Friday, August 19, 2011

Back from Camping: Two Part Post

Part 1: Good News Post

My view
Hello everyone! It has been awhile since I have been in blogland.  Trying to catch up on everyone's posts, but blogger is being stupid and not updating my blog roll! So I have to go to my dashboard and individually click on people's blogs to see if there are updates! Anywho, technical blogger issues aside, I have come back from a week camping and cycling in Porpoise Bay, BC.  My husband and I visited Porpoise Bay last year for our anniversary and loved it so much, we just had to return! This time, we had a whole week to relax and camp and cycle back and forth into Sechelt (which is about a 10-15km ride everyday). When we weren't in town, I relaxed on the beach and enjoyed the beautiful weather and the quiet peace you can't get in the city.  Wow could I breathe better!! No stuffed nose!
My Man boy flying kite
I have to say this: My husband is an AMAZING camper!! He is like the MacGuyver of camping!! Not only did he pitch the tent and set up everything, but he cooked everyday, started the fire, fixed bikes with his tools, made a cover for our tent in case it rained with fishing wire and electrical tape, carried massive amounts of weight on his bike (mainly beer and ice), set up a washing line, cleaned the dishes (although I helped) and made sure I was comfortable.  Who could ask for a better man?!!!!

Hwaja chilling at the beach
Our friends joined us the following weekend, as well as my Uncle Peter.  We had a blast exploring the forests and the salmon spawning grounds.  Our friends brought their little Chihuahua named Hwaja and he got his camp on!! He loved every minute of it and was such a good little doggie!
The only thing he didn't like was being told not to wander off to the other cyclists camps.  He wanted free range!!

Here are some more photos of my trip.
Witches hazel growing on trees, means the air is fresh here
Salmon spawning grounds
Beautiful boats lined up by the shore at Davis Bay
Hubby riding up epic hill

It was a lovely trip and I am quite proud of myself for cycling all the way there and back.  My legs were like jelly when I arrived home, but it felt amazing.

When we arrived home, I had the best mail ever! First, Teresa, from Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches, sent me her Shepherd's Bush chart Tiny Gardens!! How generous of her and I can't wait to start this adorable little pattern! I'm thinking that once I'm finished with the chart, I can send it off to the next person who would love to stitch it too! Make it a traveling pattern?! The next RAK, is from my good friend Joyce, from Random Ramblings.  We have developed a lovely friendship and she has been so kind as to send me some of her 25 count lugana for stitch HAED patterns with! I couldn't believe how kind both these ladies are and I hope to use their charts and fabric really soon!! Hugs to you both!!! 
Fabrics and chart from Teresa and Joyce!
Also I need to add that Joyce is hosting this month's ISHW!! So hop over to her blog and join in the fun! I won't be able to hermit until Sunday but I can't wait to hunker down and do some stitching.


Okay, onto Part Two: Bad News

After a wonderful camping trip, our beloved cat, Lucy aka Luchia, passed away at my Nana's home.  We left her with my Nana, knowing that when we came back, we would have to make the tough decision to put her down.  She was 17 years old at least.  She could have been much older.  I think she waited until we came home to go to sleep.  It was Wednesday early afternoon, when she took her last breath.  My darling Lucy, you were loved so much and we can't believe you are gone.  My precious orange creamcycle kitty, I will miss your purrs, head butts, little paws, your meows, your love and affection. 
We are beside ourselves with grief and it is surreal for us to have her gone.  Today I have stopped crying because I need to be happy for my friend who is getting married tomorrow.  It will be good to distract myself and think of something else. 
She is buried under a tree and her little spirit will live in that tree.  Here she is a few years ago.  I can't post recent pictures of her, because she was so thin and it hurts me to see her like that.  I want to remember her like this:








Take care, love your family and animals because we never know when they can go.

Anne

6 comments:

valerie said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful trip but so sorry to hear about your kitty. She was so pretty!

Teresa said...

Lucy was so pretty and fluffy. I know you will miss her.
Love the picture with the boats all lined up.
Enjoy the pattern.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Carol said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to read about Lucy--I know the pain of losing a cat and even though mine has been gone four years, I still get teary-eyed thinking of him. She sounds like a very special kitty...

Lovely photos from your trip, Anne, and how nice to come home to such great gifts in the mail :)

mdgtjulie said...

Awww, I'm so sorry for your loss. Don't you let anyone tell you she's just a cat. You grieve the way you feel you need to, and celebrate her life with you when you can. I'm glad you had her for as long as you did, and I'm sure she was well loved. It's just like losing a child, and I feel so bad that you have to go through this. I'm glad you had a good vacation though, and your pics are fabulous!! I've never been to the beach, so your pics are welcome. I'm glad you'll have some good memories to look back on for this week. And, even though it's a bit early, when you're ready for another cat, might I suggest you rescue one? I'm sure Lucy would appreciate you saving a life to fill the empty spot her dying leaves behind.

Joysze said...

*HUUUUUUUGS* Anne. She will always hold a special place in my heart cos she's the reason we became friends.

Great picnic pics. :)

Lynn said...

Oh Anne, I'm so sorry to hear about Lucy. We lost our beloved Finnigan quite suddenly two years ago and it still hurts me to think of him.
Clarisse is now a part of our lives and having lost one so suddenly, I cherish my time spent with her.
Thanks for sharing the camping photos. They're lovely.