Family First
My wife and I just returned from a wonderful vacation on Vancouver Island. We spent three days at Tigh-Na-Mara Hotel and Spa “up-island” with my dad. It was a really nice time and the weather was beautiful. I was glad that Rena and I could spend some quality time with my dad. He is going through some tough stuff right now and it was great that we got some bonding time together.
We took a walk a mile out into the sand while it was low tide. We collected sand dollars, played with hermit crabs, and watched my father run out to the ocean like a child - that was awesome. It was refreshing to be in the clean air and wide open spaces. The mountains were as clear as a bell and Parksville now has a Starbuck’s, so all was right with the world – my dad cannot go a day without Garry’s drink - the grande, green tea frappachino, sugar free vanilla in place of melon, no whip, extra thick, dome lid… COMEDY!!!
Anyway, we had a new convertible Chrysler Sebring, it looks great, but what a piece of junk. Bad design and the trunk space was nonexistent… but I digress. The important point is that I made a VERY smart choice in listening to my wife, “upgrade the car to a convertible” she said. Great idea. The weather was perfect for the entire time we were there. It was so perfect that we were able to take our first helicopter ride. What a rush. We looped around snow capped mountain tops, looked down on old growth forests, and saw some active volcanoes.
We drove north of Parksville about 30 minutes to the Cathedral Forrest. It was completely unbelievable. These trees are set on a mountain lake, and these massive giants that have been untouched for a millennium. We toured past a little village (called Coombs) that had grass growing on the roofs of its buildings and goats live on the roofs eating the grass - quite a scene.
We toured around these little villages drinking in the peace and beauty and finally made our way to Victoria.
My cousin Dallas, I know – crazy, and his wife bought their first home and have been working non-stop to have it ready for our arrival. They have done an amazing job and we are very happy for them. Sabrina is a doll and an amazing wife. She cooked three meals a day for us and made us feel like royalty. Per usual, the family took turns at Jack and Bev’s home, Sherry and Rolf’s and Dallas and Sabrina’s. It was a blast running around. The days we filled with tours of the inner harbor, poker championships, bocce ball and family feasts. Sherry made an insane Thai dinner that we loved.
There are 2 new babies on the way, the DeGeest clan is building a new home (that is going to be awesome) and everyone is gainfully employed and working hard. Things are all good.
There are new pictures posted, so please enjoy…
Family is a wonderful thing. But it is really special when you can call your family friends.