August 12th today as I start typing! … and just like that, summer is breezing by in the shadows of the pandemic! Somehow through it all, life goes on … our family still managed to enjoy some actual holiday time, including a celebration sailing day in and around Victoria for Brian’s 70th … a delayed birthday gift from our children that coincided with Aliana’s 9th birthday July 19. The birthday duo steered our boat admirably through mostly calm waters, the wind having gone into hiding. Made ‘no never mind’ to our enjoyment of the day 😊!! An oyster dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf followed …

It has been an extraordinary year on so many levels. On any given day, I have oscillated between happiness that we have somehow managed to squeeze in some quality family moments within the isolation and lockdown periods … and sadness about all the covid deaths, the covid everything, the racial protests, so necessary, but the violence and looting? … unacceptable! Certainly America appears to be taking centre stage in that regard with a relentless barrage of violent protests mixed in with the more subdued ones. Addressing racial injustice is long overdue whether in North America or globally … nothing changes unless changes are made! And sadly, changes rarely occur without ‘making a lot of noise’. If nothing else comes out of this covid year, equality for all should be a main priority.

We are all one … why do so many need to feel superior to anyone based on the colour of their skin, or their gender, or the country they come from … ‘or or or’?? Certainly my explorations and volunteering around the world have helped forge a more global perspective … less likely to fervently embrace nationalism and more likely to value each and everyone … even silly horrible old Trump! He must have had a really sad childhood, deprived of love and acceptance to have grown into such a nasty human being. I remind myself everyone was once a baby, a young child, just looking for love and acceptance from those entrusted with their care. I aim for compassion ….

In many respects, I feel we are witnessing the unravelling of a once global super power. When all the dust has settled, America’s hold on that distinction will have eroded substantially. China is patiently waiting in the wings to take over the power strings from this once great nation. My husband and I had many discussions over the years about how power circles the globe looking for it’s next host! We always felt China could eventually resurface as a world power because of their economic might. Ironically, this economic might has surfaced in no small measure, thanks to the materialistic zeal of America where shopping is a national pastime for too many and most of the products they buy are made in guess where?? … China!!! Hmmm 🙄

Of course we all prefer a democracy no matter how messed up it may seem at the moment, to the socialist authoritarian style of governing in China!! Well … let’s wait and see what materializes out of this global reshuffling! My own country is experiencing its own struggles, politically and economically. Who knows what the landscape of Canada will look like when this infamous year comes to a close?? Or America or any country for that matter??! It is an understatement to say we are living in interesting times.

Glen Lake was a delight as usual. Our third year enjoying the quiet little lake not far from Victoria. It is as close to the idyllic Northern Ontario cottage life of my childhood as I have found anywhere in the West. Most build big houses on lakefront, not cottages … so beyond happy my daughter discovered tiny Glen Lake for us!

We enjoyed a week in Kelowna at my place prior to the island … both of my kids under the same roof once again … hardly an every day occurrence! Tim’s new puppy Wilma joined us 😊

Early in July, we had our fourth annual family picnic … a small group of us gathered at Reiswig Regional Park on the shores of Woods Lake

… a few were not comfortable to attend with covid in the air and health compromised people within their ‘bubbles’. Smaller group but a good fun day … very windy and cooler than last year!

Summer 2020 .. more fun moments

They arranged a delightful gallery of their paintings and clay sculptures in my wee yard 😊

A quick stopover to visit Mickey in Surrey/White Rock area, who is in the midst of transitioning from life in the big house to a smaller condo, all without her precious Gordon. We have been friends for almost five decades and travelled extensively together for much of the last twenty years. Yes, the three musketeers as we called ourselves, now down to two 😢!