Ace has new parents

We made pizza on the BBQ Friday night. Delicious. 

Italian sausage, tomatoe, green pepper, onion, fresh basil and mozza.

Red sky in the morning.... turned out to be nothing.

Well the day has come, it had to eventually. 

Ace went home with her new family today... to an island north of us.

 It was hard saying goodbye to her after 3 years of adventure but we are happy that she has a new home and not just sitting in a storage slowly fading away.

Dick & Peggy are Ace's new parents. Yes, I'm a wierdo - so what?! She was our baby for 3 years...

One last shot of her as she headed home, I don't think Dick saw us he looked to be concentrating pretty hard. They sent an email to let us know they made it home safely and that she 'drives like a dream'... Oh, did I forget to mention that? LOL

I asked that if they ever want to sell her that we get first right of refusal. Love this rig.

When we got home we went down to the garden and this is what I pulled in for today's harvest.

Once cleaned up, today's harvest is pretty good.

There are a bazillion tomatoes down there, and huge but still green. When they turn we shall be overrun with tomatoes and I will need a crew to process them all. Fun times in our tomatoe future.

For supper we had steamed broccoli and caesar salad with garden romaine and homemade croutons (I make them from any homemade bread that goes stale). With Kraft Caesar dressing because everyone has to have a little naughty with every meal. Tonight: Popcorn! WooHoo.

Oh, and just to confirm my craziness -- Big Brother 22 (US version) starts Wednesday. Jus sayin'. ;) 

I've been watching since BB3 and this is an All-star season so hell no, I'll not be missing this one either.

New Deal

I reposted the RV on Kijiji Saturday and I added $5K to the price since I listed it too low last time.

Sunday a couple from another island to the north of us called and wanted to see it that day if possible.... Another trip across but off we went.

But first, we had a pre-existing appointment to look at a sailboat. Yup, you read that right. We're looking at sailboats once again. However, it had significant mold so in the end that was out.

Showed the RV to this couple who absolutely loved it. Apparently I forgot to mention the auto levelling jacks in the ad so they were pleasantly surprised about that and the man has a CPAP so the RV being kitted out with solar just for that purpose was a great benefit to them as was the 2ft residential king mattress and all the accessories were included.

A deal has been made, deposit paid and the arrangement to be finalized on Saturday.

It is so sad to sell her as we know we will never find another as good as this one but we just don't anticipate needing it anymore. Now with the sailboat idea popping up again...

Never a dull moment around here.

PS The court documents were filed yesterday with regards to the house.

A return to sticks and bricks

Our next chapter:

We have rented a log home on Gabriola Island, BC

Beautiful view of an orchard, ocean, ferry, mountains and sky

After 2 years and 8 months of RVLife we have decided it is time for a change and we have rented a log home. The West coast offers amazing scenery and phenomenal green spaces which come at a cost of a lot of rain.... and in an RV that tick tick tick on the roof has become too much. 

Time to return to sticks and bricks, we intend to keep the RV in storage at least for the short term, just in case sticks and bricks isn't all we remember it to be... Unfortunately, due to the number of tourists that seek out Salt Spring it is almost impossible to find accomodation here that you won't be tossed out of in lieu of higher paying tourists so after much 'discussion', we have managed to find a different island to call home.

On the surface: 

* Gabriola offers all essential services that we need, from Dr's, dentists, hardware, restaurants and coffee shops. Nanaimo is a 20 minute ferry ride away which offers Walmart, Costco, Tim Horton's, Home Depot, etc. The island offers plenty of beaches, forests, trails and wildlife too.

* The population on Gabriola is only about 4,000 residents = 10,000 in summer, compared to Salt Spring at 10,000 residents = 50,000 in summer. Note: these are ballpark numbers.

* Gabriola appears to have all the things we love about Salt Spring without all the annoying things we do not love about Salt Spring... and we are very much looking forward to our new adventure. Perhaps eventually we will settle down here?

** OH, and most important of all --- Gabriola apparently has Pickleball courts!! Actual Pickleball courts, not converted tennis courts -- actual PB courts! Only a player will understand the importance of this. Score!!

Now, we do hope you stay with us even though we are transitioning away from RVLife and follow us through our next phase of our adventurous life.

Ending a chapter

A few days ago, we went for a drive, just around the island for a change of scenery...

Crofton paper mill just off center there...

Booth Bay

What a looker! Barely able to walk 100 yards after what I just put my body through, but still cute!

Since we're moving.... oh yeah I haven't given details of that yet.... next post probably..... we went to see some friends - socially distanced of course.

Wonderous sights you get without being under trees...

Robin & Sylvia built this fabulous tiny home a couple of years ago

Back at home, Robbie was hot in our little sliver of sunshine so I propped some shade over him - spoiled rotten.

1 of my 2 good sons... obviously this one takes after his mother... Proud Mama.

Okay so being in the trees is a bad idea for so many reasons.... not the least of which being....

Before, but after being swept off... just 6 months worth.

What an absolute state it was...

All cleaned...

That was a lot of work and we shan't be parking under trees ever again!

Editor's Note: All the roof patches are due to the RV dealership installing the solar panels in all the wrong places. Do Not have a dealership install solar -- its worth the extra $$ to get it done right.

End of an era: Change coming

We have just begun the process of a new change...

We are moving.

And yes, it's another Rogue move.

No, I'm not saying anything more about it yet.

Shocking, I know.

Us make a change?

How improbable is that?

This just happened yesterday, so let me wrap my own head around it before I entangle yours.


*For anyone who knows us - NO, none of that has been settled yet.

A chill St. Pat's Day

After watching the spiral that was Monday, we stayed mostly around the RV today. With the rules changing seemingly every hour on the hour, its almost an advantage to already be Q'd... who can keep track?! Gheesh, the world is a very different place than it was just a week ago. What will it be like in 30 days, 60 - 90?!

Big Brother Canada contestants were in their own isolation without any knowledge of any of this since they were 'put in' the house before the end of Feb... they were apparently told about the situation today. The world may well be unrecognizable to them when the show is over.

This news story just came out tonight: Feds look to invoke the Emergencies Act to combat COVID-19 and in tomorrow's joint news announcement I expect they will be closing the borders to all but essentials.

My dad and his fiance sure timed their cruise well, just a day or so before they disembarked was when the 1st cruise ship was quarantined.... they managed to tour the cays before flying home to Windsor and I'm thankful to say that was a couple/3 weeks ago so they are clear of that at least. Although it gives me great concern that they live in a highrise 55+ condo complex... but there is only so much you can do, and they are taking precautions.

If you have not, stock up now. Shelter in place will be rolled out likely Wednesday or Thursday. This will impede any movement. Essentially 'Martial Law'.

Happy belated St. Patrick's Day Everyone... even if it was cancelled...

With the truck finished and the Jeep returned to its usual parking space, we needed to tidy up our outdoor living space.

All tidied up and rearranged to take the best advantage of what is still a winter's sun there is another sunnier spot but it is just outside our little spot and I'm still considering that option and watching it for amount of sun, etc.

Everyone parked in their respective proper places once again

Our back garden forest

We did take Robbie for a walk yesterday (Monday) afternoon and I intended to take pictures but as we were walking out the door I realized that all of our electronics had been drained by the spiral that was Monday - and needed to recharge so I chose to recharge them all rather than try to get 1 picture when I was at 12% before I even left home. This is why there was no new blog this am (Tuesday). Remember, I am writing in the evenings now and scheduling the posts for 4am PST the following morning. Hence, it is Tuesday 940pm PST as I write this.

Our temperatures are expected to rise this week with some rain predicted for next week. I have quite a few plants to sort out tomorrow as roots are overwhelming the pods already in garlic, green onions and peas and 'they' say we are past overnight below 0C temps so its time to get them in bigger pots.

I will try to keep something charged for our walk tomorrow.

Indian Chicken

Indian Chicken

Ingredients for 2 servings:

1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp Coriander
1 tsp Onion powder
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Chicken breasts

In ziploc bag, combine cumin, turmeric, coriander, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Slice chicken breasts into bite size pieces, add to ziploc and thoroughly coat with spice mixture.
Heat Olive oil in frying pan over medium heat, add chicken and cook thoroughly. Serve.

Nutrition stats per serving:
328 Calories
3g Carbs
10g Fat
54g Protein

Garlic Scallops

Garlic Scallops

Ingredients for 2 servings:
16 oz Scallops (454g)
1 Tsp Olive Oil
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Peppercorn
1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/8 tsp Paprika
1/4 C Butter
5 Cloves Garlic - minced
1/4 C Parsley
1/2 tsp Zest of Lemon - chopped
1 Tbsp lemon juice

- Pat dry Scallops on paper towels very well before cooking
- Heat large cast iron skillet on medium
- In medium bowl- toss scallops with a drizzle of olive oil or butter, just enough to coat it all over.       Sprinkle them with sea salt, cracked pepper, red pepper flakes and paprika. Toss to coat gently.
- Drizzle a little butter to the hot skillet, just enough to coat the bottom. Add scallops making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and sear for 2 min on each side until nicely golden. (use small spatula to flip them individually)
- Add remaining butter to skillet with scallops and then add garlic. Remove from heat and using spatula push the garlic around to infuse the sauce for about 30 seconds. The heat from the skillet will be enough for the garlic to work its magic on the butter.
- Squeeze half a lemon over the scallops and move skillet around to combine with butter. Sprinkle with minced parsley, lemon zest and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy.

1006 Calories
39.1g Carbs
54.9g Fats
96.2g Proteins

Adding some recipes to the blog

As mentioned previously I have been doing a lot of cooking lately in an attempt to accommodate Brad's less-carb (not carb-less) diet that he started about this time last year. We've been eating very few carbs and I have been using a program online to organize a meal plan and provide a weekly grocery list.

I have decided to post a few exceptionally good recipes which we find delicious and surprisingly simple even in a small RV kitchen. I will add the label 'Recipe' to each one so that they can be found easily in the sidebar of the blog.

This time of year, using the BBQ is a bit difficult but in very short order I will try to adapt them to accommodate BBQ cookers because many of my readers are RVers and RVers love to BBQ... this information will be added as a footnote to each recipe.

Now, it is important to note that I have already adapted these recipes because generally they are for whole meats - ie chicken breast, steaks,etc. For ease in a small kitchen - not to mention to ensure it is cooked through - I generally cut such proteins into cubes as it shortens the cook time (ie propane use). I have had no trouble getting any of the ingredients even on our small little island so everything should be easy to access for everyone.

The biggest problem for an RVer will be the spices, there are a few but typically not too many. With the bulk of the recipes we have settled upon for our dietary needs I would guestimate likely 6-8 spice jars. Fortunately, before we left our house to go on this adventure I added a curtain rod behind the cooker which holds approximately 15 spice jars. There are so very many options for RV spice racks online that I suggest you simply google it if you need to organize something for your particular space.

Once complete, I will put together a weekly meal plan with grocery list. Which, naturally, anyone can switch around each week so that Monday night isn't always meatloaf night for example. :D but the weekly shop list will be the same and this will include lunches...

Keep in mind that our own dietary requirements will be part of this: Brad does not eat cheese (except cooked Mozza) and I cannot eat hard greens (like broccoli stems). I also cannot eat lettuce except romaine so anything calling for iceberg lettuce I just simply use Romaine instead and I would encourage you to edit them yourselves to accommodate your own dietary needs in the same manner -as needed.

I thought about adding a recipe page to the blog but have decided not to as this is not a cooking blog, this is a travel blog and I intend to keep it that way... so the recipes will simply be added as regular posts.

I will post them intermittently between our regularly scheduled (not so much) programming.

Xmas wrap up

On Tuesday, Dad and I went walking around to check out the resort.

My Daddy

Nice park area

Canoe rentals

Mirror like Cusheon Lake

So peaceful

Xmas day we went for a walk at Duck Creek Trail, its so incredibly beautiful along the creek

Fallen trees, likely from the storm

Dad took pics every few feet

More pics

A different angle but this is what he was taking a pic of in the pic above

Moss blanketed trees

Someone or multiple people decorated this tree for Xmas

After the rains, a fast moving creek

The field with a bench to rest

Christmas day we stayed at the cabin. Turkey, ham and potatoes on the menu. Unfortunately, the turkey did not cook properly in this oven and in the end, and with much debate, we decided not to eat it. Better safe than sorry. The ham and potatoes were delicious though and Xmas was saved. No one went hungry, there was still plenty to eat.

Doing the washing up after the feast

Brad playing silly buggers took a bunch of pics while we did the dishes

Boxing day... decided to take Dad off-island to Lake Cowichan. Were originally going to go to Butchart Gardens but both my men have trouble walking distances, so in the end chose to do lunch in Lake Cowichan.... Ray & Deb took us here about a year ago.

Jakes at the Lake

-

Lake Cowichan back in the day

The full lake - its a biggie

It was a fun little trip and a nice change of scenery, we drove around the area checking it all out. We stopped at Walmart on the way back, as Dad needed something and that was the most obvious place to be open, filled up our gas (5cents cheaper than on SSI and we were there anyway) and washed the car. 

Off to the ferry where we promptly joined a ridiculously long line of traffic waiting... we were the 5th car that didn't make it... if only Brad hadn't waxed the car! So with 2 hours to kill we wandered through the booming metropolis of Crofton and bought a deck of cards from the local shop as ours are ratty and old. Dad & I tried to play in the car while we waited for the ferry but it was far to awkward.

Finally back on Salt Spring Island, we stopped at Moby's for supper before heading back to our RV to watch a movie - when Dad fell asleep Brad drove him back to his cabin. 

As for today, I have to check the weather and see whats on the go. Likely more rain and we'll stay at the RV and watch movies. I have some laundry to do, and probably so does Dad.

Fairyland and Dixie Stardust

View through our front window, don't think I showed this yet.

After Pickleball this morning, I went for lunch with a couple of pickle friends, was originally meant to be a coffee but turned into a lunch. Had a good chat and visit then back home where Brad was chatting on Skype with his brother in England, nice to chat with him and catch up. We then decided to go for a hike on a new trail just up the road from our new place. Sure glad we did, what a great trail.

Trailhead, Robbie is waiting patiently - I think that's patience.

Lots of deadfall, likely from the big storm last winter.

My guys

Brad insisted on taking a pic of me, I hate pics of me.... as you may have noticed... and I just so happened to look like I've been dragged through that bush yonder - and backwards at that.

Several trees tipped up from the roots, likely during the windstorm Dec 21 last year.

Not so subtle reminders of where you are along the trail

Same as above

A forest of ferns

A panoramic that doesn't appear to work so well on Blogger

Again with the reminder note

Tipped tree from the back side

Closer look at said tipped tree and roots and the sheer size of them

Remember my sexy red wellies?

Beautiful tree. Those holes in the bark are really portals to Fairyland and Dixie Stardust

There is a property for sale just down the road and we talked about slipping up the driveway to take a look (most houses on the island are not visible from the road) but chose not to and not a minute later as we were walking along the owner of said house came home - so that was a good decision... could have been VERY awkward. LOL

Once home we pulled the chairs out and relaxed outside for awhile, its been raining off and on for several days now so it was nice to be outdoors for a change. 'Apparently' we are through the worst of it --- so 'they' say.

I decided I'd had enough of unorganized cupboards and set about putting them straight... Brad took several pictures but this is the only one suitable for publication, the rest all have extra extremities - okay fingers so it doesn't get wierd - showing....

One thing, for me at least, living in an RV is a constant game of Tetris and depending on what stuff you have and how much there is of it - rearranging is always required. With Xmas only (as I heard on the radio today) 2 paycheques away - for most people... and my Dad and now possibly Brother coming for Xmas, I thought it best to sort it out now rather than be stressed about it later.... 

I'm hoping my son who has just re-enlisted in the Army and been posted back to his old post on Haida Gwaii might just come down for a day or two but no word on this yet. He is, as we speak, driving out there from Saskatchewan.

Incidentally, even though Haida Gwaii is an island that is just right there not that far north of our island - on the map... you have to go to the mainland, get to Prince George and then cross by ferry to get to it from here! Insane... 27 hours away that trip is, so if he doesn't make it for Xmas - that's why.

I'm very happy to be back to writing my blog, I wasn't sure I'd be able to 'get into it' after being all but absent for so long, but I am enjoying it again. And I have some trip plan ideas that I haven't even mentioned to Brad yet, so hopefully we can get some travelling in now.

Can't remember if I mentioned it in a previous post but my Dad is coming for Xmas, then he and his fiance are going on a cruise through the Panama Canal in January and the wedding is in May in Ontario, then they are planning a trip out here so other than going to the wedding, not sure how far we will actually get this coming year but a girl can try. And Brad will be the first to tell you, I can be very trying... :D :D 

Good thing I'm cute.