Yesterday (Sunday) I remembered at 9:45am that Pickleball was on so I looked it up to see when/where. 10am at one of the local schools... I went outside to find Brad who was walking Robbie to see if he'd like to join me since he hadn't been there yet. Brad plays once in a while but cannot play regularly due to his injuries. He was happy to come along to watch me play and get some time out of the house.
While I was playing, he happened to be between two women who were talking. One woman (Susan) was explaining to the other the woes she was experiencing with her bathroom reno. Brad listened to this for awhile and when he realized just how much aggravation this reno was causing this woman especially in regard to the paint.... she had chosen a colour (blue) which she was not convinced about... and the guy wasn't able to come and install the toilet until the painting was completed.... and she was having trouble getting it done.... so he decided to help her out...
We have experience with interior painting and so he offered to do it for her. She was very appreciative and agreed to serve us lunch for our efforts. So it was arranged and we went to take a look, turned out Susan was right to be concerned about the colour... so off we all went to chose a more suitable paint colour for this newly renovated, beautifully elegant bathroom.
We spent yesterday afternoon with Susan and her husband Reuben, very much enjoying their company and Brad managed to get the first coat finished but it was drying too slowly to get the second coat on. We agreed to return this morning to finish the job and Reuben would make us some pancakes... Absolutely delicious pancakes btw, thank you so much Reuben.
A friend of theirs (Emily) was also invited to our little pancake painting party, lovely woman and with all the chit chat going on, it seems like the pancakes were an aside but they were fantastic, very fluffy and surprisingly flavourful. Thank you Reuben for your effort, we very much enjoyed both the pancakes and the company. We accept your invitation to the next batch :D
Bathroom complete, we exchanged contact info and hope to spend more time with these lovely people. Certainly we will see them again at Pickleball.
You know me, I forgot to get a picture of the bathroom.... oops.
Monday 29 October 2018
Sunday 28 October 2018
A return to Pickleball
I have been in contact with my Aunt and Uncle who live in Duncan, they were away on holiday and I wasn't able to reach them. They had no idea we had moved here. They are not technically related but I have known them since I was 5 and we have stayed in touch all these years, so I am looking forward to meeting up with them this week. They have invited us to a BBQ, we just need to find a day that works for us all.
There is a large Pickleball presence here on the Island because the game was invented on another Island not that far from here... Funny how I had to go deep into the south to hear about this game when its been right here all along.
Anyway, I have hooked up with the local Pickleball group here on Salt Spring and look forward to getting back into the swing (pardon the pun).
Marina office, I assume it is not the only one but this one is so small and cute that I just had to take a picture of it.
Beside the Marina is Moby's Pub, we stopped in for an afternoon drink - I don't think we've ever stopped anywhere for an afternoon drink - but I'm glad we did, it was a nice spontaneous change of pace and we both enjoyed it. Even got to watch my Flames play the Capitals... we left during the 5 min OT so I've no idea who one but Go Flames! :D
We each had an appetizer and the food was very good, we will return here for sure. I don't remember ever eating anywhere here that we didn't enjoy the food... all the restaurants on Salt Spring are fabulous.
Yet another great view of the Harbour and Marina.
Saturday 27 October 2018
We hope she's the one
As you know, Brad gets a massage every week because of his injuries. Dealing with the bureaucratic red tape of this while living this lifestyle is frustrating to say the least. Through Veteran's Affairs his massages are paid through Medavie Blue Cross.
Although his Veteran's account shows that he requires these massages, rather than attach the billing authorization to Brad it is attached to the Massage Therapist. Well when you move around and constantly change Therapists you have to contact MBC so they can provide an authorization number to said Therapist. And I'm sure you can imagine what making a change in a Governmental Bureaucracy is like.. it takes forever.
When we first arrived on Salt Spring Island we immediately set about trying to find him a good Massage Therapist. All the RMTs on the island were booked up months in advance so we went further afield and made an appt in Duncan, there was the usual trouble getting the authorization number for the woman and Brad had to get involved and sort that out with MBC.
Thursday, after 5 weeks... 5 very long weeks, the day finally arrived. OMG he was excited to finally get some relief. We had to leave home by 9:15am to get the 10:30am ferry because if we didn't get there early enough we might not get on and the 11:30am ferry (ideal for a 12:30pm appt) was classified DC (Dangerous Cargo) and passengers are not allowed.
Anyway, we got to Duncan and Brad had his massage while I did the laundry.
The woman was terrible. Barely applied any pressure while Brad needs Deep Tissue Massage... (even though this was all explained prior) and she hummed. Yes, hummed in an alternating pitch the entire time. He said it was the worst massage he's ever had.
Yesterday, I set about trying to find someone on SSI. Off I went, drove from one to another and finally got so frustrated and angry at this ridiculous system. There are only 6 MDC authorized Massage Therapists on SSI, all of which are booked and as one woman told me, it takes them so long to get paid by Vets Affairs that they don't want to bother with it.
It's not like this is a warm fuzzy massage, this is medically necessary so that he can move and function. He is a Veteran for Gods sake. Oh man, after that woman I was fit to be tied... still am.
I pulled over and just started calling because I was just too angry to be driving, and I found her. The name on the top of my list. I explained what was happening and she agreed to see Brad. We have to wait until Nov 7th but he's in. Such a relief. I explained the Deep Tissue stuff and the essence of his injuries, so we are hoping that this will be the one.
We have decided to just pay for the massage and if it all works out then we'll get the Authorization number. It will mean waiting upwards of 12-16 weeks to get paid back, but... in the end it's easier. - if you can afford the waiting, that is.
This BS of having to authorize the individual therapist is ridiculous, you go through hell to get it sorted only to find out the service isn't what you need. The Therapists are already pre-approved by Medavie Blue Cross, they have a list to choose from, so as long as Brad has the authorization and the Therapist is on their list..... am I really that Blonde?
We did this down in California, paying for each massage then submitting the bill and waiting to get paid. Most of that didn't get back to our bank until we were in Saskatchewan... and we spent 6 months in the states sending bills back every month or so. This was required because they don't do auto payment to American providers, you can have the service down there but you must submit the bills and await repayment. We asked before we even left our house and we were assured that it wasn't a problem... then we got there....
It's a game of frustration. Ridiculous red tape bureaucracy.
Here's hoping she's the one!
Although his Veteran's account shows that he requires these massages, rather than attach the billing authorization to Brad it is attached to the Massage Therapist. Well when you move around and constantly change Therapists you have to contact MBC so they can provide an authorization number to said Therapist. And I'm sure you can imagine what making a change in a Governmental Bureaucracy is like.. it takes forever.
When we first arrived on Salt Spring Island we immediately set about trying to find him a good Massage Therapist. All the RMTs on the island were booked up months in advance so we went further afield and made an appt in Duncan, there was the usual trouble getting the authorization number for the woman and Brad had to get involved and sort that out with MBC.
Thursday, after 5 weeks... 5 very long weeks, the day finally arrived. OMG he was excited to finally get some relief. We had to leave home by 9:15am to get the 10:30am ferry because if we didn't get there early enough we might not get on and the 11:30am ferry (ideal for a 12:30pm appt) was classified DC (Dangerous Cargo) and passengers are not allowed.
Anyway, we got to Duncan and Brad had his massage while I did the laundry.
The woman was terrible. Barely applied any pressure while Brad needs Deep Tissue Massage... (even though this was all explained prior) and she hummed. Yes, hummed in an alternating pitch the entire time. He said it was the worst massage he's ever had.
Yesterday, I set about trying to find someone on SSI. Off I went, drove from one to another and finally got so frustrated and angry at this ridiculous system. There are only 6 MDC authorized Massage Therapists on SSI, all of which are booked and as one woman told me, it takes them so long to get paid by Vets Affairs that they don't want to bother with it.
It's not like this is a warm fuzzy massage, this is medically necessary so that he can move and function. He is a Veteran for Gods sake. Oh man, after that woman I was fit to be tied... still am.
I pulled over and just started calling because I was just too angry to be driving, and I found her. The name on the top of my list. I explained what was happening and she agreed to see Brad. We have to wait until Nov 7th but he's in. Such a relief. I explained the Deep Tissue stuff and the essence of his injuries, so we are hoping that this will be the one.
We have decided to just pay for the massage and if it all works out then we'll get the Authorization number. It will mean waiting upwards of 12-16 weeks to get paid back, but... in the end it's easier. - if you can afford the waiting, that is.
This BS of having to authorize the individual therapist is ridiculous, you go through hell to get it sorted only to find out the service isn't what you need. The Therapists are already pre-approved by Medavie Blue Cross, they have a list to choose from, so as long as Brad has the authorization and the Therapist is on their list..... am I really that Blonde?
We did this down in California, paying for each massage then submitting the bill and waiting to get paid. Most of that didn't get back to our bank until we were in Saskatchewan... and we spent 6 months in the states sending bills back every month or so. This was required because they don't do auto payment to American providers, you can have the service down there but you must submit the bills and await repayment. We asked before we even left our house and we were assured that it wasn't a problem... then we got there....
It's a game of frustration. Ridiculous red tape bureaucracy.
Here's hoping she's the one!
Wednesday 24 October 2018
Not Hawaii 5-0
Since we were on the schedule to provide relief yesterday, we went for my birthday supper Monday night. The Oyster Catcher downtown is now our new favourite place in the world. The food was fantastic, the music was great (actual background music) and we sat looking out over the Marina. So relaxing.
In my old age, I forgot pics of the rest of the meal and even the marina.
I had the wings appetizer and Brad had calamari.
I went all out and had 2 (count them, 2) Crown and Cokes....
Awoke to deer outside the RV on my birthday
From my Mother-in-law
Living a dirty word
Chocolate Cheesecake... almost forgot that pic too.
So I'm officially on top of the hill they say... but I have said for years that I'm living to 106, so... still looking up. I tell people I'm 21 and Brad says I've just been in the tub all day... Mother-in-law won't give me a refund, so...
Saturday 20 October 2018
A Day Trip
Brad has been doing a lot of paperwork lately so yesterday we decided to take a day trip. We jumped in the Jeep and just drove around the island to see what we could see.
Very quiet and calm harbour
Those are Sun rays though it looks like mesh
Resting by the waterfront
Now that's a houseboat! Even has a greenhouse.
This one reminds me of a 'floating house' we looked at in Ottawa a while back. I still like the idea of living in a houseboat or floating house.
Government wharf mooring
A different perspective of Mt. Maxwell where we went a week or so ago.
The Government wharf
Love this stone house. It appears to be abandoned now but build in 1904 it likely has some stories to tell.
Tuesday 16 October 2018
Friends, Ferries and a Job Opening
Yesterday was laundry day so off to Duncan we went. I messaged some fellow bloggers who live in the area to say we were coming in, if they were available for a coffee. Unfortunately they were not able to met us on such short notice but we have connected now and will get together sometime soon.
The last time we went across to Duncan I found out there is a 'frequent user' card which gives you something like 40% off the ferry crossing fee. This fee is also only 1 direction, you do not pay to get off SSI (Salt Spring Island) but only pay to get back on.
We are also working on finding an RMT for Brad, he has not had a massage in a month and its a huge problem when that happens. Unfortunately he requires a special kind of RMT and they are difficult to find out here. The ones on Salt Spring Island are booked months in advance so it looks like he will have to go to Vancouver Island for his once weekly massages.
We had a call the other day from Brenda & Phil, unfortunately they have a family situation which requires their immediate attention and they will not be able to join us on Salt Spring Island right now. So, that leaves open their position as co-hosts here at the campground. If any readers are interested
they can let me know.
This position is best suited to an older couple with a Pension who just want something to do 2 or 3 days a week, it is a paid position but winter is obviously slow, though we do hope to increase that somewhat next winter.
The last time we went across to Duncan I found out there is a 'frequent user' card which gives you something like 40% off the ferry crossing fee. This fee is also only 1 direction, you do not pay to get off SSI (Salt Spring Island) but only pay to get back on.
The Marina at Crofton beside the ferry dock
We are also working on finding an RMT for Brad, he has not had a massage in a month and its a huge problem when that happens. Unfortunately he requires a special kind of RMT and they are difficult to find out here. The ones on Salt Spring Island are booked months in advance so it looks like he will have to go to Vancouver Island for his once weekly massages.
We had a call the other day from Brenda & Phil, unfortunately they have a family situation which requires their immediate attention and they will not be able to join us on Salt Spring Island right now. So, that leaves open their position as co-hosts here at the campground. If any readers are interested
they can let me know.
This position is best suited to an older couple with a Pension who just want something to do 2 or 3 days a week, it is a paid position but winter is obviously slow, though we do hope to increase that somewhat next winter.
Sunday 14 October 2018
Catch up / Keep up
I know I haven't written for awhile, its been crazy busy... we have been learning the ropes here at the park, exploring the island and relaxing. I've still been taking pictures so here is an update. I will better manage my time in future.
While waiting for the ferry to Duncan, I noticed this fairy door in a tree. This is a thing on Salt Spring Island which I didn't know until we got here. I had planned to do a fairy theme here at the park because from the pictures I had seen, it just seemed such a magical enchanted forest. The entire Island is a magical enchanted forest, quite literally. There are hikes on which you can find many fairy doors, gnomes etc.
Fairy door to a magical kingdom
A bit of a breeze on the fairy this day, sea was choppy.
Laundry and shopping complete we stopped in Vesuvius for Fish & Chips at the Seaside Restaurant. This restaurant is right on the water. At the entrance to the ferry dock it is a prime location.
There is a small bar and very friendly service
The Fish was really very good.
A few days later we went to see a movie at the local cinema: Christoper Robin it was quite the change for us and we enjoyed it.
There are palm trees here on the island.
Inside the Salt Spring Island Cinema
The roads here are very 'English', note the rock wall along the roadside... hmm, english or welsh?
Another day we took a drive to the top of Mount Maxwell
Beautiful
Made it to the top
Victoria is that way somewhere distant
View from the Duncan side of the island
Plenty of farms on the Fulford (South) side of the island
A lot of little islands... I could be Queen after all....
3 Amigo's
Here are a few more pics from our trip to the top of Mount Maxwell on Salt Spring Island.
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