MARCH: IN LIKE A LION...

Witch Hazel blooms

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!

Mary, Liz and Agnes

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
  

GOOD NEWS AND KUDOS

It was a nasty dump that made us all gasp in disbelief even though we were told to expect it.  I really must say that Lyle and Kelly did their level best to clear and prepare for it, but WOW did it ever come down!
And just then I got a nasty cold and had to stay in bed over the weekend. When I looked out on Valentines day, this is what I saw...and what friends saw upisland!

Valentines  Day Morning

...I felt like a little mole peeking out and blinking with disbelief... 

   I didn't get to cover the Jazz Night, but met many who did go and really liked it.  Photos don't come out well from the venue, so the fact no one had any good ones to share with me was no surprise.  Since the Residences Assn. already sent out a summary, that'll have to do ya!

  But today Charlie  found a wonderful surprise on the Bridge over Waterlily Pond, and took a couple of photos:

Bright and Early this morning!

 This bridge is really being done right.... as anyone can see.

And we want to assure the men  that their efforts, especially with that wicked dump and very iffy driving conditions, are so appreciated by Residents....especially those with dogs.  For me, I have loved to look out over the Pond from here for 6 years and never get tired of the view.  So it's great to have it coming along for use soon.

All for now!

Cheers, 

Leslie

FEBRUARY FITS AND STARTS

Looking around the gardens in the sunshine that is cold, we can see that Linda has been busy doing winter pruning.  It is the best time of year to do this work.  Though cold on the hands, it gives the plants and bushes time to regather strength before surging ahead in the Spring to produce those lovely blossoms.  We are later than last year to enjoy blossoms, but that's ok.  
The Camillia near the Pavilion are budding and are usually with us first with the Witch Hazel.

The weather this week has made the last of the snow disappear and just when it finally gets "gone" it may just return this weekend!  We all know, however, that Spring is on the way!

New Doggie Bag stations have popped up at each electrical house and disposal should be a lot easier because of it. It has been years coming and I am happy that with all the dogs here, we can count on people availing themselves of the opportunity of getting rid of "the bag" that we used to have to carry down to the garbage can to get rid of!












In the Dog Park suddenly a beautiful string of murals appeared today and everyone was pleased with the effect! It is worth going down and seeing it, though I'm going to post photos for those who can't do it just yet.

I was delighted to see that Lyle and Linda had put murals that had been stored in or near the large Works Yard storage for years.  I knew I'd seen them before.  Now that they are on display at the Park more people can enjoy their beauty. Lyle says a few more are coming and they will be put in proper order later.

 The murals were done by a painter by name of Carriere and have been in storage for awhile.  It is evident that they had originally been in a room because there are cutouts for electrical boxes in them. Where I do not know!

  The Garden Club met yesterday at the Bistro and Agnes Aaberg was appointed Chairperson...many new members came and it was a smooth "transition of power...." to use a phrase that has been dodging around the Internet lately!  
   Dorothy agreed to stand again for Secretary/Treasurer, and the men agreed to draw up a new garden compound plan for the new area.  I cannot be part of the group this year, but will gladly cover their progress for everyone else as well as me! I was happy to meet Patty Parsley finally also.  Joan Garlick mentioned that her new neighbor had that interesting name and that it complimented her own...showing how very prone to gardening those at Chemainus Gardens are!!
 I saw Brian and Gerry down in the new area today making drawings and with a long measuring line.  Likely a few more planning meetings will be called before work actually begins!
Anyone still interested in joining the Club should contact Agnes for details.

 Well, I'm just getting my own garden trimmed up and pruned for the Spring and will keep you informed
of whatever is interesting to the Community ( with photos if you tell me).  If you get a good photo that you'd like to share, please send it along to my email address to include in the Blog body.
 Otherwise here is to a lovely weekend....

Cheers,

Leslie

PS.  If there is anyone going to the Jazz night and would take photos for me for the next Blog, could you contact me?  I cannot go to everything, but don't mind a "guest writeup", in fact, the more the merrier!

JANUARY FUN

On January 19 at the dusky hour of 7:00 p.m. we had a wonderful gathering up at the Pavilion!  A group of women at the Gardens gathered to celebrate friends  together.  There was a boisterous song and dance session to vent our winter "blues"as we gathered to watch  MAMA MIA!

Leslie and Sharon

Fran, Maureen and Elizabeth watching in the warmth of blankets

Snappy and colorful, at times wild and funny, this was a great opportunity to meet friends and new neighbors...or even Old neighbors!  It wasn't nearly as cold as I expected, either.
We were out in plenty of time to walk or drive home too. 

The first on the floor!

Everyone  brought a chair, blanket and comfort food and drink. When I finally arrived the show had begun, so I couldn't get photos of "before" the film began, but I endeavored to get some photos showing what it looked like as we shared a fun movie together and many danced to the movies great upbeat songs.

 As the movie progressed, more women joined in and had a lot of fun..but no one was under any pressure to join!  It's a great way to do the variety of dance steps we all know. It was  like my High School days, in gym class when girls danced with girls and it was really fun.

 Thanks to Fran and the Social Committee for the great time we all had, sharing a movie and an opportunity to get to know our neighbors better!
 We agreed this had to be done more often and hope that those from the "new Phases" will soon join us! 

On another note:  our WELCOME WAGON hostess, Diana Hardacker, would love to visit all the new people who move in with a basket full of local coupons and a great West Coast Welcome.
 
If you have a neighbor who has just arrived and would like to introduce them to Chemainus and it's many attractions, please let me know so I can contact Diana.  She is a wonderful Hostess! My email: lvgmal@hotmail.com
A name and house number is all she needs...and you'll see her on her bicycle or walking around here as well as around town!










Any corrections or additions to this blog can be addressed to the above mentioned email address.

Have a great Day!

Cheers, 

Leslie

A WINTER TO REMEMBER

 One late afternoon when the sun peeked out....

I hope your holidays were filled with fun and laughter...ours was!
We decided to open our gifts on Christmas Eve this year right after the Christmas Eve service at St. Michaels.  Our biggest laugh was when we gave Skipper a new toy. I always wonder if he'll take to the ones we choose...

 Yup. Up and at em!   The Red Baron got tossed all over the house and we knew we'd chosen a winner!
Pauline sent a photo of Jazz with her gift: This year she got 12 ducks from Pauline's sister in Edmonton, who keeps her stocked... must say she looks like she's taken possession right away!

Pauline also noted that it would be good for me to inform residents of the Park Passes that National Parks is offering free this year on the 150th year anniversary of the National Parks.  I went online and ordered mine. This is the link: 

http://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/parksb2c

From there you fill out the order form.  Don't worry about filling out to whom it will go, as billing and shipping takes that information.   Notice that you are charged"0" at the end of the order  and you have no special numbers to punch in.  The passes will be mailed to you...be sure to put your house number on the address!!
If you are even THINKING of using the National Parks, this pass will save a lot of money. Pacific Rim National Park near  Tofino is one place you'd use it on the Island. Banff, Jasper and several other sites in B.C. use this pass, Barkerville being one and Ft. Steele.

 If you need help, I'd be happy to assist at: 250 2464638.Leave a message if I'm not home and I'll call back. 

More homes being moved in...really muddy and wet, icy and slippery in that area:  be CAREFUL!

Sharon had her Yappy Hour on Dec 26th.  It was HORRIBLE weather, icy, slippery, windy...you get the idea!  She said it was a good success and she met many dog walkers that appreciated her offer to warm up on her porch! 

 Our hookup to Telus has made me very happy, especially for the internet.   

Please feel free to share any news happening around your area of the park...my phone listed above.

Cheers, 

Leslie