MUSEINGS FROM THE POND: FALL AND EARLY WINTER

Because most of the subscribers to my blog know that Charlie and I have had a rather busy and tough Summer and Fall, I am confident that this VERY late update will make up for the long silence!

Our little dog, Skipper...known by the gardeners as "the little white dog" when we moved here 6 1/2 years ago....was euthanized on the 9th of November. I needed time to grieve and am now ready and have been asked by my subscribers to take up again my role of Photographer and narrator of Chemainus Gardens progress through the years with my blog entitled "MUSEINGS FROM THE POND". I actually need to write, so this is my outlet...hopefully to benefit those who are new and also to chronicle the growth of the Gardens since we bought here in July of 2011. As I've now explained to many, this is NOT meant to take the place of our Community Newspaper but to add to events by photographing and commenting on them as they happen with my own spin!

Henri, our 1st great grandchild!

Then home to our lovely Gardens.

We are all awestruck as we wander the lovely paths around Chemainus Gardens.....

When we got back from Tofino in October we noticed a remarkable improvement in phase 3 and 4. Even the new lots for RV renters was well underway!
We've been very happy to find this, as we've had a rather long wait!

Kelly and Paulie and now many others are working to get the phases finished for the new and enthusiastic group of buyers that have come to join us in the Gardens! I'm finding all my old haunts are just not there anymore!! But it is lovely to welcome neighbors and soon-to-be-friends into our Community.

Some, like Goody with her two fur babies, have bought in phase 2 when other Residents sold their units. Others have bought new.

Unlike last year, the weather is allowing work to proceed without the awful cold, ice and snow we endured during construction last year.

I'm walking my favourite walks again, the leaves, instead of piling up, are quickly being removed for easy walking and ability to "pick up" when the dog does his duty outside!
I'm always grateful when things look lovely and our staff has grown this year. Lynda isn't having to do most the work alone. I'm happy that her workers are pleasant and cheerful as they work ...it's always nice to see them plying the spades, shovels and rakes!

On October 28th we had a Craft and Art Show at the Pavilion. There were so many displays this year!

Dorothy had a lovely display of small ornaments and jewelry, Cathy showed the various styles of house ornaments ( you'll see them on many homes in the Park.) My husband, Charles Van Gorkom, showed his drawings and was happy to sell a couple of items.

Charles Van Gorkom

Goodie and Heidi with friend

Liz and Agnes

Agnes and her sister, Liz set up a nice card display. Beautiful Christmas cards were on display for sale. Goodie and her daughter Heidi were there also with a friend selling Christmas decorations.

Louise and Mary

Jewelry was displayed beautifully for any interested in supporting a fellow Garden Resident! I've forgotten a name here, but remember the face!
Another Card display by Louise and her mother Mary was attractively set up to really make looking easy.

The very best surprise has been PAVING...especially hard to wait for on slippery, streaming hills all last winter and even summer.

On December 4 the lines were on the ground!

Over the next few days.....

Wahoooooooo! getting there quickly!

This covered pile is the supply of road salt for winter hills. It is NOT lying on the ground.. a tarp is used for under and over, though some ground spillage is probable, I'm sure they'll endeavor to be careful!

The next meeting held for Residents was for BLOCK WATCH. Barbara Allen organized it and she is looking for volunteers to Captain each Phase, plus a backup. I heard she has only phase 2 now to get Captains for, but if you're interested please contact her! The Office can help with her number.

The Youthful exuberance of our neighbors, Kelly and Linda Ockey!
It's like watching CANADIAN TIRE displays! Even in the early morning I know the lights will be there if I look out. Wish they'd keep the deer out, but even flashing lights wouldn't do that, I'm afraid! We look forward to the Ockeys light display every year!
Linda's mom will be moving in next door to her soon and will be very welcome....

Then everyone joins to decorate the Pavilion!

goodies were served by loving people...

Goodie arranges..and rearranges!

Dave and Gavin

Merrilee and Leslie

Directions flying everywhere!

Liz, Heather and Goodie

under discussion.....

Sonja and Ann

Confer on where to hang things..

Charles and James getting acquainted

Tony and Jim, Dave and Jane and Gerry

Earlier that afternoon.....

With Fog swirling around on Saturday, I could shoot some photos without going under a huge truck or worse!

And in the distance... Dorothy with Buddy! She doesn't hear us...He definitely does!

Then came Sunday at the Christmas Dinner! Fran and her team outdid themselves...

Sorry, but I don't know one person at this table! Anyone? I'd like to have us know our neighbors...