Preparation for the big move to Lake Cowichan

Wednesday, May 9th, our moving adventure begins.

We got the coach back from the repair shop by 10 am. We had the front end damage from the tow two years ago repaired, as well as the locks replaced and painted from the break in. Both Ray and I spent the rest of the day loading it up for the move to the island tomorrow. Fortunately the rain held off until dinner time, so we did not get everything wet. A long, hard day, especially for Ray, he could barely walk by the end of it, but we got it done. This for me included house stuff as every dish was washed and put away, vacuuming in case of house showings etc. Ray had to take out all the garbage ready for pick up on Friday. We collapsed in bed at 8 pm.

Thursday, May 10th

Up and attem by 5 am to load the car and get ready to leave by 6:15. I did not sleep very well as I was worried the theives would come back so I kept waking up every couple of hours and checking outside. Ray parked the car right up close to the passenger side so you could not open the basement doors but the other side although locked, was still exposed. I packed the car with our clothes etc. and did a final sweep through the house and we were off. I'd made a reservation for Ray for overheight just in case, but I was able to get on no problem. We met up at the cafeteria for breakfast. A beautiful sail across to Nanaimo, sunny and flat calm. There were a few showers and the other side.

Once we arrived at Kristi and Jason's, it took a few tries to settle the motorhome into her resting spot for the next week or so until we bring it down to the new house. Jason and Kristi recently bought a 21 foot trailer that we needed to negotiate around so in the end Jason hooked up and moved it out of the way so we had a clear shot at backing in and then he moved his trailer back in. Kristi was in surgery today so we won't see her until later tonight. It showered a few times throughout the day but otherwise fairly warm. Ray and I went out for lunch and ran a few errands. Nice to be back on the island. Tomorrow is the appointment with the lawyer to sign the papers for possession next Tuesday. I think it will be early to bed for me tonight. lol

Friday, May 11th

Kristi was on call today at the hospital but was able to stay home in the morning as she only had phone calls and no urgent cases. It was nice to spend some time with her. before our appointment at the bank. The appointment did not take very long, mostly handing over the moola and signing a couple of documents. We were back home by noon. Our dog and Kristi's two, all went to doggy daycare today. Freya will be nice and tired for tomorrow. :)

When Jason came back later in the afternoon, it was time to get the new batteries installed. Jason was a great help in doing the lifting so I did not have to. While Ray was trying to hook up the cables he realized he was missing some jumpers ... more had been taken by the thieves than we thought. With Jason's help, off to the battery place for a diagram of how they should look and some extra parts. After 2 hours the job was done and I fired up the generator to get the charge happening. The other 6 batteries had not been charging for the past month unbeknowst to us and were down to 11.8 so hopefully not wrecked. Only time will tell.

Saturday, May 12th

Another beautiful day ... only 3 more sleeps and Ray will pick up the keys to the new house, although we won't be moving in until Wednesday. Today Ray will blow off the junk on the MH roof from debris left from the winter at Dad's. and clean off the solar panels for charging. We can actually see the roof from the kids sundeck. First time I have been able to have a really good look at it as I don't climb up the ladder. lol Anyways other than dirty solar panels and a bit of trapped debris under the dish ... it does not look too bad. The batteries seem to be all fully charged according to the display panel. With all of the sunshine it did not take too long for the solar panels to charge them up. Spent most of the day enjoying the sunshine, a glorious day. Kristi actually had the day off.

Sunday, May 13th, Happy Mother's Day

Kristi is back on call starting at 8am this morning. We are all going out for Brunch for Mother's Day as Jason's Mom and Dad (Nadine and Dale) and Grandmother (Joyce) are coming up from Victoria. Even though Kristi was on call, she managed to come for lunch as well. A lovely visit. We'd not seen Jason's parents since the kids wedding, nearly 8 years ago. They stayed for several hours before leaving back to Victoria. It certainly was a warm day at over 26C. We are all not used to hot weather yet so the fans were on and blinds all closed trying to keep the house cool for sleeping. :) Not complaining though after our wet and gloomy spring.

Kristi, Grandma Joyce and Nadine

Jason and Ray

Dale and Kristi

Monday, May 14th

It's getting closer !!!! I did not sleep very well with all of the "packing" thoughts running through my head. I have to pick up the rental car this morning and get back to Vancouver in preparation for the movers tomorrow. Two more days!!!!! Ray will probably go out and take some pictures today, a hobby he has not had much time for of late. We are so thankful that Kristi and Jason have their basement suite that they welcome us to use. It sure has made life much easier for us having a place to stay when we come to the island.

Not too busy yet.

My rental car, Hyndai Accent.

Once in Surrey, I got a bunch of stuff ready for the packers tomorrow. A solitary dinner at Browns Social House.  Did not eat very much though ... it was over 30C and way too hot to be hungry.

Ray and Kristi went out to the new Beach Fires Grill Restaurant in Nanaimo for dinner. They both said that it was amazing and excellent food. A little pricey but fabulous. I will have to go there. :)

Ray took a walk in the Nanaimo Harbour in the afternoon.

Tuesday, May 15th - Take Possession of the Lake House

I was up bright and early at 4:30 am and started some laundry ... cleaning the bed sheets so they would be clean at the other end. lol Still pretty warm in the house. I will be glad when this part is over. Unfortunately the house still is not sold so I will have to go through this again at a later date. At least there will not be too much to deal with at that time as most of the furniture left will be for other people. Received an email this morning from the previous owner of the lake house, thanking us for buying her home. Louise said we were meant to live there and hope we enjoy the lake. How nice. A great way to start my day.

Looked out into the backyard this morning. There is a rabbit that thinks he lives here now that Freya is not here to chase it. :)

The packing started at 9:30 am  and continued to about 5:30 pm. I ended up having our realtor, Ryan, locking up after they had finished as I had to leave at 4:45 to make my ferry to the island. Exhausted.