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

Add caption

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!

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!