April 2008

I am sitting here waiting for the tide to be at it's lowest so we can walk out to the front of the station on the rocks.

So far spring has been slow in coming although the weather department is telling us today will be a warm one.....

Last month I made my first trip in to the Big Smoke to get a tooth repaired (didn't happen) and to see Elora - I know I should say my family and friends but let's face it when there is a grandchild involved its all about them.

I couldn't believe how much she is growing - at 7 months she had changed so much from December. She is really developing her own little character with likes and dislikes. Trying to stand on her own and taking every opportunity of standing up when you hold her hand.

Before my trip into town though Jac and Alvaro came out for a short but much enjoyed visit to the station. As Alvaro had never been here before we tried to cram as much as possible into the days - although there was so much more to do. They came out on the Francis Barclay after driving into Port Alberni and spent the night there. The Lifeboat brought them out in the rubber boat in seas that were shall we say "moderate". When Alvaro asked Jac if this was how rough the water was normally she reassured him that it wasn't!

We went for several hikes around the station - on trails that had been newly cut out by Karen and Kyle - which gives new views to the Gap as well as other areas around the Cape. Of course there was much food - Alvaro was stuffed for a few days after so I have been told, and Jac and I had several games of Blood and Guts. It was a short but good visit and I know Jac was happy to show her fellow where she spent her growing up vacations.

The day came where Jac, Alvaro and I headed into Bamfield via the Lifeboat to catch the Barclay to Port. Of course just before the boys came to get us the heavens opened and we were all nicely soaked by the time we arrived in Bamfield. Because the sea was rising into a rough state we went in earlier than necessary and were dry by the time we caught the Barclay. While we in Bamfield we were given and informative tour of the "big boat" the Cape McKay - well done Kyle.

Once arriving in town Jac and Alvaro went their way and I went mine until the night before Jac was due to go back to YK and then Chris, Liz and Elora joined Jac, Alvaro and I for a home cooked meal at Michele's place. Michele and Bruce were away so I was rambling around the house by myself and having the family over to dinner was a nice treat.

That weekend was Easter so my sister got all the in town family together for a nice dinner. It was good to have everyone together as I find that more often than not when I come to town I never get to see most of the relatives.

On Easter Monday I took Chris, Liz and Elora to the Aquarium for baby's first visit. I was quite excited as my kids sort of grown up at the aquarium due to the fact that I volunteered and worked there for about 6 years. Elora was enthralled with some of the displays - I would say the Jelly Fish and the Sea Otters were her favourite - oh and the Kermit car! She would look into the jelly fish display - point then turn and give a little laugh and look back - totally engrossed.

The otters and seals were also a hit as they flipped and swam around in front of her. It was a great day for Gammer and I vowed there would be many more for this little one.

Quickly the days filled up with visits and appointments and even a garage sale - I thought those days were over. Before I knew it the time came for me to head back to the Island. It was hard to leave Elora (and Mom and Dad too!!!) I knew I was coming back the end of May but she is growing so fast - Liz told me the other day she has started to crawl.

My trip back to Victoria was special as Michele decided to come over with me and spend the night. We went over early and shopped and walked what seemed like all day - except for our three hour lunch - thanks Shell! I learned that you can get a discount card for Value Village - I gave Michele a hard time about that. I found a 1942 Crossword dictionary at the Village - a good find for me.

So now I am home and because we are going away for the summer I have given the gardens over to Karen so like the lady of an estate I sit and watch her do all the hard work - hmmmm I could get into this. I have been working on my quilt and in doing so have decided I need a craft room that holds more room than my kitchen table so Norbie and I have been redoing one of the old rooms in one of the outbuildings. We have cleaned it out and now I need to wash walls and paint it.... Keeping busy at the Light.

So now the tide is low and the sun is out so off Norbie and I will go and enjoy the gift of the day.

Until the next - we'll keep the Light on.