Mixed Feelings...

Thursday, May 28. A beautiful sunny day.

This was about the most unproductive day in my entire life. My car had a minor factory recall and as well, it was due for an oil change etc. The run in took just short of 1 1/2 hours. The traffic was absolutely terrible, however, a 9:15 appointment time was my choice. I had the use of a courtesy vehicle and did venture to Park Royal shopping centre for a couple of shirts for the cruise.

The traffic congestion in North and West Vancouver is just short of times Square in New York now, in my countrified opinion. The day was eight hours, 2 1/2 hours of driving to and from and one hour at Park Royal. So, in essence I spent the rest of the time, close to five hours in a car dealership waiting room.!!!

Fellette meanwhile , packed our cases, [I am fortunate that she has always done the packing and does an excellent job]. I think she took over that job when for some time I did it but always managed to forget something, like pyjamas, belt, toothbrush or other essentials. Fellette also worked in the garden and managed to get her Thursday afternoon scrabble and swim in with Myra.

Before supper I needed to get grounded so we had tea in the garden and then Fellette picked the strawberries. Today she had the neighbour lady over to give garden privileges whilst we  are away. That includes, strawberries, blueberries if they come, onions, lettuce and finally bok choy, [a Chinese cabbage, eaten raw in salads].

Time is drawing short and as it does my apprehension builds. This is a short trip but I seem to get the same butterflies as a long absence for some reason. The development and build plus the possible sale of our house is certainly making for an interesting mix of emotions. But only for Doug.

By the way, this ship we are going on is Holland America's Prinsendam, the same one we went to the Antarctic on in 2006. The last time we saw it was in Lima, Peru in 2014 when it docked across from us. When we sailed it was like two dear friends parting as if for the last time, horns, waves, sirens  etc., it was very stirring and emotional, more so for the crews of the two ships.

My young bride in the Clematis.

The onions, I will compare them when we get back.

Cabbages, Bok Choy in the back row. Give them another two weeks.

Mrs. Nellie Moser is still my favourite. It should still be putting on a show when we arrive home.

Now the tomatoes are cause for concern. They will grow two feet in the next few weeks and send out all sorts of suckers that should be taken out. Oh well, next year.

Three of the four cases, two are carry-ons.  The last cruise we had about six or seven [?] it seems. However there is a difference between 14 days and 114 days!

What a gem I have for a wife.