OCTOBER FUN

Michalmas Daisy, Dahlia, Roses and pinot noir Grapes

     A Beautiful Fall has just crept away. For 3 weeks the weather was clear, crisp and warm.  It was perfect for last minute camping or travel!

Hearing all the tales of travel, it seems most of us went North, East South or West in that time frame, making use of the last vestiges of Autumn.  We went over to Eucluelet and Tofino to spend 3 days and loved the hiking and sunshine.  The only thing about actual camping is that at this time of year the sun goes down WAY too early and the only alternative is early to bed with a book!

Just as we came home   OKTOBERFEST , which has become a Chemainus Gardens tradition, was celebrated at the Pavilion.  Lots of fun and festivities, with a special German touch.  The beer was different from last year and we ran out sooner, I'm told!
Meeting neighbors is really what it's all about.  The Pavilion was decorated by our fabulous Social Committee..it seems they always have a new trick or two up their sleeves! 

Heidi, Goody and Sharon talk with Irene and Dick and Deb

 

Dick, Irene, Deb, Hildie, Ursula  Brian and Agnes, Tony, Dave. Donna, Lyn, Heidi, Goody and Sharon!

For the 50/50 Merilee had Heather draw the lucky name....and the shout goes up!  Jane won it this time, pleasing everyone.  
There were at least 40 people there and we all had a lot of fun.  I didn't take as many photos because I just wanted to enjoy it myself.  It had been awhile since I just chatted with my neighbors!!







                                   








                                Halloween Party,  October 31

 And just as the month closed we had another get together at the Pavilion:  our new first annual Halloween Party!

In years past we tried to have a weiner roast near Honeymoon Point, but the weather is so unpredictable that inside is a much better way to go!  Though I miss the campfire and outside comeraderie, still the heated room and ease of serving food has its own
attractions.  We truly missed Fran, who had to rest. 

There were so many people there...full house almost.  And no one ( but me and Charlie and maybe one other guy) was shy about dressing up!  Next year.....
So I got as many photos as I could so those who are away can "join in"...

Sharon

Hildie and daughter

Linda and Laurie

Patricia!

Goody

Trevor and Corina

Ursel, Hildie, and daughter  Bev and Lyn

Joanie

Joanie, Ursel, Sonja, Agnes and Liz

 

She just ALWAYS smiles!  love it!!

Bev and Lyn with ghoul lady Corina in back! Charlie looking at the food...

Beverly needing a breath of fresh air!

Wendy

Carlo and his lovely ..um...witch, devil?? Sharon!

But cute costumes was not all that was going on!  Oh, no...the potluck was really remarkable. A big thank you to all who put in so much work to make this really fun!

 

you  just had to be there to experience all the wonderful foods disguised as a variety of nasty things!

 I was chatting with one member of the Social Committee and she was telling me that with the kind of decorations we have learned to love, the Social Committee needs people to consider joining in planning and execution of the get togethers we have. Please volunteer if you'd like to be part of this effort.  I've been on this team it and it is a lot of fun. Please let Fran know if you'd like to join!

Now on a more sombre note, it came to my attention that Susan
Hamre had passed away. Fred wanted everyone to know how much he appreciates his neighbors concern and wanted me to post the online Memoriam that we can access to leave condolences.
It is at: 

https://www.evergreencremationcentre.com/notices/Susan-HAMRE

Celebration of Life at the New Life Baptist Church at 10:00 AM on November 3, 2018.    If you can go, the family would appreciate your presence.

Susan was the pleasantest person.  I will miss her smile and upbeat personality a lot.  May she Rest in Peace....


Well, for now this is all I have.  If I get more, I'll post more as the  Season progresses.  There's lots more, but this is enough for now...




Cheers!




Leslie

SUMMERTIME TURNS TO FALL

                                                                      REMEMBER  SUMMER?

Laughing Pond

Rick

Gil, Dick, Irene

Cathy and Dorothy

After our Regatta a big all inclusive birthday party for a special couple of our first Residents was thrown by Diane Lenihan 
( Rick) and Maureen Minaker (Dennis)!  Rick greeted me at the door when I arrived with Charlie.  Many nearby neighbors were already relaxing in the shade of the gazebo....including our oldest continuous residents, Dick and Irene Stanton.  Gil and Dorothy were there,  as well as Cathy Trollip.

Gail, Linda (visiting) Maureen

Charlie, Corina, Trevor

  On the setting up side, more shade had to be provided in order for everyone to be comfortable so Corina and Trevor along with Charlie set up another pavilion for guests

 As usual the decor was so very pretty and drinks and cups etc provided. The drinks were ice cold and were very refreshing under a blazing sun!

We could choose from a variety of drinks, including refreshers and beer... No one went away thirsty.

 Because everyone was invited we met a few new homeowners, but not a lot.  I know it takes awhile to really join the Community when you first arrive, but do take the time and trouble!  It is invariably fun and you always find a group that suits your taste....from there it could lead to weekly meetups or coffee in town together, walking or riding with a person just as interested as yourself



 

Donna, Dorothy, Cathy

Wanda chats with Elaine and Tony with Hettie

                                                            

Kirk, Gavin, Dennis

Corina!

 Then came the cake!  It was just beautiful, as you can see

Birthday boys in action....

Diana is toasted for her cutting up the cake

Sharon, Elaine and Dorothy

Kelly, Jim and Jeanne

 Everyone had a lot of fun and it was good to gather where the sun was warm and friends were surrounding you.


Garden news:

 

Fresh from the berry bed..

tiny peeper frog

As the sun rises in August

cukes and strawberries .. fresh!

Some of you met me in the garden compound on early mornings in August as I weeded through the garden and did needed clipping and planting.  Whenever I could I would get up BEFORE the work crews arrived to work on stage 5 and 6 in order to enjoy the peace of the morning.
Many mornings I met the local rabbits looking to get in and failing, so lippy lipping about finding lots in the surrounds near the pond and footpath.  This picture was so cute, as this bunny had diligently searched for some hole in the fence, and, not finding it, looking about for another place to raid!

 Flickers punctuated the morning air with their tapping sound while doves cooed softly...
I've learned that doves are usually closer than you might imagine when you hear them... !
I personally enjoy the very early hours of the day and I was happy to greet many of you while I was getting ready to weed.  It was a big job, as this years tiny weeds are next years alder grove!  By taking a section at a time I managed to keep the area ( except inside the greenhouse) pretty weed free.  Others in the Garden Club also joined in, pulling around their own beds.  It looks very nice, though now harvest is upon us! There were many donations of plants for future years:
thornless blackberries, raspberries and blueberries in particular. The blackberries were tasty and a delight to pick.... Though the strawberries were privately cultivated, I now know exactly how to get the BIG berries! Some of my "rescue plants" now have a place in the compound, as some of the roses from St. Michaels Church, where I'm the gardener, were not able to grow due to more deer activity in town.  So they got potted up for the gardeners to see and enjoy as they work!


 And now the latest from September

This is what the Work Yard now looks like...very different from previous years!

Now begins the paving of phase 5, much to the delight of residents there!  It's tough to live in a construction zone and with the dry weather this summer, it was VERY dusty.
 Trust me that we've all lived through it, some more than others, but all experienced before moving in!

Diana Groves' new home!

Making a house a home....

and doesn't it look great to see paved driveways?

dredging the Butterfly Pond

Second house arrival in phase 6

What a view in about a year!

Butterfly Pond, cleared of debris of years

New library center Pat welcomes new neighbors

Meet a few of your new neighbors!  At a Meet and Greet in the Pavilion on Sunday afternoon we gathered to meet new neighbors and welcome them, as well as friends that we're making as we walk dogs, hike or work in town

Bob and M

Maureen,  , Esther and Bev

Bonnie, Corina and Trevor

Ken

Erv and Lorna

Linda and Wendy greet new neighbor

Always a lovely display of baked goods and salty snacks

Dennis and Charlie

Donna with Pat, Shelley and Lorraine

Chris and Corina, Trevor and  Colin with Koleen, Erv and Lorna

?, Lena, ?, Heather and  Elaine 

 Now we'll continue to meet others and share the beauty of our Garden Home....


Cheers!

Walking home after a great meet and greet...