BEAUTIFUL APRIL

Isn't it beautiful living in the Canadian equivalent of Hawaii??

Everyone has been busy cleaning up yards and taking down and putting up new things.  The air is fresh and clean with the fragrance of the Earth.  Truly New Beginnings!

Karen has published her book:  No Flour, No Sugar, No Salt:  NO PROBLEM.  I have a copy at $20.00 if anyone would like to purchase it before Karen gets home. See me at my house, # 336.

Susan Schultz and John Edmonson  have moved back to Nanaimo and have been missed here with Koa.  It looks like a sale of the unit they were in could happen soon, but if not then Dorothy should be back in the summer.  My very best wishes to John and Susan... maybe Koa just couldn't stand Skippers' attitude anymore.  Hope not!! I mean it was pretty unreasonable, a tiny little barker like him going at Koa!  I used to think Koa was laughing at him with that big happy "grin" of his! 

I wanted to pass on a recipe that I got from a FaceBook that I tried with great results.  I did not use apple cider vinegar, just plain white.  This interesting recipe for weed control ( for pathways and graveled areas like driveways) beats everything on the market. 
    Please let it be known that it is entirely pet friendly and NOT like Roundup!!  I've tried it out in front of my place and it worked overnight.  Saves me the backwork of picking out green weed and grasses.  One word, though, do NOT use it on your lawn!!!! It does work on clover, but it works on grass, too.

My best to everyone, as usual!


Here is the Recipe:

Dandelion Season ==>> NON-toxic Weed Killer Recipe ==>> Good to use in yards with Pets & Children roaming around!

1/2 gallon of Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 c table salt
1/2 tsp Dawn liquid dish soap

Mix above ingredients in a spray bottle.
Spray weeds thoroughly.

1/2 gallon for around $6.40
Works better than Round Up - kills weeds on 1st application.

The Dawn dish soap strips the weed of its protective oils so the vinegar can work with deadly force. Safe for use in yards used by children and pets!!

MARCH..Between the Lion and Lamb

Many happenings this month around the Pond and reaching to other Ponds!!

Waterlily Pond walkway has needed attention for a couple of years, so I have pruned and raked out many of the flowering plants that have been choked under years of neglect.  The bamboo, after the snow, had so bent and cracked that some much needed pruning was done there.  If anyone wants bamboo stakes, I have piled them beside the path for use. Feel free to take some! Just to reassure anyone wondering, I consulted with a horticulturalist and brought her here to look at the bamboo.  Originally it was planted just in certain spots, but it travels underground and she assures me you CANNOT kill it, only tame it with pruning to make it fit the landscape.

./

  

 Many new Park Model homes have come in and are being set up.  Loudly, I might add!  Sometimes the music can be heard up to the top of the Gardens.  Not really restful, but...what can you do??
  Whenever we've had sunny days most are out with rakes getting the winter out of the yard ( no snow around, though). 








Karen Kimmerly has finally got her new cookbook to press and here is her "press release"....

Chemainus Resident  publishes book of  flour-free,salt-free, sugar-free recipes!!!


March is nutrition month and the name of Karen Kimmerly's book pretty much says it all :

No flour, No sugar, No salt.....No Problem!!!

easy as 123 recipes is packed with simple, easy to make, delicious recipes that will help you replace empty calories with healthy nutrient rich meals.

You'll find recipes like   THAI SPICED PUMPKIN SOUP,  CHICKEN MARBELLA,  and my Go to Company dessert 
FLOUR-LESS CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GLAZE , says Karen Kimmerly, a retired Medical Laboratory Technologist.   Kimmerly's motivation for publishing her recipes is to share her efforts in fusing good tasty food with the wish to be the healthiest she can be.

 The book retails for $20.00 plus shipping costs.  To order the book or connect with the author:  karenkimmerly@gmail.com

Karen anticipates a book launching when she gets all the books in, so look out for an announcement for  it here when she organizes it.



The dog park is usable.  Skipper and Charlie and "the other" Charlie played about, though most were happy to go free through the "woods".  

The can is usually fairly full.  We managed to get the first one to the dumpster, but it was really too heavy.  Half bags would be better. So far Marjean and Lyle have done it, so we need volunteers ( with dogs that use it) to come on Thursdays to help Lyle get it emptied.
Please let me know if you can help.

Chris Marsh has a new website up.  It is : christophermarshphotography.com

I've checked it out.  If you like good photography, you should too!


So far that's it.  Hope the "away from home" people are doing well and looking foreward to all the changes that have come since they've been away! ( Dave and Jane this means YOU!!) We are all looking foreward to seeing you with the good weather!


Leslie

FEBRUARY SHOCKER

Tell me we weren't all SHOCKED at the amount of snow that fell last weekend!! 

When I woke at 4:00 a.m. to watch the hockey game ( in order to go to church and not wonder what was HAPPENING! or, worse, have someone tell me what DID) it was dark.  After whooping it up upon the close of the game, I was ready to take Skipper out for his morning pressure relief before breakfast and opened the curtains......I closed them again!!

Just a little snow....

Removed in no time....

1. 

But it kept coming down....and down....and down....Monday, Tuesday....finally it stopped. 

Broken trees, especially the willow on Laughing Pond..... but even the upper area was loaded and some broken...

Tuesday it got a little better, but all of it did not go....

 Lanes were clogged, not much was removed, because there is just too much!  I took a walk in the "new section" with Skipper yesterday and was knee deep trying to go completely around!  Sure did remind me of Smithers....
The good news is that Smithers is - 25 and we were +7.....a little to be grateful for!!
 I hope everyone had a good "snow holiday"...I used the time to get caught up on some desk work.  
 Hope all you in the South are suitably impressed with what is going on here....DO NOT  be smug!!  I believe this happened because we sent far too many green and sunny photos out to our friends and family and they all thought DARK THOUGHTS at us....do not be tempted to do the same!! Just joking, of course!

At the Bistro on Tuesday Karen Kimmerly was telling us about a new book she's looking to publish soon.  It is a Healthy cookbook and if you've ever sampled her recipes ( at Christmas or potlucks) you'll know that she is an expert in her field, because everything that is good for you TASTES good! So watch this site for availability. 

   Hope you all have a happy day.  I certainly intend to!

LOTS GOING ON

Last time I wrote there was enough going on, but now it's really booming and things are getting done!

First off, we had the Epicure party with Lynn and it was a great get together.  She had a whole table of sample dips and fruit, cheese, crackers....if you weren't able to come, you missed a lot.  Maybe next time!

MarJean was the winner of the free Hostess gift!   

Then we saw the big earth movers come in and ( hurrah) the Butterfly Pond now has a path for dog owners and walkers to enjoy the looks from that area while taking poochie to the dog park!

Recently we had visitors whose kids thought it fun to take the stone work that Linda Cleft  had put around the garden area near Jane and Dave's place  and chuck them as far as possible onto the ice.  I'm afraid I was angry and shouted at them to stop, as I was busy pruning both bamboo and blackberry canes further down the pond.  They ignored me and continued, until I made to go over and put an end to their inconsiderate actions. They ran off. They were teen girls, I believe.
   Next day I scared some of John and Susan's guests by emerging from the blackberry thicket where I was pruning because I had my pruning clippers and a claw rake one to each side and Susan's poor guests thought I was coming after them with a bow and arrow because the little boy was playing at the ponds' edge.  They were quickly reassured!!  

  With the first scenario  in mind,however,  could we all keep and eye on our visitors?  It is such a lot of work to maintain the Gardens for Linda and she has put a lot of "back work" into putting the various paths in for us!

 I asked John Kelly about bins for dog refuse.  There should be some forthcoming.  Too many bags are being tossed into the forested area on the road over the bridge.  It is unsightly and rude to do, but SOMEONE  is doing it.  Hopefully it is visitors, and not our own people!  With dog pickups it should get better.

So that's all for now...any news beyond my small observations would be welcome!

FEBRUARY MUSEINGS

Today is a great day!  The weather is still mild, especially as we look East and see all the horrible weather there.  I hate to say it because it sounds like boasting , but I'm really glad I'm here!!

 The park is coming together as Phase 2 has units arriving and being set up.  It is with great interest we all gather to see what is happening there!  Many have loved the newest outline of an off leash dog area...and we've all used what is currently available!  My dog, Skipper, and Marjean's dog, Charlie, have a great time racing all over the place, though I have to put mine in a bath as soon as he gets home....sand and grit come into the house via dirty paws!!

 The new outlines of the Park are including a grassy area and a woodsy area on the other side of the last pond.  It is a very nice design and I look foreward to wandering around when the paths have a little more substance...eg:  gravel! By the way, for anyone who asked me that is  having trouble training their dog to walk closely to them ( especially when there are so many distractions!), the 2 pet stores in Duncan are stocking the head leash that is a wonderful alternative to hauling on choke chains or neck collars.  They pull the HEAD instead of the neck to help your pet to follow YOU and not pull YOU where you'd rather not go!  It is recommended by dog trainers and the cost is about   $25.00. They come in all sizes.  I've seen them and if my dog had a muzzle long enough I would have used them for training long ago.  He is now used to a harness and usually obeys...but it is harmful to the throat of a dog to haul on their necks especially  if they are strong.






 3 new  models have arrived at the far end of the Phase 2.  The setup is quick and looks nice.  Linda ( Cleft) has her hands full this year, and you couldn't ask for a better planner than she is. Whenever you see her, remember to encourage her.  It is hard work and looks so pretty when done!

The 2 new units in the first area are almost beautiful!  takes a bit of time, but it is nice to see the work being finished off.

The men watch  

the marvellous little "mover"

"sa cinch!" says Paulie

Look at that, it's in!!

 On February 6th at 7:00 p.m. the ladies of the park are invited to attend an   EPICURE TASTING PARTY,    held by Lynn .  She will present products that she uses in her cooking which have natural ingredients and are great for using in sauces and dips and daily in cooking in general.  She will have samples to try out.  These blends of herbs and spices are made right here on Vancouver Island and have no preservatives or "things you can't pronounce" !  Please come and make this a success for Lynn.  Another great opportunity to socialize with your newer neighbors.
Lynn writes that there  will be a draw for "honorary" host.  This person will get the host Freebies....another great reason to attend.



Anyone who has paid GST on their site rental since 2012 ( and we are still paying it...about $20.00 a month) and were denied a rebate is supposed to file a Notice of Objection first with the CRA.  I have the address if you are interested in doing so.  This can include anyone living at the Park on a more-than-a-month basis.You cannot just download another application if you were already denied.  You MUST file a Notice of Objection first and send it with a ATTENTION:  Michelle MacDonald  on the front.  This is the case worker that understands what is going on.I am sorry if I misled some into thinking you could just reapply.  You must first file the Notice of Objection. I just got off the phone to Michelle and she gave me these instructions.  


Looks like sunshine is in the forecast though then it is also cold....oh, well half a dozen of one and the other is pretty nice weather anyway.

Hope yours is a happy month!

Leslie

DOG PARK NEWS

  I have good news for residents with dogs.  This just in from John Edmonson. 

John's original message:

Hello Residents of Chemainus Gardens from John Edmondson

Today I received permission from John Kelly to use the new fenced area in Phase 2, that is designated for future RV parking, as a temporary Dog Park.
Rick and I went up today and attached some fencing so the area can be closed off and I have ordered some signs.
( a note here:  the signs do cost.  If everyone donated $2.00 to John it would cover this cost.  If you do not know John, I would be happy to collect and give him any funds donated)
We have exclusive use of this area for our dogs for at least 60 days. Chemainus Gardens is supplying the space so it will be up to ALL OF US to adapt, BE RESPONSIBLE, clean up and manage the area.
Tomorrow we will get the signs up and a Garbage can in place...

From there it is open for any improvements we want to add.  For example there is a 30 foot section of the new chain link that needs some obstruction put in place to prevent the smallest dogs from getting out.

 We can talk more among ourselves about other details and how to respect each other's dogs, but it is available now for our dogs enjoyment

John Edmonson

  That is such great news!  Please do stop and thank both John and Rick for persevering and getting something done...especially for the larger dogs...

I'll send this off now..

JANUARY STILLNESS

As I was having morning coffee looking out over the Pond and watching the ducks skidding across on their bottoms I thought how fun it would be to "hostess" a Blog for our Community here at Chemainus Gardens. My New Years resolution:  to start a Blog that would serve to keep all residents interested in the doings of the Community up to date.  As I already pass along the Chemainus Community updates, I think adding this will be interesting at any rate!


A little background, for those who are new, about Charles and I. 

This is Hudson Bay Mountain  in Smithers, B.C. ( yes, Diana and Rick...we BOTH know all about this!) We lived here for 43 years.The photo was taken from Telkwa where we spent our last 12 years in the area. 
Beautiful and truly pretty, nevertheless cold. Shoveling snow can be a tedious chore after so long...walks in the rain are WAY more fun!

Cross country skiing was a great physical pastime, which we did as a family.  But once the kids were gone, it really becomes a matter of keeping warm and dry!  and winter just took too much time.  One couldn't leave before April and had to be home by end of September for sure.

We had looked for about 5 years in the area of Powell River for a suitable retirement place near our first son's place, as his children hadn't had local grandparents and we loved the coast. We were both raised on the coast!
Because Charles' mother was ill and we needed to be close by in case we got a call to come over the border to be with family, we decided in 2011 to cancel a trip to Alberta to visit friends and instead to tour the Island.  We were scheduled to camp with our kids at the Living Forest just outside Nanaimo but had arrived from Victoria with 2 days to spare.  We were just passing  Chemainus mural signs when Charles asked me if I'd like to stop in Chemainus for lunch. A friend of his had grown up in Chemainus and had recommended we visit about 25 years earlier!
So we arrived on a wonderfully breezy, sunny blue sky afternoon with the Farmers Market in full swing,the flute playing the song that was "our song" at our wedding!    We asked at the Tourist Bureau for a place to put our RV that was near enough to walk to town.  The rest is history.  We fell in love with the area and told our kids we were moving, sold our place 2 days after we got home and were back in a month.  Truly  this confirmed that we were in the right place! The day before we moved I met Rick (Lanihan) as I came out of the hair dressers and told him we were moving. When I told him where he almost shouted "WHAT?? we've looked everywhere and never found a place"  I gave him the name of the Gardens to look up on the Web...GUESS what??  He did!! We welcomed them our first Spring....


 Since then we have a nucleus of people that meet at the Bistro on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m.  A variety of topics are discussed and for the most part it catches us up on whats what!  We try to avoid pitched battles over ( you guessed it) religion and politics! Not that these subjects never come up, but that we respect everyone's point of view. 
 Charles and I volunteer at Chemainus Theatre at least 2 times ( once as Usher and once as Coat Check and Ambassador) for each show.  We also care for the Chemainus St. Michael's All Angels Cemetery with many other volunteers from other churches. We sing in the St. Michaels' Choir and I tend the gardens at the church. We feel that volunteering is the best way to flow into a small Community like Chemainus.  
The Senior's Center is a great place to do such a variety of things with like minded people.  We usually go to the Coffee morning on Fridays.

 Now enough of us.  

The first of December "Lights on the Pond" happened.  It was very beautiful looking out at the colors shimmering over the water at night! It makes December go much quicker, waiting for dark so you can turn on the lights!  

   For the 25th of December Karen had a great idea...to put on an Open House for anyone that was home for Christmas and would like to greet neighbors in a place bigger than our homes!!  It was so much fun!  I thought there might be time on my hands, so I took along a book...which I never cracked!!  from the time Karen, myself, Charles and Barry came in to warm it up and set up the cider in the crock pots it was fun.  I couldn't believe how fast a 3 hour window could go by!
 Cleanup was a breeze, as everyone divided up the "leftovers" and took them home!  I think Chris got more than he expected!!
 A huge "thank you for coming" to all who dropped in and generously brought more than enough hot appy's and dips, etc.  Again, Karen took the prize for the best "healthy" sweet stuff! She is working on a cook book that I personally can't wait to see come out.. she's a wonderful cook.  I'm sure there are more of you out there!
 Well, I think that's enough for now.  Comments are at the bottom of the page, if you care to leave one.  Let me know what you think.