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| Witch Hazel blooms |
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| Smelling so sweet at a grey time of year! |
After a long grey and snowy week, my birthday arrived the last day of February and I was given the choice of going to an Art store in Nanaimo or going to Dinters' Nursery. Even though I love Art stores, I chose the Nursery! I was determined to get a Witch Hazel bush, as I don't want one more winter that has no color in the garden. It cheers me up to see the bright yellow color and the fragrance is wonderful. So I found the bush I liked and brought it home to plant after a coffee in Dinter's bistro and later a lunch out.
Deer don't like Witch Hazel
( funny smell I guess) and it will fill in a hole that was made by a plant that "didn't make it" during this hard winter.
I got photos of the Chili Cookoff from Sylvia, who is managing the Resident's FB page. Since there are some in the Gardens that don't frequent FB, she has graciously allowed me to copy from her page so that I can pass on the fun to everyone. Her write up of the event: The chili cook-off was a great success! Nine entrants pulled out all the stops - extra garnishes, corn bread, chocolate muffins, decorations and even costumes - but in the end, three chilis had the edge! Congrats Sylvia, Sharon and Gavin!!! Next up: Irish stew!
And then there was DIRTY DANCING...with the ladies in their comfortable clothing and with other "cheer". They reported to have had a great time together and are keen to have film for all the women to just have a night out!
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| Mary, Liz and Agnes |
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| Here's to you! |
Now another event is planned to pass the grey hours! Try to make it, as it is so enriching to have as many as possible join in...the food is always wonderful. If you are shy, please don't hesitate to arrange with a neighbor to come ! Or, even better, just COME. We all were "first timers" here and understand it totally. The way to join Community is to JOIN! You'll be pleasantly surprised at how at home you feel after one of our Social Events.
As is usual for me on a Sunday afternoon, I took Skipper up to the Bistro Sunday before last to relax and read the TIMES COLONIST. As we were approaching the Bistro I noticed Fran coming out to inform Tony that she wasn't ready yet....??? THAT piqued my interest! So I went in and found a group of women that were having a decoration party. They were cutting out theme objects for the upcoming St. Patricks celebratory get together this Friday at the Pavilion. Plans were flying on decor and possible music and food
Of course Cathy Trollip was there, but she was taking the pictures! I didn't actually help much but was delighted to join for what time I had. I love to do this kind of thing and if you would also be interested in helping when these preparations are being made DO let Fran know! She and her group have really done an outstanding job of taking over the Events program. It's always entertaining. Please plan on meeting newcomers as well as oldies like myself and Charles, Barry and Karen, Dave and Jane and Kolleen and Gerry and more! You learn many things that you might not know otherwise. Many have come from other Provinces and know what you might need to know in your own transition.
Speaking of recommendations. I've used CHEMAINUS HARDWARE for the last 6 years to buy items from nails to paint, especially if I was in a hurry. Though the service was pleasant, the prices were usually higher (understandable). So I was divided about supporting local business while needing a good price, too. I solved my dilemma by purchasing whatever I could locally and making a list to shop CANADIAN TIRE for things that could wait.
Well. Now the local business has been bought out by ACE HARDWARE and it is a knockout for variety AND competitive pricing! I just painted 3 bathrooms at St. Michaels All Angels church and the total cost of the paint was $90.00. AND it is TOP quality paint. I do recommend you look it over. There are literally thousands of new items and even the ones they've always carried are considerably less than before. I, for one, will shop there unless they don't have a needed product. Do check it out...and NO I don't get paid to say this!!!
Also I might share this. Skipper has only had occasional ear infections in his 13 years, but the last couple of years he suffers from them a lot. So I read up on it a little and think I have found a reason. Up until 2 years ago there were a number of dogs in the park, but not that many. The ground was mostly bush. Now, however, with more people come more pets ( and I love them all!), but also comes ground that is saturated with urine and fecal matter.
When he comes in, if his ears itch, he scratches. This, in turn inflames the flap of ear. I had always treated his ears with vinegar, water and boric acid, to overcome yeasts that like the warm dark of the ear canal. This year, however, this is not working. So I found out that not just yeast may be the problem, but bacteria....found on the nails and pads of the dog. When they scratch, voila, bacteria come into the canal. So I took Jane Hobsons prescription of Polysporin, Cortaid, and Monistat to sooth and heal the ear and also have been cleaning his feet off at the door with a vinegar wash...to disinfect his pads and nails. Seems to work!
Well, with that I will bore you no longer. Hope to see you soon!
Cheers,
Leslie
Our Weiner Roast at Honeymoon Point on April 23 was a very wet and windy day, but the fun of gathering as neighbors outweighed the only slightly dampened spirits! 
