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!

FUN AND GAMES ON CANADA DAY

 We all gathered at the Pavilion around 3:00 for a really nice
 ( and sunny) get together.  If you didn't make it out this year, be sure to plan on other times that are organized, as it is quite nice to meet your neighbors and friends in a relaxed atmosphere.

from the newest resident ( that would be Louise at the end)  to the oldest represented (Con) we all had fun and enjoyed it.

Notice the men cooling off...it really was warm!

 Then they got out the Bocce set and played.  Next time I'm playing, though I had to wash the car off and was a little late and missed it. The sap from the fir tree above us drips and I use WD40 to get the sap removed from the surface without removing the paint.  WD40 will remove anything sticky.  In fact, while painting Corina's fence with her I got paint in my hair and only noticed the end of my pony tail was glued together that evening!  I used WD 40 and it came out with gentle rubbing!!

 Everyone had fun at a trivia game, too.  Many won Canada Day hats or other prizes.

Diane and Fran were the winners 

 And then we ate!  What a spread!  it was a lot and everyone contributed.  

Then another game:  Name that Tune AND singer!  

Everyone had a hand and it was fun to try and guess. A good way to get to know your neighbors!

 Then the party began to break up with desserts and the pulling back of chairs and cleanup.

These two were the main organizers.  That's Jane on the left and Koleen on the right.  I think they did a fantastic job and we truly thank them for the lovely time!  Thanks!!

CANADA DAY

Yup, it's coming up! And Chemainus Garden Residents have the opportunity of getting together on July 1st for a pot luck at the Pavilion. It starts at 3:00 p.m. or anytime thereafter.
You can bring a casserole, salad, dessert or appy to put on the table and share with neighbors.  It is BYOB for us all and bring the meat of your choice, as we have the grill there!

All the fun begins after the events planned at the Waterwheel Park in Chemainus, which start at 11:00 and end at 3:00. So we can pick and choose how we want to celebrate.  I encourage anyone who has never been to the Canada Day Celebration in Chemainus to take a stroll down and join in.  The cake is great and the company even better.  Get to know your wider neighborhood.  Be sure to check the Community Events Board at the Post Office site for times. It is listed there.

I must say that everyone that uses the dog park is helping to keep the "can" emptied and fresh.  For this I am truly thankful.
I talked to Linda Cleft and she is really put out ( rightly so) that there have been dog droppings left out near the picnic table.  She ran over some and will not be mowing if we don't try a little harder to make sure we pick up after pets.  I went down yesterday and put a roll of bags  by the gate for owners to use if they don't have one handy.  PLEASE.  This could be an issue that no one wants to deal with!!   It takes a human to open the gate in or out.  Check before you leave to make sure your dog is cleaned up after.  I and many others walk the dogs and pick up FIRST, before using the park. Since the signage that is there indicates that bags are available ( and they weren't), I made sure they ARE.  
 I asked Linda Kelly to please enforce the dog leash and pickup rules to campers.  She said they would, so I hope it happens!

'Nuff said.

The weather is continuing perfect, though a bit more rain wouldn't hurt.  The ponds are way down and, though it is time to cut them down we are all feeling our age and a variety of people are gone.  We are hoping that management will take care of it, though I haven't asked.  Maybe a petition??

 We welcome Louise ( Mary and Bill Squires' daughter) this week!  What a long trip.  We hope to see her at the July 1 celebration, but she may want to rest.  Anyway the "new lady" is Louise.

I still want to do an animal/owner interviews.  Could anyone that is willing to be interviewed and have photos taken of you and your pet please contact me?  my phone:  250 324 4230  or lvgmal@hotmail.com is my email.  I'd like to do one mid July, if possible.

Also, I have 4 Promoter's 2 for 1 coupons for the Chemainus Theatre productions.  This means you purchase one ticket and get a second for free.  When booking you MUST mention this is a PROMOTER'S 2 for 1 ticket, as they differ from the tickets that are sold in booklets to other societies.  These are directly from people who participate in the theatre by volunteering.  If you'd like one, contact me at the above numbers.

HAPPY CANADA  DAY



Leslie

JUNE!

CORN! and great Chili, dips and fiery beans with mellow potato salad.  What a feast was to be had on Saturday at Larry's place!

We were a little late ( the sign said 4:00 on) because Charles works till almost 6:00, but it was fine with all the others. 

Arrival

Mary and Harry with Connie

Warren Golding, Chemainus newsman 

we all voted for pineapple in chocolate instead of s'mores! mmmm

Larry's old friend, Warren Golding came with Connie and their little Yorkie.  It was great to meet them and we talked informally about Chemainus, it's future and how we fit into it.

Warren didn't know that we did not receive his paper and will put his CHEMAINUS COURIER in the news box for park model  owners and RV guests to peruse.  It is a free local paper and comes with all the news for a month at a time.  I have picked one up every

month since we came to Chemainus, as it deals with local items of importance to our local area and covers local events.

  This was Larry Duckworth's first "annual" Corn feed and I'd suggest that if you want a great time on a beautiful evening in the beginning of summer NEXT year that you make a real effort to attend!

I'd like to put in a plug here for an event happening on July 5 at the St. Michael All Angels church garden at 10:30 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.  The ladies of St Michael's  are hosting a STRAWBERRY TEA, which consists of a large helping of strawberry shortcake and whipping cream.  Included in the modest price is a choice of coffee, tea or juice. Since we redesigned the garden between the church and Willow Street Cafe we haven't had opportunity to use it publicly, so this will be our first chance!  Please feel welcome to take a look and have a refreshing break as you peruse the street Market happening that day. We will have tables set up in the garden and under the shady birch and oak trees that have stood over 80 years. Like the sign says ( and means)  COME   IN  AND  SET  A  SPELL!

 Will be posting signs too, for a reminder.

'sall for now!

Garbage Bin Changes

I've been asked to pass on this information by Linda Garfoot.
It concerns our garbage disposal.

NOOOOOOOO!!!!

This is what our waste container looked like last week.  

This week it is the same.  

Management has brought a new RECYCLE bin in for us.  It is located across and a little up from this location and is labled ( currently) as cardboard only.  Well, that is a mislabel and will be rectified, but needs to be used for the express purpose of RECYCLING. 

I took notes and the following should go into the RECYCLE bin:

WASHED 

plastic jugs, etc., clam shells used for sweets,tin cans,tetra packs, plastic pop and water containers , aluminum pop cans

FLATTENED (more room made) cardboard, newspaper and protection materials from packing.

 The only thing NOT to put in is GLASS.

Grass, tree and garden waste should be taken to the top level of the park (above the Post site) for disposal.  If there are weeds like thistle be sure to dry them out so they will burn and not spread more seed.  We will have a thistle problem ( also broom, yellow iris and English ivy) if we are not very diligent.

Only kitchen waste and glass are to go in the regular garbage. No furniture or electrical appliances, etc.  These can be taken to one of two sites that are free to the public.  One, near Duncan at  Drinkwater Rd. and one between here and Ladysmith on the highway.

  I put  the information here :     http://cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=360

We've all wanted this for a LONG time and we need to use it as intended.  Don't be lazy.  Wash the containers ( less smell for Bears) and flatten the cardboard!

I'm sure most of you have walked over to the Dog Park.  Bill, Myself, Marjean and Jane have been looking after emptying it every Saturday.  I got bags from Linda, as I don't feel we should have to do everything!  When it's your turn, please get a bag from me!

Have a great summer all!

Leslie

MATTERS OF SEASONAL INTEREST

I'd like to invite everyone of our friends here at Chemainus Gardens, long time and new, to join Charles and I at the first opening of the Wednesday Chemainus Farmers Market in the Waterwheel park tomorrow, May 28th.  We'd love to see you there and introduce you to this great venue ( for your own things) and to tell us what you think of what we are doing!  We have our booth for the summer and will be there with Skipper ( in the RV).


This is for those of you who love roses like I do!  I found online a great ( and again it works) solution for powdery mildew.


http://www.growingformarket.com/articles/powdery-mildew-solutions


I was given a rose that had been on a balcony and had powdery mildew on it big time.  It was givento be placed in our little church garden ( St. Michaels All Angels in Chemainus) as a memorial for a beloved husband.  I was dismayed at the extent of damage already incurred, but went online and found the above address.  I thought others would like to try it when the weather gets the roses and the mildew sets in.  I use the 90%water  to10% milk solution with great effect.  You can check out the rose I thought was toast if you are in the Willow Street Cafe having coffee, as Phil Mavis and myself put the mutual garden together this winter.

 Just cuts costs!!  most the solutions don't work that well, and this one for sure does.

Though    BOBBEX  is a great deer deterrent Agnes and Brian bought another one from LEE VALLEY that works longer called  PLANTSKYDD    It lasts through the winter without reapplication and has rave reviews.  I bought some, though I am waiting to apply it.  It has no noticeable smell either!!  It is 100% natural and doesn't hurt animals at all.


Rhododendron and azalea information is at this site:

http://landscaping.about.com/cs/treesshrubs/a/rhodo_azaleas_4.htm


When I first came I had to learn a whole new way of doing gardening, but after 3 years experience, I am finding a lot of joy in doing my own pruning and fertilizing.  The Gardens do not provide this service, neither was it promised.  Just the "main" front area.  I like to care for my own, as I notice most of us do!

Today ( Tuesday) I was delighted to find the gardening crew had begun to clear the pond to look like we left it last year.  I have no problem raking and stuff, but the weedeater is just too heavy for my shoulder.  So these kids ( good cheerful attitudes, too!) started wacking, I joined in with Rick and we raked up the leavings so they wouldn't clutter up the pond.  Now I can see the single white waterlily pads that are across the pond in my view.  Kudos to Management!!

We had the get together last night at Honeymoon Point.  It was really fun and many attended...we got to welcome Heather and Richard who have just moved in and Karen, too.  It's so nice to meet new people!
 Got a note from John and Susan, who had planned to attend, saying it was raining there and then sunny and then rain and they couldn't make up their minds whether it had been cancelled ( weather permitting was the caveat )  I gave them Charles' number to check on the weather HERE next time!  Hope to see them soon, though.

Heather and Richard far right

Here comes Trouble!

Linda and Kelly congratulate Bruce on his birthday ( NOT)

All set for the wieners!

We had a great time of fun.  We'll do it again!

MORE MAY MUESINGS

What a busy month!  The ducklings are in various stages of growth and they are so adorable!

I get a kick out of the male ducks protecting their families as they learn to cross the road or get into the ponds quickly.  They run after anything that gets near and the mothers loudly quack away as the babies run for cover.

 I posted a paper last year about the feeding of the ducks. At one time only one man was to feed the ducks.  Now we all can, but lets try to be responsible and feed them food that is GOOD for them and not harm them with stuff we just want out of our cupboards.

http://birding.about.com/od/birdfeeders/feedingducksbread.htm

On this page the subject is halfway down the page and is an excellent explanation of how duck systems work and how we can help them grow healthy and happy. It's good reading!

We have some wonderful news also:  Danny and Gail (nee Evans) were married on Wednesday the 21st! 
 I heard children laughing and playing down the pond and took my camera to record the activities!

Permission was given to post these photos for the Community

Gail's dress was so pretty and the whole family was very happy!
We all wish them a happy life together and look foreward to a meet and greet time as soon as possible.



Weather permitting, on Monday, May 26, we have our 1st Spring get together and campfire at Honeymoon Point. It is planned for 5:00 and  this time we are asked to bring our own food and plates, cutlery, cups or glasses.  B.Y.O.B. or other drink too. 
And just a reminder : a chair is great to sit in!   Hope we have good weather!!
Please leave pets at home.

Larry Duckworth has also posted a get together for June 7 please look on the board near our mail boxes for time and date. I am not sure whether it is at his site or some other. He is asking for RSVP, as he is providing the Corn.

Because it is such short notice on the Get together, I wanted to post this right away.  Hope everyone is enjoying the Spring!