Travelling lab boxes

As I have just met the COOP staff who picked up the lab box, I shall update. The blood samples in question were actually drawn on Thursday morning, in anticipation of the scheduled flight. We're talking someone who is NOT a fan of venipuncture (although who except masochists really are?) dropping in for something else and being persuaded to be poked - and the successful site was the back of the hand here folks, not an easy stick so the nurses as well as the patient are determined to not repeat this performance. A freight flight landed on Thursday morning, the sched got pushed ahead to only depart Inuvik at 4 pm, the forecast was poor by then (of course) so cancelled. By....Friday they overflew and left - TWICE! Apparently there was a BIG drama at the airport (something to do with passengers yelling/phoning etc etc) after the first pass and...the flight returned (not sure if the drama and return were connected), only to approach as thick fog had moved in, so they flew over again and returned to Inuvik. This meant the COOP staff picked up, then returned, picked up and returned the lab box. About half an hour ago, I heard a plane and after conferring with my coworker/NIC as in "boss the plane, the plane!" asking if I should call the COOP for pickup she suggested "just take it up to the airport". So, I grabbed the box from the fridge, her jacket and the keys, regretting my sandals (the heat is stuck on high in the health centre this weekend but it's cool outside) and rushed up the hill to find....a deserted and darkened airport with stacks of luggage in the corner and no plane. I phoned the COOP and a confused conversation followed with the clerk who ignored my mom/nurse voice:

me: is there a plane today?
she: yup, it left at 12 oclock
me: you mean it just left, that's what I heard?
she: um no, there was a charter
me: so there's going to be a sched today?
she: yeah, they're leaving Inuvik at 12 oclock
me: you ARE going to come pick up the lab box right?
she: um...oh yeah

And miracles of miracles, they actually did come to the door for the box. Now...would they return with it was the question? The visibility is listed on the weather report as 24 km so I mused that there best not be any flyover shenanigans today! I am happy to report the traveling lab box has NOT returned. Whew.

I haven't been getting out walking as much as I'd like because of the weather - with reduced visibility comes the opportunity for stealth predator visits such as polar bears and wolves. I'm not really concerned but my coworker says she doesn't want to work alone if I'm devoured (nurses are so empathetic) so she discourages my solo wandering. The temperatures have been about 8 to 10c with lots of drizzle, fog and rain which (with the Greek novel I'm reading) certainly make one look forward to cyclades sunshine, clear blue skies and turquoise waters. 

We extended our social life this week by attending a Nutrition North cooking class on Wednesday evening. We get brownie points on the monthly report for community events, the ingredients were included and so we trotted down the hill to the community centre.  There was avocado salad and fish with curry and tomato sauce which were both great, would try that again.  In fact, will try it with the arctic cod we

arctic cod

were gifted this week. A phone call with the message "I left some fish on your doorstep" was a bit understated as you can see here on the left. When the shore captain asked who was going to filet them for us (a skill I haven't had to learn with him around) I explained that the janitor said "I'll go get my ulu and be right back" and she was pleased to take some for her efforts. We graciously refused the liver and other innards she described as special treats as in "we're maritimers, the only way we eat cod liver is in capsules, no thanks. 

A local teenager was chosen to attend camp this month at RCMP depot in Regina, Saskatchewan for first nation youth interested in policing, and was telling me what a great time she'd had as we were comparing our trips there. She's active in the Canadian Junior Rangers, mature and a smart cookie - would be an excellent Inuit RCMP cadet a couple of years from now and it's always good for young folks to have goals. When she shared with other participants that it was the first time she'd visited a mall they said "where do you live anyway?" but she also mentioned being surprised when approached by two other girls who asked "are you Inuit?" and when she answered in the affirmative, one says to the other "see I told you". As I explained to her, it would be unusual that someone from other areas of Canada would have seen an Inuk, I certainly hadn't before working in Labrador.

The shore captain has been busy being a contractor as he and the carpenter son-in-law replaced the front steps for the teacher daughter and family. It looks great and is MUCH safer than the previous slippery tiles. Think he needed a break from stripping the paint off the deck which has become a long term project this summer. He's thrown himself full tilt into retirement as he's done with every other life stage and so has multiple projects on the go while managing his greenhouse and hopefully finding time for the pool, although the weather isn't cooperating much for that. Not sure if the metal storage building will be completed before fall or not.

The magic hat (which allows my daughter to speak English to explain concepts in class) has been posted, the question will be its arrival for the first day of school. I've done a cute headband for the granddaughter who (if video evidence is any guide - seeing her standing from a squat position holding up a bag of sweet potatoes) will be walking very soon. I've started working with some gifted yarn on a slouchy hat pattern which is very quick and so a good choice for gifting to street people missions. Mind you, as one of my millennial offspring commented they're "on trend" apparently. With the downloading of ebooks (including the latest John Grisham novel) from a source which my coworker describes as 'not entirely honest, but then again what is?' I am enjoying the sedate environment and loading up the list for travel.

strawberry cream cheese french toast

In closing, as the cream cheese/strawberry stuffed french toast from brunch is wearing off, I am going to source some bean dip for a snack. A big shout out to the electrician daughter who is settled into her new digs, exploring the capital and beginning a new position. I am jealous of her access to a variety of ethnic foods, Ikea and all that urban living offers...hats off to my teacher daughter who is heading back to a room full of french immersion grade primaries after a year off (pleased that our children don't have 12 week maternity leaves as we were subjected to) and the nurse daughter who continues to tough it out in healthcare in NS (should be a medal for that) pretending to feel normal after working the dark hours....and what is this dark at night stuff? We're just having some dusky hours from midnight to 5am here. 

Photographic evidence

beluga tail

warmer day at the shore

health centre street

determined daisies

As promised, and since the internet appears to working a bit better today.....a continuation of the weekend update...with photos above of my sunny walk on what was actually the last fine day here. It's been drizzly, windy, cool and grey with even the faint whiff of smoke in the air from the forest fires in northern BC, Yukon making their way through the atmosphere. I swear that if I looked out and saw snowflakes I wouldn't be surprised. The flights on Monday and Tuesday both made it in/out as the ceiling was high enough for a couple of hours to accommodate that. This allowed for movement of supplies, medications, patients to appointments and various tradespersons doing tasks such as checking sprinkler systems and fire alarms. 

Tonight's excitement is a scheduled Nutrition North class at the community centre involving avocados and fish. We're making a plan B of oysters, crackers and cheese when we come back if the portions are limited. Apparently a previous demo involved the purchase of five steaks, inviting of the entire community (pop approx 100) and quite the uprising when the first five arrivals were served and the rest got to pound sand. Memo to self, do not ask the demonstrator to cater for us. Not to mention the lack of attention to detail evidenced by a kerfuffle of this week following a demo involving cereal and milk by the same demonstrator. Breathless mother, arms flailing, bursts through the door with a slightly embarrassed teenaged daughter proclaiming "she just drank outdated milk from August 4th and now she's vomiting and has diarrhea". Upon questioning the daughter, vomiting was denied but slight nausea acknowledged as "possible" and diarrhea was changed to "can't poop" so upon questioning of previous bowel movement (because that is what nurses ask) it was "this morning" clearly not a concern. Soft abdomen, present bowel sounds and a well looking youngster. Questioning as to a feeling of unwellness?....well, not really. So a quick exit with some gravol tabs before anyone got ideas of any other health crises. I didn't ask (although I wanted to) if sour cream or yogurt had ever been ingested. And the fact that I ate July 4th expiry date greek yogurt this week without ill effects wasn't lost on me.

It's been a sedate week and I've managed (with the fine tutelage of my coworker) to conquer the skill of downloading free ebooks onto the computer and transferring them to my Kindle (mobi) and Kobo app on my phone (ePub) thus avoiding the use (and paying for) of data. Indulged in a dozen titles including two -  Girl Gone Greek and Greek Gods & Goddesses as I'm getting in the Grecian mode through my reading list. Have completed a couple of older titles including Travels with Epicurus and Reflections on a Marine Venus. Although I must confess that Kathy Reich's newest novel Two Days (with a new protagonist) was the highlight of my acquisitions and might jump the Greek research queue. 

I did manage to get my photobook ordered with the assistance of a live chat - clearing the history in Firefox was the trick, and it's winging it's way home to the travel partner. I've started another pattern for caps to the mission - just because you live on the street, you should still have a choice in hats. 

Pleased to report that the relocating daughter arrived safely after a straight forward road trip to her new city of residence and is getting settled in. Monday will begin a new work chapter. 

Pleased also  to report that my ears are much improved with the antibiotics and I'm not being a 'boo yah baby' about them as my coworker states - nurses are such empathetic souls to their buddies. We're off to eat our oysters, triscuits and cheese now as we're afraid to arrive hangry at the food demo. That wouldn't look good on our file if someone calls management in Inuvik on us for community misbehaviour. Later.

Sealskin slipper weather

Although the weather forecast says it's 11c today...I'm not feeling it. There's a gusty northeast wind of  supposedly 30km but I'm not buying that either as the wind is whistling through the window casings, sounding as it does in winter months. I had plans of a walk but...venturing out on the steps cured me of that. Mind you, a trio of local school aged girls in summer jackets / without hats are creating some kind of a structure outside my window with rocks and discarded wood while acting as if it's positively balmy, even though they have to lean at the waist into the wind to make forward progress. When I asked the roommate if there was a route 'in the lee' she said "everything is exposed here except the inside of buildings" and went back to the couch and her e-book. It's the kind of a day that makes you want to take advantage of the Halifax to Casablanca, Morocco $756 (all fees included) return airfare ad which made its way to my inbox. My roommate has turned on the oven and opened the door (makes one recall sitting with feet in wool socks on the kemac oven door after skating) to warm the apartment and as much as it makes me cringe to think of the bunker C the community generator is drinking to produce that electricity...it has made our space cozy. I have put on my sealskin slippers and made a cup of tea so am in a better mood. I did take a stroll yesterday along the shore and under the edge of the cliff it was warm enough in the sunshine to remove my hat and gloves. Ahhh. I would include some photos but...the internet is not cooperating this evening.

I have spent the weekend creating a photobook (receiving the email my voucher was expiring September 1 was the motivation I required) composed of our Curacao trip photos only to find that when I attempt to 'check out' the book I am unable to use the voucher. And of course since it's the weekend there is no livechat feature available and the promise to respond to my email within three to five business days did not improve my mood. Grrr. Clearly a first world problem, but an annoying one. The positive point is that the book is finished / waiting for printing and it was a lovely trip down memory lane to review those photos.

There were some hits and misses this past week - which was only four days, how will we manage a full workweek? Took Wednesday morning off as sick time (might as well since it's going to disappear come September 12) and made an upside down apple pie cheesecake for the Dr visit but the flights were cancelled all week due to fog, rain and wind - last one Monday, next one Friday - so we ate all the good stuff and had a quiet work week. My roommate and I joined the line at the COOP seeking produce and dairy products when the freight flight finally made it in. A community member roared across the field full throttle on his 4wheeler (no helmet and standing up) towards the steps as we entered the store. He chuckled and said "did you ladies think I was going to come up the stairs after you?" and I said "no, we were thinking you don't need that referral to the orthopedic surgeon you've been asking for!" he just chuckled and followed us in. I inquired (but did not purchase) the bag of cherries offered for $20, now grapes...maybe.

We had electricians in for over a week (due to the logistics of flight delays) to change a panel and they were slightly bushed by the second week. One of them even asked if we had any books to read! I offered up the shore captain's Clint Eastwood DVD collection and they fell upon the stack with huge grins. I also included some cast off books on the shelf in the laundry room from a former occupant including a Ken Follett and David Baldacci novel. Might have saved their sanity until they were finally whisked away on a Friday evening charter flight. My ears have continued to bother me and I've felt pretty punk so I had my coworker look in them and she diagnosed an otitis media as in....there's some weird yellow stuff behind your eardrums but they're not perforated. So, have started myself on antibiotics and feeling better already. Our itinerary for a holiday trip was changed by WestJet and when I called to see if anything could be done about the overnight in Toronto added on to the trip out and the six hour layover in Pearson on the return...the rep was very helpful and gave us a hotel voucher for the overnight, shortened the return layover to three hours and emailed along the documents while we were still on the line. Definition of good customer service.  I've finished up some hats (one for myself to match my jacket due to the change in weather), a headband for the granddaughter and researched some patterns and recipes - kidney bean dip is my new favourite, just sayin.

The oldest daughter is enroute to a new beginning as she's accepted a position in Ottawa and so is relocating. A stop along the way to see her niece (and the parents) in the city and then the road trip begins in earnest. Central Canada is closer than Alberta to visit and I won't be flying through Edmonton as frequently so this is a better option for sure. She's found a cozy, fully stocked, conveniently located apartment with a Spanish speaking landlord. The new adventure in a slightly different area of her industry requires learning some new skills and of course leaving the maritimes...for now. A plus for the location is the proximity to our national capital and thus the Embassy as this will hopefully assist the application process for emigration of our newest son in law. Already talking of a March Break visit with the grandchildren...I haven't been in Ottawa for over 40 years and so the planning begins...

Wasn't able to view the Perseid meteor shower up here because although the weather report states sunset is midnight and sunrise is 4am it's actually just kind of dusky in those four hours so...no comets were seen. Into the third week of the rotation as of tomorrow. Friday was payday and the way I look at it is that if the deposit exceeds the online shopping credit card bill...all is good.

Northern summer

BIGS strawberries

Well, as the calendar page was turned, I’m now able to say that I’ve worked in the high arctic every month of the year. Although I’ve been working in Nunavut / Northwest Territories for five years, I have managed to not be here in August. It's actually a much better month than July as the bugs have left and...why wouldn't they? This morning the temperature was 1c and it has warmed up to a balmy 5c at present. It was really windy and cold last evening and I'm thinking that the clerk and group traveling with her are feeling the nip. They headed out on a camping, two day 4wheeler trip to the other side of Banks Island. When I asked if they were taking one of those 'big white tents' the ones they use for camps she said "no, a Cabela tent" which I assume means a regular one we'd take to Kedge. Apparently one of the group won it at July 1st festivities. Before heading out the clerk gave me a tour of the greenhouse (Banks Island Greenhouse Society or BIGS) which is sporting a nice crop including what I'd guess are the most northerly strawberries grown in Canda.

After a lovely Saturday spent with both grandchildren (thanks to the generous hosting of the daughter's inlaws) at the lake and getting an ice cream - the memories will have to be supplemented with photos for some weeks now - I shopped for and packed groceries then had a rather uneventful trip in, which is just the way I like the commute to go. The shore captain dropped me at the airport by 5 am and texted that he was home before the plane took off meaning the two and a half hour return trip had gone smoothly. I managed the check in, security (thank you Nexus) and Tim Hortons breakfast in good time and napped on the WestJet direct to Edmonton flight, until woken by one of the under age three screamers on board. The luggage was delayed by about 45 minutes at the terminal but did arrive at least and I promptly stored my action packer, took the shuttle to the airport hotel, checked in and stored my duffle in the FRIDGE NOT FREEZER as I told the clerk three times, she being the one who had put it in the freezer in May. Grabbed some lunch, took a stroll through the industrial park/airport hotels (am convinced that no one in Alberta walks) and thus got some strange looks, took a short nap, read, got situated for the morning, supper and a glass of wine, soak in the tub and an early bedtime.

So early apparently that I woke up at 4:30 well before the alarm and so took the 5 am shuttle over to the terminal, retrieved the action packer and got in line. Smooth check in (clerk from Inuvik so she actually knew where Sachs Harbour was) again thank you Nexus, through security and down to the gate. Bit of a delay on the ground but finally off to Yellowknife - in the middle seat between two giants, not impressed with the travel clerk's booking plan! Yellowknife with a delay while someone chased birds off the runway for us and on to the service stop in Norman Wells. 

Unfortunately I developed painful ears / sinuses with the landing in Norman Wells and I say unfortunately because I still had five landings / takeoffs to go from there. Finally got some space on the 45 minute hop over to Inuvik. Discovered that Matt the Mechanic was on the flight - his dreadlocks were the giveaway, although at first I'd thought it was a toenail in one of the dreads, when he napped and I was able to examine it closer it appears to be a piece of muskox horn. And no I didn't let him tell me any ayahuasca tales, he was busy reading his Eckhart Tolle book anyway. The north does attract some 'interesting' folks....The seat in front of me was occupied by (according to the embroidery on his ball cap) Gilbert Thrasher Jr from Paulatuk who informed someone he knew across the aisle and two rows back that he'd been medevaced out to Yellowknife a few days ago. I braced for him to describe some mental health issue or perhaps something really personal but...he apparently had an appendectomy and all was well. Whew.

Arrived to find that Aklak Air had delayed the flight and were 'watching the weather in Sachs Harbour' although the nurses on the ground there said it was a beautiful day. An Aklak plane finally arrived which appeared to contain a charter of 18 tourists (the pilots took the extra seats out after the passengers deplaned as it's all about the freight into northern communities). The tourists were met by a local Inuk (who promptly put away his iPhone and acted more authentic) and escorted off to Tundra North Tours which sounded to me like a pricey way to spend the day (as in $800 for a day tour):

 tundranorthtours.com

Although all of the fit seniors looked pretty pumped to be in the 'real north' and headed off eagerly. The Canadian North flight south was slightly delayed as the RCMP awaited a prisoner to escort, a first nation lad who trotted up the stairs two at a time with his wrists cuffed in front of him. Our flight had a Sheriff traveling in with a prisoner as well. Unfortunately that is also the 'real north'.

When I was checking in, one of the ground crew walked by looking at my luggage and said to the clerk "did you tell her no excess going in today?" At only $210.32 it was the cheapest excess baggage receipt I've had in the past two years, but of course I'd packed

pack ice in the Beaufort Sea

appropriately to leave one bag 'on the other side' if needed. Cooled my heels (as my food warmed) for three hours before we finally took off. It was (of course) a glorious day to fly over. I suspect the delay had more to do with the charter and schedule than nature. The pack ice was visible in the Beaufort Sea and it truly is a beauty of a place to work. And...all my luggage made it with me. I visited with the nurse I was replacing who is heading over to Tuktoyaktuk for ten days then headed down to the health centre. Felt about 90 years old by then with temporary deafness, headache and stiff neck. The joys of a fly in workplace.

Checking out the neighbouring community Buy n Sell site and found along with the ads for pifi (dried char) and requests for folks to 'carry across' gifts of country food to family members in other communities this post ......Bri and I wanted to make cheese cake but we're short one egg. Anyone has an egg? Lol can replace with cheese cake when it's done. The reply was......come get one at Dad's....another post offered ...$20 a load of bread (assume it's similar to a loaf) $20 a bag of buns $5 a dozen of home made sugar cookies and $20 for the whole lemon pie. Getting up to speed with the northern living. 

Speaking of shopping I've been doing some online shopping (to be delivered to the teacher daughter) some of it for the immediately after work trip. For example, according to my Lonely Planet guide book research...visiting monasteries in the Cyclades requires covered shoulders and...no miniskirts, shorts or trousers, which only leaves a maxi skirt to be thrown in the day bag for such situations. The t-shirt which reads "I'm a Mom and a Nurse You Can't Scare Me" will be for at home wear (nurses do not want to be recognized when traveling). A new braided charging cord - those things wear forever my roommate states - a necessity for the digital traveler and I found something called a monkey mat which folds into a 6 x 6" pouch and is touted as easy clean for sand etc. because who wants to take their microfibre travel towel to the beach?

monkeymat.com 

Of course everything must fit into my already packed (weighing in at 18 lb) knapsack which includes the necessities of life for six weeks ferry hoping in the Greek islands. The travel partner will take my bag to the city with him when I arrive from work to meet him. And although we're heading towards the Mediterranean vacation, we're also roughing out the details of a winter in warmer climes. Beginning with a New Years cruise out of Miami then heading to Argentina to spend a couple of weeks vacationing with our Argentine friends, then off to explore Chile (perhaps Easter Island and the Atacama desert) before heading home end of February. So far, through a cooperative effort, the airfares and cruise are booked.The travel partner is working on accommodation in Bariloche and Villa la Angostura (nearer to Chile so the flights are through Santiago de Chile) and keeps researching South American bus schedules. Yes I have forbidden him to drive in the Andes, nuff said. No plans to get into the details until we're home in November but picking up better prices a few months ahead of time on the transportation.

 

tundra flowers

view on my walk

I've managed to get a couple of walks in. The first an abbreviated version with my roommate in tow whining and only continuing with the promise of scones as a reward (and yes I did honour my bribe) and a second brisker jaunt on my own the following evening. I'm on call today so tomorrow will be hike day, we took a run in the vehicle to check out the community and discovered the RCMP plane leaving the airport. Surely the back story to that event will come out in such a small place.   

The first week of my rotation (hard to believe that I started out a week ago) has been (mercifully) sedate. Some medical travel issues due to full flights, minor walk in ailments (when the nurse's cold is worse than yours it doesn't lead to a long visit) bladder infections, muscle strains and a hangover. Leaving time to check the crash cart and delivery room  - hoping to not use either of those - order stock drugs, read the policy updates etc.

Have been crafting a bit. Finished the throw I was working on and have received lots of positive feedback which is good for my ego. Everything from a request to sell (I'll do one for you when I get home) to entering it in the exhibition (that reply included a map of my present location) and lots of praise. It is cozy, made from Mary Maxim yarn and although it's called 'summer breeze throw' it's come in handy this weekend with the chilly temperatures. Have a couple of balls left over which will make nice soft hats. Working on a 'magic' hat at present and the trick will be getting it to the requester in time through Canada Post. Never any shortage of projects when I'm here but it's good to have a deadline so I'll finish them at least.

Next work week, although shorter with the government holiday will be a busier one than this has been. There's an electrician who has come in to replace the electrical entrance while we sleep Monday night and the generator hums so hopefully no glitches with that and we can open Tuesday morning. The Dr is coming over for clinic on Wednesday and Thursday which increases the traffic, tasks and requires us to be social entertainers. These plans, of course, require the fog which has been drifting in and out all week to clear long enough for flights to arrive/depart. 

So, enough rambling...back to my crocheting. Stay tuned for a weekly update. 

Packing procrastination

Into the final procrastinations for packing as the work commute begins on Sunday morning. I did manage to get electronics charged and my knapsack put together, easier as more stuff is coming home than going north this time. I feel like I've been packing (unpacking) for the past week. I'm packed for the Greek adventure six weeks early as I won't be making it all the way home from work before leaving again - the travel partner will have to bring the backpack and travel clothes to the city when he meets me. And we had a three day multi family camping trip to Kejimkujik National Park which included rain and wind so stacks of wet gear to be cleaned, dried and repacked. Camping is work and inclement weather camping is a lot of work. It was great to see the grandchildren enjoying the park as much as their parents did though. Our daughter brought their canoe so there were two excursions where the grandson assured me that he'd seen beavers, snapping turtles, fish etc. although these sightings were not confirmed by his aunties. Mind you, he was also convinced that BigFoot was in the park as his uncle had him knock on a tree trunk and the creature responded! As our son-in-law said "those other campers were sure looking at me funny as I hid and whacked that log". The best part was his baby cousin who has begun to use her index finger to indicate things of interest pointing into the trees with the rest of us. When I suggested that mister should go check out the wooded area (where he was adamant he'd seen a brown hairy arm wave) he declined stating that he wasn't scared, just didn't want to. Campfire smores, making new friends, trips to the playground, great food, card games and cousins playing. A good time was had by all! 

The swimming lessons resulted in two (count em) two badges and the little man is in Level 4 now, just has to work on the distances to move up. It was too cold to get in to the lake at Kedge and although the pool here was balmy last week, it is a frigid 70F this week. The water was looking a bit murky last weekend so the shore captain drained, scrubbed the liner with javex (using a headlamp) and refilled the pool on the high tide at midnight. Unfortunately I won't be able to partake if it ever warms again. This summer has been the cool and wet one predicted unfortunately. There was snow in Sachs Harbour last week, but summer snow doesn't stay so I'm not expecting any by Monday and at least the bugs will have disappeared. By mid September I'll be putting the winter jacket and boots I left in the closet to use though.

The rookie season has been continuing with the grandson becoming more likely to make contact with the ball. The bat, batting gloves and mitt his grandfather outfitted him with for a grading present is getting good use. Have gotten used to warming the bleachers again after a decade away and will miss that as well next month. Oh well….next summer there won't be this trade off.

When the grandson was here for his swimming lesson week his grandfather suggested they'd like strawberry shortcake so I prepared the fruit and baked sweet biscuits. Our grandson came in from 'helping' in the greenhouse and said "that smells like pancakes cooking" so I explained it was the biscuits. He said "smells some good" and I said "hasn't anyone made you strawberry shortcake before?" and he said "once" and named one of the places he stays clarifying that she "bought the stuff at the store, like cool whip and those cakes". I'm sure his great grandmother would not have been impressed to hear that. Tonight I picked up a box of wild blueberries from the Upick as I have run out of time to get them myself. With all the moisture this year they're large and juicy and would be easy picking. They'll be waiting for me to bake in November.

The greenhouse and outside beds are yielding great produce and we have been enjoying zucchini, cucumbers, radish, onions, lettuce of various kinds, spinach, mesclun mix, basil and other herbs. The peppers and tomatoes are beginning to ripen. And yes, another thing to miss as the harvest continues. If you're local and driving by….help yourself. I've made a batch of pesto this evening to freeze and did you know that you can make radish top pesto? It's delicious, milder than basil and a good use of something I would've previously thrown in the compost. Told the shore captain he'll have to become an expert canner as well.

Have been making the rounds and visiting friends/family as I wind up my time off. Had an afternoon of tea and conversation with a retired friend and her grand dog, ran in to several folks in my rounds at the stores, made a trek to another community and walked the beach with two friends (one home from Alberta) and stopped for tea/dessert - the strawberry/rhubarb dumpling with ice cream is what dreams are made off! And we compared notes on the pneumonia prevention vests we've started (she knitting and me crocheting) which are a feel good project. Last evening was a walk on the beach and a Dan's date to catch up on news and make some cruise plans for the upcoming 'Operation Mario' adventure. This morning I had my summer neighbour over for breakfast (we've both been so busy that we have to schedule ourselves in) and she left stating that I was exhausting her with my pace so she needed a rest. Tomorrow is a day of errands - rock pit fixed in windshield, lunch with nursing school classmates, haircut and a stop to pick up the Euros I've ordered from the bank and then a visit to my sister. Saturday is grocery shopping and a few minutes snatched with the grandchildren which will have to last for six weeks for the baby (I'll see her again on my 24 hrs in the city September 14) and three months for the little guy.

So….off to bed as the time zone dance will soon be kicking my butt. Don't want to think of what 9 hrs (three from west to east in Canada then six more to Greece) within 24 hrs will do for my carcass in September. Mind you that list of ten cyclades we've mapped out to visit is looking mighty fine. Next update from the land of the northern sun.

Rhinoceros, rhinoceros….

As the life partner remarked….these short summers sure slip away quickly don't they? I'm into the final two weeks of my 'at home' time and cannot believe how they are disappearing. Mind you, Maritime summers are brief to begin with and I've been trying to pack mine into the month of July, knowing I won't be home again until November after a six week work rotation followed by six weeks of vacationing in the Greek Islands. Tough schedule, but I'm up for it. Ha!

But first a bit of a recap of the last two weeks festivities. We travelled to the city for my oncology clinic appointment - which was great - and were pleased to have my surgeon as he was on his first day back after having both knees replaced (he and I both understand the being on the other side of the bedrail situation) I shared how pleased I'd been to return to work and he agreed. I suggested that the BS is what wears us down and he said "well it's been good so far but it's only 11 am, I'm sure there's lots of time for it yet before the day is over".  I asked about the three to four monthly checkup schedule as it related to travel plans and he said "you make your plans and we'll work around them" which is just what we wanted to hear. When I discussed the schedule he stated that "research shows that patients with your pathology who aren't scheduled for checkups but followup for symptoms do as well as those who come for regular appointments, the reason we call patients back is to be sure they haven't developed any problems because many people won't followup, I'm not worried about you as you'll come in". Ahhh so no need to worry about what will be found at a visit if one is feeling well, much better way to approach these checkups. So the 'working around' my travel plans will fit a checkup in between return from Greece and before a girls getaway cruise in the fall (more on that to follow) think I can manage that. 

After leaving the clinic we headed to the mission and dropped off some hotel toiletries (given out to street people) which a neighbour had sent along and a bag of crocheted hats I'd stashed in the closet as it will be winter again you know. The donations were much appreciated. A quick drive through stop and out onto the highway as we had made plans to visit a friend in New Brunswick. I managed to crochet an angel wing pinafore for the granddaughter and was tickled to discover that it fit her perfectly. I had succumbed to a local yarn shop called Erin's Hooked on Yarn which is stocking wonderful new products at decent prices, especially great colours for little girls. I mean with a description as a supply store for fibre enthusiasts….how can you go wrong? I'll be back, once I find a way to hide the ever growing stash that is. I do have an idea though as I noticed an article in the local paper which referenced a knitting group which meets at the library (I've marked the calendar for Tuesdays numerous times and have yet to make it) where they created pneumonia prevention vests. One of the participants (a former nursing colleague) had begun the project through the ACW (Anglican Church Women) who send them overseas. There is a crochet version online which I've located at:

ravelry.com

which is a great place to access all sorts of free (or paid) knitting and crochet patterns. And as you can see, it's not going to win any fashion contests but will keep a small body warm. It's very basic, will go to a good cause and will be a nice change from the hats I've been doing. Might even reduce my stash a bit. The problem is though that when folks hear you're working on such altruistic projects….they contribute all sorts of yarn to the cause, at least this is what's been happening with the hat creation caper. I'm going to attempt a vest over the next few days as I've made a car service appointment for Tuesday afternoon so I can walk down to the library and see if my creation looks close to the ones being shipped. I hear they don't discriminate against crocheters so I'm thinking it may motivate me towards another semi-retirement activity to accompany my dishcloths, hats and market bags. 

The visit in NB also extended to the US as we opted for a day trip down to St. Georges, over on the (free) Deer Island ferry with a stop in the lovely picnic / camping park overlooking the water and then off to Campobello Island on the ferry (reasonably priced at $16 for the vehicle and $3 per person) to explore Roosevelt Campobello International Park:

fdr.net

which was a lovely bit of history and something I've wanted to tick off the bucket list for years. Picked up a great Eleanor's Cookies cookbook and opted to download Beloved Island at home (price is one aspect but the logistics of what to do with the actual books is the other). It was a beautiful warm, calm day, just perfect for exploring. We drove off the island via the bridge to Lubec, Maine and up through the border crossing at Calais and 'home' to the Loch Pub & Grill in Harvey where we had a wonderful supper. A leisurely breakfast and visit (told my friend we'd give her 5 stars for her B&B) and we were off to the ferry in Saint John to cross the Bay of Fundy to Digby. A short stop for gardening supplies and we were home by suppertime. Lovely mini vacation.

The following morning I had a spa appointment. then headed out for a girls getaway with the teacher daughter and granddaughter. The original plans had included the nurse daughter but the sinus infection she was battling didn't allow her to accompany us, hateful to be sick on your days off and well enough to return to work as scheduled. We made our way to Pictou for supper and the baby was the entertainment of the restaurant, she wasn't a big fan of the carseat after all that freedom, but we were pretty quickly at the Seafoam Shore B&B. Recently opened by a couple who have relocated from Ontario it's a newish bungalow, trailer and cottage arrangement. It was immaculate, lovely redone rooms complete with lavender chocolates and a delicious breakfast. And I must say, the owners were not as eccentric as many B&B owners I've encountered. It was located next to a lavender farm and near to River John (our destination) but first we journeyed to Tatamagouche for the farmers market. Found some lovely herbs, a rope basket, vegan soap and delicious baked goods. The Margaret Fawcet Norrie Heritage Centre was open and there was free admission until 10 am so we popped in - lovely exhibits about the creamery, farming life and some interesting palaeontology as well. We stopped at the Lismore Sheep Farm and Wool Shop and despite the wonderful collection, we didn't purchase anything just moved along to the barn where the granddaughter was thrilled with the baby lambs with their mothers, sheep dogs and even a highland calf. Fun! Back to River John for the day of Read by the Sea which included readings and panel interviews by authors
Christy Ann Conlin, Dean Jobb, Lesley

Authors panel 

Crewe and Terry Fallis. There were great food trucks for lunch with delicious options and I even met up with a former OH&S colleague from 20 years ago. The baby was extremely well behaved and very popular with all the grandparents present. I purchased some books but didn't opt for signed copies - guess it's a sign of my transition to e-books where there are no signed editions. It was all in all a great day and one that we should make an annual event. We made one stop at Sheree Fitch's children's book store outside of River John:

mabelmurplesworld.ca

It's a lovely spot with Canadian books and the granddaughter was gifted with one in each of our official languages - an Arctic alphabet board book and a French picture book to share with her friend Eloise. We were back to city in good time as the baby napped. I overnighted with there and in the morning had lunch with a friend in Chezzetcook at a lovely restaurant / shop:

tinroof.ca

Was a great catchup and the meal was delicious. I did restrain myself from purchases, but it wasn't easy. Nice way to spend a few hours on a Sunday. Along the way I discovered that my son was engaged and had proposed to his girlfriend of a few years at our camp, taking along a ring made from her great grandmothers engagement ring - not sure where the romantic touches came from, don't think they were inherited through the paternal line.

This past week has been grandson focused with daily swimming lessons at the lake, ball practice and game, swimming in the pool, visiting the greenhouse, archery practice, books, games and more games. Oh and of course I can't forget to mention…the losing of the first baby tooth. This initiated a text discussion with his mother about what the tooth fairy 2017 rate is as I planned to set a precedent of $2 being as he has a lot of teeth. She informed me that $20 is not unheard of. Can you imagine? He has no concept between a toonie and a twenty dollar bill so why would you do that? He informed me that there were male and female fairies with the gender being specific to the boy or girl being visited and was thoroughly tickled with the $2 in the morning. At one point while driving home from the lake mister is discussing that he'd like to go to New York and take a cruise again and so I ask about the destination and without hesitation he says "Africa". When I suggest that he's not the only grandchild now so his 10 month old baby cousin will have to come too (not a problem for him as he is very taken with her) he says "oh she'll love it" and then imitating a squeaky baby voice informs me that she'll clap her hands and say "rhinoceros, rhinoceros" I phone my daughter to advise of this travel planning and although we both agree that the baby's brilliant we're unsure about the new word (she's still conquering mama and dada) but my daughter promises to work on it - mister interjects that she can start with just rhino. My nerves.

The previously mentioned girls getaway 10th anniversary cruise is officially booked. The plan of last year ( meant to raise spirits during my health struggles) to connect with Super Mario (who has NOT aged as well as we have according to a photo in an online article) on a Royal Caribbean ship has been realized. We are booked for two back to back cruises of four and three days respectively out of Miami on the Enchantment of the Seas after research to ascertain this is the correct ship. As I told the young agent (who thankfully found the situation funny not creepily inappropriate) the itinerary, location of cabin, seating for dining are all inconsequential, our intent is surprise the gentleman at the Latin dance bar a la 2007. Well, my travel partner will be the surprise, I'm going to practice being the official photographer of us having fun. And as if it were a sign that this is to be….Jr suites were the same price as balcony rooms when I checked and the agent found us a nice one on the stern of the ship. Meant to be obviously. Have some travels planned but I can state emphatically that this trip will be the one where my stomach muscles will need a rest from after all the laughing.

Today I visited with one of the neighbours as she and two friends (both of whom I know from my former lives - one from committee work and the other from nursing) are planning a cruise and wanted some inside information. I had a nice visit, answered some questions, shared my scrapbooks / photo books and then headed home to take the grandson to swimming lessons. I am pleased (and proud) to report that the lad managed to complete both level two and three this week and is now working on four with the distance component being his only hold up. One of those situations where he'd likely manage it with another week of lessons in August (if his Nanak was going to be home to take him) but next year I won't have to be making those kind of trade offs. 

Time to call it a night, so many projects, so little time.