Happy Birthday Mum...(belated)

Mum at about 2 and a half

I wanted to wish my mum a very happy birthday. Her birthday was last weekend and she turned 70. We are really looking forward to getting over to England to celebrate! It's not always easy to live so much of your life away from your family, and especially from your mother. Mum and I have always been close, despite differences and all the ups and downs that are part of a mother/daughter relationship. Mum has always been a formidable force within our family. We had difficult times, but she always managed to keep things together. Growing up, things were far from perfect and we all had our troubles, as did mum and dad. But I have many funny, poignant, beautiful, memories of growing up. And mum was the architect behind so many of those memories. And as time has moved on, mum has consistently tried to be there for us (and is still there). A safe place to return to when the rigours of life prove too much. She is always ready to give a warm hug and share a good laugh.

Mum on the left at about 12 years old

Seventeen years ago I came across to Vancouver, not really intending to stay for the long-term, but staying nonetheless. And although I have made a life here, there is another life in England that I never forget and I have a sense of belonging to two places. Sometimes I get the feeling that I've missed out on that other life. I suppose the fact is that for many choices, there are sacrifices that have to be made.

Mum, with a startled River, during our last visit.

Over the past years we have not seen each other very much. The last time I went over was with River, 3 years ago. Money is often tight for us (we made the choice to live on one income) and we cannot go over for a visit every year. Yet always, as I live my life, there is the deep knowledge of what I am missing, what we have all missed. All the day to day things that fill in the details of our lives. There is a gap that cannot be bridged. But we always try and we always remain connected. And we carry all that we love and miss in our hearts so that, in some ways, the connection is made more precious. I know mum misses us, and especially the kids and I hope we can all go over next year as a family. But for now, happy birthday mum. We love you and we will see you soon. xx

Sasquatch weekend...

Arrgghh....how did it get to Thursday already! Anyway, we made it; a very successful and fun camping weekend in our new (to us) VW Westfalia. I must admit that it was great having a van to sleep in, rather than a tent. It made putting the kids to bed easier. And sleeping was a lot more comfortable than in our tent. There was enough space to comfortably fit all our stuff and the van was great on the highway. For our first trip of the year, we headed to Deer Lake campground in Sasquatch Provincial Park. This park is relatively close to the city and not far from the small town of Harrison (famous for its hot springs...but, in my opinion, not up to much). The park wasn't accepting reservations this early in the season, but we did note that both Deer Lake and Hicks Lake campgrounds were almost full. Everyone wanted to capitalize on the good weather. We survived the "breath of doom". In fact, Ellee was fine and didn't even pant that much.

It took us a while to get out of the city and so it was about a 4 hour drive all-in-all. But we got there in good time and were able to go check out the lake. The lake is beautiful, surrounded by mountains and forest. The campsites are relatively small and not very well treed (problems if you needed to put up a tarp), but adequate. Bronwyn met a little girl who was camping with her family in the adjacent campsite and essentially disappeared for most of the two days, busy playing "raccoon detectives". She had a great time and was also in her element.

She also devised a game which involves swinging and batting one of her stuffies on a string, and there is some weird point system that she has devised and which makes sense only to her. It made for an ominous entrance to our camp. I would never have used my stuffies like that!

And River loves camping. He was so engaged and present when we were camping. There is something about the outdoors. His "stimming" (this is when he finds something interesting and spends an extended period of time running back and forth and looking at the object from different, strange angles and flaps or walks on tiptoes) and other repetitive behaviour decreased and he found lots of things to do. I was a little worried about how he would be, but once we were there I was reminded of how he was last year when we went camping. He doesn't mind being out of his routine and finds many things to fascinate him. Outdoors definitely suits him. He also didn't bolt like he did last year...but it's only the first camping trip.

On Saturday we did a lovely hike/walk along the lake. We just walked half of it because River only has little legs, although he was being a trooper scrambling over rocks and under fallen logs. And Ellee can't jump about like she used to.

In the afternoon Trini and Lorne dropped by our campsite. They were camping at Hicks Lake (a last minute change of plan). We sat by the lake and Mark took the kids out kayaking. I also took the kayak out for a while. What a gorgeous day!

This is an action shot of daddy "saving" Bronwyn from falling off the log!

So all in all it was a really good trip. Bronwyn had such a good time that she cried half the way home. We are looking forward to the next one.

Off to the wilderness...

Get that rain gear and mosquito repellent ready. Look out bears, birds, and small furry woodland creatures...we'll soon be visiting a campsite near you! We're about to embark on our first camping trip of 2010. The first trip in the VW van. What adventures await us out there in the wild?

We will all sleep in the van, including our trusty companion, Ellee. Unfortunately, as beautiful as she is (for a 14 year old dog), her breath smells like she ate a rotten salmon 4 years ago and it is still decomposing inside her mouth. It is really that bad. It may even explain why River's hair is so curly. We can't even let her sleep in our bedroom...the smell used to wake me from my sleep; old dogs pant a lot for no particular reason. My worry about her being in the van is that she'll start panting and we won't be able to wake up...ever. An inexplicable tragedy you'll read about in the paper. Maybe I could spray her with Febreze (what actually IS Febreze anyway). We'll just have to see how it goes. I know, I know...I should have brushed her teeth all these years. But I'm just not the type of person who brushes my dog's teeth. I've always picked up her poo - as a service to the community and for the common good and because I am a good citizen who doesn't like shit on her shoes...but I just don't have time to brush her teeth. Now it's all water under the bridge...or rotting teeth under the smell of low-tide. No-one told me about how bad their breath could get. Of course, I was always aware that dogs have stinky breath...but I was ignorant of the fact that it later manifests into some kind of warm toxic cloud, emanating from their panting jaws, that burns your eyes and makes you gag and retch. I have learned my lesson. And if you're thinking of getting a dog...and not one of those little "apartment-sized" dogs that wear clothes and shoes and live in your handbag...but a real dog, then you may have to be prepared to brush it's teeth. Or suffer the consequences 14 years later.

The other unknown is River. He handled camping in the tent very well last year. But that is no indication of what he will do this year. Being a boy with autism, he loves his routine. But he's also a boy obsessed with switching lights on and off and opening and closing doors and drawers. The van provides a whole myriad of light switching, door/drawer opening and closing opportunities. An almost endless series of on and off variations (and there are variations...). It will be interesting to see what happens. Bronwyn is so excited that she is positively buzzing. Bedtime is going to be tricky. But we know that eventually they will crash and sleep...that is the mantra that many parents repeat; trembling hands clutching their glass of wine or beer.

So I have to go and get prepared. My mission this year is to find some tasty, healthy, quick to prepare vegetarian camping meals. We hardly eat meat...so steaks on the bbq aren't going to happen. Unless we find some free-range SPCA approved beef tenderloin...and I may actually find that at Choices. But not this trip. It's tofu dog and veggie burger, salad, steamed veg and easy-to-prepare rice dishes, that's about it. Not very exciting at all...which is why I intend to change all that. Later of course. No point in doing now what I can put off until another time.

So camping here we come. Must go get those marshmallows (though Bronwyn and River both spit them out in disgust). I wonder about kids these days, turning their noses up at sugar. And no need to shower for a couple of days...mosquitoes prefer the smell of washed people apparently. Mark and I are comfortable enough that we get along even if we are unwashed, perfumed with deet and sunscreen, hungover, and grunting and pointing as a form of communication. We also get along when we are camping. So onwards into the wilderness...get ready to carry a stick, hug a tree, smell the forest and melt marshmallows on an open fire, poking them about and watching in awe at how much they expand...and talking about it.....a lot. And relaxing of course...ha ha...don't be stupid! But I will take some knitting, just in case.

Hip in Hemp finished...

Here is the finished skirt for Bronwyn, who felt that it was best shown if she perched on a bicycle rack and threw her arm back. The pattern is from Knitty.com, Summer '07 It is an easy knit and the Hempathy yarn is lovely to work with. I am reasonably happy with it. Bronwyn is suitably UNimpressed, but it's hard for her to get excited by clothing...she's not that type of girl...yet. Mind you, now that it is finished I can't help wishing that I had used brighter colours. Having said that, I used what I had in my stash, which is good. I was going for a summery, faded denim, beachy type of thing. She chose to wear it today and I missed out on getting some good pics at the park. She may never wear it again! It's not going to be useful for climbing trees, I can see it snagging on all the branches, but we shall see.

Here is a picture of my new "knitting perch" sun-lounger. I received it as a gift for Mother's Day. It will be my base of operations for the rest of summer. What more could I ask for (besides a small table with a frosty beverage perched on top. Note to self: get that magic bullet)? I actually found a small table in the alleyway yesterday (on the right). It was all alone hiding beside some garbage cans so I rescued it and put it up on the deck where it will enjoy a new life as a plant holder. And I must get a water-table or some other such distraction for the kids so that they can play while I watch over them from my reclined (well, semi-reclined if I am in a knitting or reading) position. When mummy is happy, everyone is happy...it's a win-win situation. And familial harmony is what I am all about.

I have put a couple of "Wintery" projects on hold. It's hard to knit a chunky sweater when it's beautiful sunshine outside..."Owlet" will have to wait. Having said that, it's probably a good idea to knit wintery stuff in summer so that I have them ready for Fall...but I just can't do it. So...I have begun work on a cardigan in Rowan Bamboo Tape. It is a nice soft yarn and knits up quite quickly. I've ummed and erred about the colour. I'm not sure if neutrals work on me. But I heard that neutrals are IN for this summer. So even if I look sick and washed out and blend into my clothing, at least I'll be in fashion. Anyway, it might work, so I'll go with it for now.

I also need to begin a denim-knit sweater for River. I've chosen Guernsey Frock by Kim Hargreaves (pictured below, except I'll knit River's in denim) from one of my old, old Rowan patten books, # 11. I have some Rowan Denim I'd like to knit into something. I feel quite proud that I'm actually using up stash and, although I am beginning a new project, I did actually finish one.

Having said that...you know how I said I like knitting with Hempathy? Well, I just found this pattern by Heidi Kirrmaier (via a cool blog, Junior Deluxe...thank you!) and Ravelry.

This is just the type of thing I'd like to make, lightweight and summery. So, good intentions aside, I think I feel a yarn purchase coming on...shhhh. And Heidi Kirrmaier has some great designs and I agree with Junior Deluxe, Heidi needs her own book. A website would be a start...just something worth considering.

I will have to take a trip to one of my favourite yarn stores here in Vancouver, Urban Yarns. The store just moved to new and improved surroundings so I need to check it out. I stepped in briefly the other week and I said, "Wow, you've changed the whole look of the store!". The woman in the store said, "Yes, this is a new store, we moved a block up the road". Oops, I am useless at noticing things. Anyway, it's a much brighter store so I won't have to hang out on the sidewalk with different yarns trying to figure out what the "real" colour is. Now to check out their Hempathy stash. Oh, I mean finish-off my cardigan...

A sleepover and Mick and Mimi...

Mother's Day weekend has started very well. I had a Friday night sleepover at my girlfriend's house. Just me and Michelle in our PJs, with George Clooney (an older movie, Out of Sight). Then we were joined by our friends; pizza, wine, homemade nachos, and chocolate cake. All of us together having a good time. It was a good old fashion sleepover. What could be better? And as the evening wore on, and we each lay sprawled on a couch (she has two couches so we each got to lay on one). We found ourselves watching old sitcom re-runs. How could we ever have though Monica and Rachael's hair was cool in the early shows?

And then...towards 1:00am came the highlight of the evening...something I have never seen before...Mick and Mimi and their fabulous, cheesy 15 minute party with the Bullet-express. This is the greatest infomercial ever. Done in a sit-com style with a host of strange (over-acted) characters, we remained entranced for over an hour, not quite believing what we were seeing. We even watched the follow up infomercials. There's dinner,where Mick and Mimi have their family over and bore wow them with their dazzling chopping, shredding, blending, juicing appliances. They proceed to make really bland food (but very well chopped and fast) with tons of grated cheese. Here's their recipe for meatloaf...."Ground Turkey, onion, some rosemary...and ketchup and sugar on top. Imagine the flavour! The whole meals is  made in less that 8 minutes.

And that 's not all! In the magic bullet ad they make breakfast for their hungover friends; including, Berman the hungover fat, bald guy, Hazel (the weathered old hag with the fake cigarette), and a couple of newlyweds. It begs the question, why are all these strange people at Mick and Mimi's house first thing in the morning? Are they swingers? Anyway, they go on to make all kinds of goo as well as frozen drinks and it only takes 3 seconds! Fantastic! I really want a magic bullet. I even asked for one for Mother's Day (though I think Mark draws the line at getting me some form of blender as a gift...good man!). But think of all the "frozen beverages" I could make....strawberry daiquiri, pina colada, margarita, bellini, bushwacker and all in only 1, 2......(long pause)......3 seconds. Fantastic! Onwards to Mother's Day! Do like Hazel...I'm not sure what I mean by that. But I do look eerily similar to her (without the fag) first thing in the morning...

Thursday poem - Blue Dahlias (one stanza)

I'm late for the Thursday poem. I almost wasn't going to post. Maybe I'll do a bi-weekly Thursday poem. Anyway, I've been reading "Heron Cliff" by Margo Button; a BC poet. There is a long poem called Blue Dahlias... there's so much that is rich in the poem. It was difficult to decide what to post, but I just chose one section that caught me...

The kid say I'm too old for rollerblades. The sign:
"Drive slow. Watch out for rugrats and old biddies."

Your're only given a little madness. You mustn't lose it.
Those brown eyes. That smile. I'm in love!

The big bruiser orders me to move my car
parked in front of his house. Says he's a cop.

So? I'm a poet. A raging granny too.
It beats depression or medication.

We've made something beautiful. Why apologize?
I'm old enough to stand up to bullies.


Part of Blue Dahlias by Margo Button, from Heron Cliff.

I just happened upon this book at the library. It was "Poetry Week" in Vancouver. Who would have known? But I find her book of poetry, Heron Cliff, to be inspiring, amazing, beautiful, and emotive. The more I read the more I get.