quickly surged northward taking 30 homes with it and leveling almost 4,000 hectares of forest in its path. Then another fire burst open over by Oliver (north of Osoyoos) and yet another just south of Anarchist on the US side.

Highway 33 from Rock Creek to Beaverdell was closed for over a week, reopening just last Friday. Hwy 3 from Rock Creek to Osoyoos was closed for 3 days. 

It is all so surreal. The Firefighters are still working overtime and the communities all came together to house and feed the evacuees.

But the smoke we smell today is coming from the other fires surrounding us.  There are fires burning all around us and two burning just south of the border.    

August 22, 2015

Thursday we welcomed Nola and Dennis. 

We met them in Florida in 2013, and have stopped and stayed at their place in Spillamasheen (near Radium) on two occasions. We had a wonderful visit.

On Friday we took a drive out to Rock Creek for a brewski at the Prospector Pub.








Then on the way back home we had lunch/dinner in Midway at the Bored Room Bistro.

They make the best pizza,








We sure did enjoy our time with them. 

Thursday night we sat around the 'pretend' fire in the gazebo, and Friday evening we played cards.

We look forward to seeing them again. They may stop again for the night on their way back home next weekend. 




When she asked me if I wanted a few veggies from her large garden I was elated.  
This is what she brought me!



Squash, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, beets, kale, green beans, pickled beets and cauliflower pickles.

WOW!  I barely have room in my fridge for it all.

  

August 19, 2015

Last night was our second themed dinner. Steve and Doreen hosted, so they provided the main course. 

Her 'theme' as you may have guessed was "greek".  

So here we are all toga'ed up. As you can see Michel and I dressed for the occasion this time! 







We began at 4:30 with happy hour. Solange and Leo provided the appetizers, which were wonderful.











I forgot to take a picture until we were done eating it all up, but she had a beautiful display of roasted pita bread served with humus and tzatziki sauce. Included were kalamata olives - yummy!








The main course included Greek salad with feta cheese and two skewers of chicken souvlaki served on a bed of rice pilaf. Way too much food - but oh so delicious!










And for dessert, served with coffee was the traditional Greek baklava. Lots and lots of walnuts. This was my contribution. I have never made this before and I had fun  making it. The others had never eaten it before so this was a good thing for me - nothing to compare it to - lol - 



We enjoyed our dinner party outdoors on the patio until the cooler night set in, then we moved inside where we sang a few songs accompanied by Steve and his guitar.  We all had a great time - ate lots, laughed a lot, visited and even drank a wee bit!

That's it until next time - Thanks for reading!