Merry Christmas 2018
Last winter was another record year for snowfall in the East Kootenays. Not too cold and generally enjoyable. However, late winter, on a trip out to the cabin, we discovered that our heavy duty tarp garage shelter which we have had for nearly 10 years, under the weight of the snow (and the three kayaks and one canoe hanging from the frame) had collapsed to half it’s height. We had to wait another 2 months for the snow to melt enough to get inside. Luckily the only significant damage was an old fiberglass canoe smashed beyond repair. (We had just given the canoe to our neighbors – so talk about being really inconsiderate). Deb’s kayak was very bent but came back to form given relief from the weight of the snow. Our cedar strip canoe which we had only recently retrieved from a friend who fixed some damage on that was unscathed. That gave Deb a project for the summer: sanding and patiently putting on six coats of marine varnish. It looks marvelous – but unfortunately did not get a chance to get it in the water this year.
A good portion of this summer was spent out at the cabin. Pat was busy setting up his kayak for his post (or maybe pre) retirement kayak trip. He has had a dream to travel from the Milk river to the Missouri and then the Mississippi. He worked on setting up a sail system, redoing the kayak cover to work for one person instead of three, checking out ways to mount a small motor and going through our collections of cooking gear, stoves, dry bags, sleeping systems etc to see what would work best.
Mick has had a memorable year. He was the project lead for his Capstone project-the year long group project which completes their engineering degree. They designed, developed and built a ‘Just-In-Time Compiler for Web Assembly’ for IBM. We don’t really understand what it does or how it works but it impressed both IBM and the Engineering school as they received second place out of all the engineering projects – and two of his group are now working for IBM. In March he received his Professional Engineering ring in a ‘secret’ ring ceremony – it is quite serious and talks about the ethics and obligations of a professional engineer. It really was touching. Deb felt her dad was also watching with pride. Graduation later in June and Mick started full time employment in July with Hitachi ID (software security). In late February Mick suddenly noted his left eye went dark. He spent a couple weeks going to optometrist, ophthalmologist and for an MRI, while his eye situation slowly resolved itself. However, follow – ups with the neurologist in June and October have confirmed that Mick has relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis. So far other than the initial eye issues he has only had minor numbness in his face but he is pursuing medication options.
In January, Keelan stepped up to become the secretary of the Cranbrook Archery club in addition to his duties of helping to coach in the youth program. His work with the club paid off as it through connections there that he heard that Chalet GM in Marysville seeking an apprentice. He went in and talked to the owner a day later and was immediately offererd the position. In addition to a raise and a signing bonus he now has benefits and perhaps best of all he no longer has to take out the garbage! He’s been looking for a place to live either in Kimberley or Marysville but rentals are rare and expensive. He’d like to buy but has not yet found anything that works in his price range. In addition to work, Keelan has been exploring his creative side through photography. He has a keen eye for lighting and perspective and has spent some time with his uncle Ross getting feedback long distance in addition to a day together at Thanksgiving ‘making pictures’. Check out his pictures on Instagram: Keelan.M.Boyle.
Pat took a February trip to Cuba with Keith where they spent several hours each day walking from the canal end to the far end of downtown Varadero. That assisted the healing of Pat’s knee from his surgery a year and a half ago. Keith and Pat were welcomed back at the old resort (Camp Kawama) – with many of the staff recognizing them from the previous year and ensuring that they had their favorite libations. Ivan, the bartender at the main bar, came over and apologized to Pat when they were checking in that he had not whisky in stock – but proudly showed off 4 different varieties the next morning. The Cuban government keeps trying to close the resort and rebuild it as it is the oldest continually operating resort in Varadero (over 75) but it is the staff that keeps people coming back and the resort operating.
In January, Pat got an opportunity to get a slightly bigger space at the storage lot near the Cincinnati airport. This would allow us to move our tent trailer up from the cabin and park it with the Scion – so we could leave more directly from there. To Pat – this of course meant: Road Trip! He and his friend Shane took a week in March to move the trailer about 150 miles. The trip involved several days of bourbon tasting, and trips into Nashville and down the north part of the Natchez Trace (part that Shane had not experienced two years earlier).
In early May after helping Mick find a new apartment, Pat and Deb took off for a camping trip on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. We started with great weather for that time of year and even hit the Hoh Rain forest basking in sunshine. We wandered on beaches, and were amazed by moss 14 inches deep on top of the possibly the last outside public phone in the US. When the weather got tough the tough went shopping at second hand shops and Deb picked up a whole new wardrobe – seriously… shorts, capri’s, sleeveless and short sleeved shirts, light jacket, and two pair of shoes all for @$150 US. Good quality and name brand items.
Deb and her Kayak crew struck out for new territory this year and went to the Arrow Lakes to paddle for an extended weekend. Lisa’s daughter Teandra joined us and was a wonderful addition to our group. Going in September it was a bit cooler than usual but it was quiet and great to see a new area. The water was very calm but we’ve heard that the height can vary a lot so the lovely beaches we had this year are not necessarily the norm. Deb also went up to Loon Lake for her annual family reunion and as usual had a great time: cards, fishing, swimming, a game of golf, great food and lots of time catching up.
In November we went on a trip to the Gulf coast (Redneck Rivera) with Deb’s brother Al and wife Joan. We stayed near Biloxi in a time share right on a golf course. Although we did not golf it was a great location to get to into New Orleans and the gulf coast with over 25 miles of continuous beach to walk from Biloxi to Pass Christian. We spent 2 days in New Orleans – touring the French Market, Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, Frenchman street and sampling various creole dishes. We checked out the casino’s in Biloxi and had great entertainment watching a couple of little old ladies filling their bags with food from the buffet. Joan had to go back three times to get a piece of fried chicken as these sweet old ladies got there first. Unfortunately, the second week that we were there the temperature plummeted and we broke record low temperatures for day time highs which put a damper on some of our plans – like walking the 25 mile beach. We took at trip into Louisiana and headed to a cabin at Natchez state park however as it was getting dark, we plugged the address into our GPS and ended up going down a very windy road where the houses got farther apart, more run down, the road narrowed and the darkness descended. Pat had been at the park before but none of this was looking familiar for about 10 miles and suddenly the GPS said we were there but we were in the middle of nowhere. With little choice we continued on the road and finally found the park and the cabin in the dark and the rain. A look at the map the next day showed that there was another park entrance where the GPS had led us but it was locked up and unsigned this time of year. The next day we celebrated Pat’s 60th birthday: dining at a favourite restaurant (Prejeans), stopped at Don’s Specialty Meats to pick up boudin and cracklin (another favorite) and then stayed in Bayou Cabins in Breaux Bridge. These authentic cajun houses have been dressed and painted up and moved into a little common area. The cabin had one bed in the living area, a bathroom with antique deep tub, an open kitchen (open to the bayou and just screen in the windows) and a second bedroom. We got the cabin heated up but whenever anyone went out to get a drink from the fridge we would lose the heat out through the kitchen. It is a really unique place to stay and we would recommend it (although maybe not in November with record low temperatures).
We have also seen some changes to the auto pool. Late last year– Pat and Keelan picked up a 1993 Jeep YJ. The plan was for it to be used to get into the back country to do some hiking and photography. Unfortunately, a closer inspection revealed a crack frame on the driver side (relatively common problem) and so Keelan and Pat have spent many hours dividing the jeep into in multiple pieces and in spring the welding and re-assembly will start. Keelan has been doing the vast majority of the work – with Dad being his somewhat clumsy assistant. This summer, Keelan also sold his speedy little Right Hand Drive Subaru B4 – and picked up a newer Mazda 3. He has spent the rest of the year updating and improving the car and adding his own personal touches (new wing, fog lights, and amp, sub and speakers where his spare tire used to be. And then at the end of November – Pat went through his second mid-life crisis and picked up a bright yellow convertible – okay its a Smart Car. The plan is to sell his Mustang powered Ford Ranger 4×4 which Keelan says tends to bring out your inner jerk when you drive it. When the Jeep gets on the road in the spring – the Ranger becomes redundant, and besides Pat will save a small fortune on gas.
With the help of our neighbour, James, we were able to check off one of the major to do’s on list for at home. The front deck needed to be resurfaced. Luckily the stringers etc. were all fine and so with some creativity with vinyl plank flooring and some new plywood – we have a wonderful new deck. We will see how it holds up to the weather – but so far it has been great.
Mew – the cat – continues to dominate the house – assigning different servant roles to each of us. Although still always watching and listening to her boy – each of us serves a purpose – whether it be getting water from the sink tap, or laying on mom’s clothes as she is trying to get dressed, or sleeping on Pat’s arm and shoulder as he works on the computer. She lives up to her name often talking when she is receiving or thinks she should be receiving attention. Her latest play toy is Deb’s refresh tears bottle.
From our family to yours, we wish all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year!
I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book,
And every year at Christmas time, I go and take a look.
For that is when I realize that these names are now a part,
Not of the book they are written in, but of my heart.
For each name stands for someone, who has crossed my path sometime,
And in that meeting they’ve become the rhythm of the
rhyme.
And while it sounds fantastic, for me to make this claim,
I really feel I am composed of each remembered name.
Even if you may not be aware of any special link,
Just meeting you has shaped my life, far more than you
might think.
For once you’ve met somebody, the years cannot erase,
The memories of a pleasant word, or a friendly face.
So never think of my Christmas greetings as just a mere routine,
Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas card, that is addressed to you,
It’s because you’re on that list of folks, I am indebted to.
For I am but a total of the many folks I’ve met,
And you are also one of them I prefer not to forget.
And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some ways you have had a part in shaping things I do.
And every year when Christmas comes. I realize anew,
The best gift that life can give is meeting folks like you.
So may the spirit of Christmas that for e’re and e’er endures
Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.