Brad's Birthday Beach Getaway

Brad wanted to go to the beach for his birthday this year. 

We hope you enjoy the video below.

Note: Last weeks video was also published here today, apologies for not posting it last week.

 

Last weeks video: https://theroguelesstravelled.blogspot.com/2025/10/boquete-expo-2025.html

1st Kits have arrived

Quite naturally, I forgot to take the phone with me and hence do not have a picture yet. Here is one off the web which looks the same but for the number of kits.

Gertrude had 6 kits on May 1st. 5 are black and 1 looks surprisingly white (hairless and pink at the moment).

Mable has developed her 2nd chin and has begun making her nest. 

I expect the 2 deliveries to be fairly close as Gertrude delivered on the last day of her 'expected' due dates. 

Hopefully Mable's delivery will be faster in case I need to (unlikely, but...) move some of her kits over to Gertrude in the event that she has a large litter. This fostering is only possible if the deliveries are within a few days of each other.

I did pick each one up today ( 24 hours after birth) to accustom them to the feel of human hands, one is larger than the rest and one is far smaller than the rest.

If the pink one does indeed prove to be white -- and female, she will become the new Mable.

Ladies come home to roost

As they are laying hens (and thereby all girls), we will call them Ladies - seems fitting.

FYI, for anyone interested

The Chicken Coop, with new window. There are vents at the roof line and we'll be putting more in on the side roof line also.

The ladies are happy

It was also my birthday on Saturday, and I wanted Chinese food, so... a good gut bash was had!

We barely had the ladies home and it started snowing

A good sprinkling

The girls didn't know what to make of it

Robbie helping to herd them. Literally, 4 escaped through a week spot in the fence and Robbie rounded them up into a group behind the coop where Brad was able to put them back in the fence and we added logs around the edges.

Left: Blondie

All birds are Brown pullets... but Blondie must be the milkman's kid as she is much whiter than the rest.

Day 2: 5 eggs. Subsequently today, we got 6.

If you know me at all.... here is the camera in the coop.

We are able to monitor them coming in and out, using the roosts and making sure the lights and heater are working appropriately.... this will make me more comfortable that they have all they need, ie heat and light. (too hot still for the heater, but.... its there for when the temperatures drop)

Chickens need a minimum of 12 hours light per day in order to lay eggs. 14+ is better, so having a light in the coop to supplement their light is essential.

Feeding betty and 2 Birthdays

I have a banana loaf recipe that everyone loves, it is soft and moist and delicious which is very odd for my cooking -but anyway, I decided to feed some to Betty. It turned out good, more like biscotti which is expected. It is certainly tasty and rehydrates well but I probably won't do it again, we prefer my banana loaf fresh.

Banana loaf bites

After the banana loaf bites, I did 2 full loads of strawberries which I didn't bother taking pictures of since I've shown that here previously.

Friday was my birthday, I've decided to start counting backwards (MIL taught us this trick) so I am now officially 50. Yup, the big 50.

I had a fabulous day, it was massage day so Brad went to Nanaimo in the morning. I made porridge for breakfast, then had Pickleball at noon, Big Brother was on that night, we went out for supper to a local restaurant and I finished the night off (after cake, that is) with one of my favourite things -- a hot bath. Perfect day.

Our reservation was at 6:20, we were seated right away and not 5 minutes later, the power went out. We had a candle lit dinner at the restaurant (I didn't get a pic apparently). Pretty good meal, but knowing the power was out and betty was eating had us a bit concerned. Power was out for 1.5 hours.... well...

Without power, the ice (moisture removed from product) inside betty began to melt. When we returned home we cranked up the generator and got betty eating again - except she started over in freeze mode. I didn't think anything of it at the moment but then realized it wasn't right. I pushed cancel (10 or 15 min later) and it went to the main screen which showed the product was finished.

I released the pressure valve and nothing came out.... screen advised the vacuum pressure sensor was broken... "Oh, that's just great!". I released the pressure by loosening the hose on the vacuum pump... Then I checked online and thought through what had happened... 

At home eating bday cake in the dark. We played crib until the power came on.

Stuffing my gob as usual

Inside betty's stomach

Cutting a long story short, I realized that because betty had sat for 1.5 hrs without power, that the ice had begun to melt, pooling at the drain and then the freeze cycle started. This clogged the drain with ice and would not allow the pressure to release. Whew. I allowed her to defrost naturally overnight and then in the morning I ran the original from factory tests to ensure everything was working properly - and it was! Beautiful.

Chicken Thai Green Curry that Brad made yesterday to feed Betty, it is packaged into serving sizes and freezing in preparation for its turn in the machine.

At the moment Betty is eating 7 double servings of soup and a small leftover porridge, I expect this to finish early afternoon today, then....

Pork Chops, prepped, cooked and ready for Betty

We will mostly do pre-cooked foods as it just makes sense to have them ready to go, although you can - and we probably will - do some raw meats as well. Just add water.

Today is my good son's bday (I have 2 good sons, btw)... Happy 32nd birthday little man! (He is a father to 3 now and 6'3 at about 225lbs but he used to be 8 lbs 5.9oz.) Those were the days.

Here with my grandson Royce

Yes I was 20 and 2 days when my youngest was born - he's a Scorpio too. Yikes.

Birthday, hike and yard work

It was Brad's Bday on the 29th, I'm sure he said he's 26 so I'll go with that.

Looking mighty FINE!

We have been anxiously prepping for our newest arrival, Yesterday (Friday) I received notice that it has shipped - finally.... and its coming from Kelowna so theoretically, that shouldn't take that long... early next week I'd bet.

Elder Cedar Hiking trail is beautiful - Stacey is cute too LOL

Big, old trees

Not sure which is older but here I am looking all the worse for wear.

Stacey in front of yet another tree

Our Pickleball group made the front page of the local paper on Wednesday and we all learned that Min (shown here in red, playing with Sue) turned 83 on Thursday. Well we play on Thursdays, so Matt generously went to the shop and picked up mini cupcakes for everyone and we had a little birthday celebration with her. I understand that Klaus (also a player) is older but he was not present when the reporter was there.

Interesting transport, technically a barge with something on it but I got a pic nonetheless.

Weeded the home gardens, front and side ready for winter.

Moved our chairs to sit in the sun and then the sun moved... typical.

Front yard is ready for winter, 

We sealed the 2 front doors which are homemade and have gaps in them with styrofoam insulation

I then draped a curtain over them (this one is upstairs) the downstairs door has a cream fabric.

I had sunflower seeds that were mailed to us years ago, for doing a survey or such and I finally planted them this summer (too late in the year apparently) but I didn't think they would take as the soil here is extremely rocky - yet they are growing, so.... we'll see. I'm sure they will either keep going all winter or regrow in spring.

Awoke this morning and my first thought was something was burning... but it is not smoke - just fog, very heavy fog.

Thyroid meds adjusted

 I had a call with our Dr several days ago now and my numbers had gone slightly askew. 

FT4 s/b 7-15 was at 23

TSH s/b 2-5 was at 0.01

So he has adjusted my Synthroid from 125mg down to 112mg.... doesn't seem like much to me, but he's the Dr...

There has been a lot of canning going on around here, tomatoes coming out of our yingyang... Bell peppers are coming in now and tomorrow I will likely process about 6 butternut squash.

We have also been very busy getting organized for our newest family member (its an appliance - don't get weird on me) which should be (s/b) arriving Friday/Saturday this week.

However, people give names to these appliances (I just work here) .... so I'm open to suggestions from you -- my peeps. 

I'm thinking Betty (for Betty Boop)... 

If someone comes up with a better one, I'm open. Seems everyone gives them girl names -- perhaps I should 'go rogue'? Hmmm...

It is Brad's birthday Tuesday 29th, his Mum sent prezzies and almost always includes a treat for Robbie (dog)... I made a video of Robbie getting excited when he smelled Grandma's house on the package but its too big to upload without YouTube. Trust me, its cute.

Interesting side note here: I just drag and dropped those pic above... hmmm, didn't know that was an option. I do know several bloggers who have trouble uploading pics so maybe that will help them. Specifically - Al. ;)

Other side of the hill

My Daddy and I circa 1968

My Daddy and I circa 2019

I'm forefront left and Dad is at the end on the right.

So its official, I've spent the last year on top of the hill and tomorrow (Wednesday) the descent begins...

I've always planned on living to 106, so I'm still not half way -- another 55 years to go, but still... the proverbial hill has been crested.

As you likely know by now, we are finished this workamping gig Nov 1 and we have a new adventure on the horizon. Honestly, we've been through so much this last decade or so, that I think I'd like a little time to just be- and I'm looking forward to that.

I could get a 'job', or volunteer or ... but not yet, I don't know what I want to do with my time but for a short while I'm just going to learn our little island and experience the wonders of Pickleball 4 times a week!

I have an idea for a 'market' type business, but I'm in no rush.

Every year, Brad wants to drag me - kicking and screaming- out to dinner (spoiled Princess, I know) and every year I say no, but this time I'm looking forward to it. Moby's has the best dry ribs, second only to Saskatoon's 'Cheesetoast', circa 1986 and we all know how long ago that was. Last time we went to Moby's (about 2 days ago) they were out of the ribs. Tomorrow is my birthday, so they damn sure better have some in!!! I might even have an alcoholic beverage -- IF I remember, LOL

But hey, I'm still cute, right?!

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... 

Brad's Bday, Campground update & Saturday Market

We wanted to get to the Saturday Market (crazy busy, btw) to see what was available and also to scout some local vendors for items which campers may 'forget' and would appreciate having handy... There were a few we came across, Island Soap being but one example. They make 'sample' sizes which would be ideal for a camper who forgot soap, body wash, shampoo, etc. I spoke to them and they are interested in making an arrangement so that's great.

We went to the beach in the afternoon (before the rain started). Not a huge beach but dog friendly and very nice. Great views of sailboats and of course, Galiano Island. No we haven't been to any of the other islands yet, it's coming.

The Beach just down the road from us.

Tree House Cafe. You can clearly see why. 

Chili Prawns (appetizer)

The tree in the middle

Tree House Cheese Burger with side of Caesar Salad (fries not an option)

Tree House Deluxe Burger with Caesar Salad

Live Music in the early evenings

Such a cute restaurant, we love it.

Came home to a fire in the pit, birthday cake and a stiff drink (or 2)

Doesn't look a day over 54 does he?! :D

Campground update:

Okay so the couple who were hired to be the current Manager's relief hosts (and ours once we take over Jan 1st), decided not to come after all (they were expected yesterday). Fortunately, Brenda & Phil were planning to winter with us here so after discussion with the owner, we contacted them to see if they would be interested in being our relief hosts. Thankfully, they loved the idea.

Not sure if I've introduced Brenda & Phil to you guys yet.. hmmm. Anyway, they had a site booked here for the winter beginning Nov 1st and now they may well be staying on with us indefinitely. Yay!

They were the Manager's of the campground at Sibbald (sure I've mentioned Sibbald...) and we were their relief hosts... my how things change hey Brenda? (she reads the blog)... we all hit it off right away and honestly without them I know for a fact our experience at Bow Valley would have been completely different. So we are all looking forward to their arrival at the end of October.

Everything here seems to be well and we will begin as relief hosts for the current Manager's tomorrow as they have not had a day off for something akin to a year! Crazy, right?! We offered when we first arrived but they were happy to wait until their relief arrived, so... 

Onward and Upward my friends, onward and upward.