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!