AND WE SAY GOODBYE

Malcolm and Linda Garfoot 

Linda and Malcolm are retiring..at least for awhile.
My memories of Linda come from 2011 in September when we became her near neighbors  in the RV area at number 30. 


    I first met Linda at the Wash House where we were both doing clothes that day.  We had a great time, sharing our stories of how we came to be in Chemainus Gardens.

   Linda has always been thoughtful and helpful in whatever way she can be to everyone.
I especially liked to visit on those long winter days when the skies are grey and a quick chat at the office perks you up for the day! 

 Though originally Skipper (our dog) thought "Linda" was Linda Cleft, he soon associated "Linda" with Linda Kelly. Whenever I said "lets go see Linda", he would perk right up and trot to the office for a pet.  When Linda Garfoot came upon the scene he was a little confused.  Was there no end to "Linda's"??
It was great for me because I could always say the same thing, get the same response and have at least 3 ways of being correct!!

 That was in 2011.  Linda has worked hard for the Gardens and will always be remembered here.  She promises to come back for visits and has stored her RV unit here in order to make good on that promise!  So it's really "adieu" and not Goodbye.

Linda greets her guests, Mary and Harry

Pamela and Irene

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Linda Kelly was busy getting things ready and also helping campers find their places while we were visiting.  

She called us together to give Linda and Malcolm a little gift from the Gardens.

 Linda got a bit misty eyed, but, then didn't we all? and yes, BOTH Linda's had the same sort of sheen to the eyes.

A beautiful personal fan! Linda needed one in the office and now she has one for her new home!

Linda thanked everyone for coming, saying she was surprised and touched that there were so many.... Well, I guess that is because you touched so many lives, Linda!

When this was done, she was also presented with a beautiful bouquet from our new Office Girl:  Koleen

 And we all agree she is the perfect person for the job!  

On another note:  aren't the ponds low?? what an opportunity has been taken by Don (at the near end)  and Karen and John ( at the far end) of Waterlily Pond.  It doesn't look that great at the moment, but it will be beautiful when rain fills it again. To see the water again clear and the lilies pristine...what a treat!

My only wish is that the beautiful gazebo at the end could be restored.  It has always been a lovely place to go to gaze at the surrounding garden.

Please do not ask me what has happened to our garbage bin!  I have never seen it look like it does right now!

It is quite the eye sore to new visitors and I can't imagine camping near it.  Hopefully this will be taken care of soon!!

 As it is the Labor Day weekend, please take the opportunity to thank those that do labor...especially here at the Gardens.  Linda Cleft has done a beautiful job of keeping things as neat as can be expected from one person...I certainly appreciate her care for our home area. Lyle is a fixture of happy smiles and cheerful comments. He also goes out of his way to be of assistance to any who hail him!!  

 To Linda Kelly and John Kelly ( no relation) also our appreciation for all that you do.

 So, thanks, all you who work so hard to make our home lovely and compelling!

MID JULY to MID AUGUST

I'm currently adjusting to the idea of Barry and Karen leaving for Moose Jaw!  I will REALLY miss them at our Bistro Coffee time on Tuesday mornings.  They were such a part of it all, though they are planning to return!  The following is their new phone and address if anyone needs to contact them.  Christmas will come and so will they! Barry got a not-to-be- sneezed at offer and just felt that this was a good fit for the time being.

Phone (306) 313-6690

1109 Hastings St
Moose Jaw, SK
S6H 5S1

I've also heard that one of our new owners has passed away and we barely got to say "hello". That makes me sad. His garden area was just done and looking so nice. I was looking foreward to perhaps seeing more of him in the coming year.

 Watering restrictions are at level 3 and everyone got a notice in their mail boxes.  I'm thankful I can hand water, as some of the roses wouldn't last long and the tomatoes are just getting ripe and need the water, too.

 Summer has been great so far. The porches at night are filled with happy people and I love the cheery greeting that surround us. 
 Chris Marsh told me this morning that in the Butterfly Pond there are 2 fish!  I was wondering, as the herons have been wading up and down here, too.  The fish probably won't be there long, but it is such a nice surprise to see them again.  I'm going to take a check next time I'm there.

 Diana has  visited her grandkids in Smithers, and I got mine here! It is wonderful to hear the laughter and play of the kids here.  We all love it! 

I got some photos when my grandkids were here and we were using Gerry's frisby. All was well until one missile went sailing into the Pond!  The kids all looked like: "uh oh" and then tried to figure out a way to get it back.  Of course it had landed on the very thick carpet of duck lily pads on the surface.  It was evident upon sticking a fishing pole into the water that it was deeper than thought and very stinky
  This is where the adults in the form of Gerry actually working and all of the rest of us laughing and shouting orders.  First a long rake was tried:  too short.  Then another pole with Coleen's 3 pronged hand tool for gardening.  The outcome:  one less 3 pronged hand tool!  

Held by the belt!

Then came the big guns:  Gerry's canoe!!!  and with the help of the kids and Brian and Charles, Gerry launched and directed the canoe to pick up not only the frisbee but the 3 pronged garden tool also!

A Merry time was had by all!!


On other fronts:  I have decided not to do owner/dog "interviews", as only 2 responded and there are far more owners/dogs than that! 
If at least 9 others don't come foreward, I'll just drop the idea. It isn't that we are totally unaware of who owns whom!!  

Have a great summer.  If there is any other news...let me know!