They both look like someone has surprised them with something very special – something that made they laugh out loud! And Rosie is priceless

Often I have to rely on photos from other sources as I just don’t see the kids as much as I would like to. This one is of Toby’s new car from Jess and Kelsey, purchased as an early birthday present. Sounds like it was a good deal and it certainly looks like cool first car, for sure. It is a 2008 Hyundai Tiburon.

“Not my best but definitely not my worst. Overall, my times were quite slow in the comp with the fastest being a 6.6 in practise and a 6.8 in a finals. I am happy with this though because I managed to keep my runs consistent and, in terms of staying mentally strong, it is the best comp I’ve ever had.

I ended up in 6th after two nail bitter races again Jack Whitney and “professorok”. Overall a super fun comp and a massive improvement from my last few. Looking forward to the next one in Virginia!”

Sunday drive out to Sooke for breakfast, a look at all the Fall Fair winners and then to Metchosin where there was a very well attended Fair – I’ve never seen so many people. Lots of kid friendly things to do – a lamb and salmon bake, the market and a stage with entertainment.

Dana from Summerland came to stay at our place for a few days over the Labour Day weekend while we went to Vancouver then Salt Spring. We were supposed to go to their home again this year but, with the fires and subsequent smoke, we decided not to. Charlie (one of her two daughters) is set to start university studies at U of Vic and this trip allowed her to settle in and have a little vaca before hand. Charlie will join her sister (whose name escapes me at this moment) who will go into her third year. Dana is a very giving person and has opened her home to two exchange students – from Germany and Japan who will live with them and attend grade twelve at the local high school. Dana left us this big gift basket – omg..filled with all kinds of goodies. Also she brought a box of peaches which were perfect – we ate our fill and I froze a few that remained. What a feast! I felt a little better about missing out on our Okanagan trip and all the fruit and veggies I had planned on bringing back.

My new membership in this neighbourhood gym gives me some good coaching and 24 hour access. The more I read about agin well, the more I see the importance of muscle strength. I aim to improve mine and maintain as I go along. Jason is very supportive – encouraging. He also is the head coach for the Victoria Para Olympic power lifting team He tells me I’m a natural and will be ready for the senior competitions in 3 months. Hahaha! LOL!!!

A nice evening with Park friends. A deluge of afternoon rain swamped Dan and Suzanne and they bailed, went home (they live on island) and recouped. I think they came back to the Park but by then George and I went back to our place – it was almost 9 pm after all lol.

Kelsey and Jess hosted another fun Farm Party with so many friends and family. I’m glad we didnt go to Summerland just so we could be part of this gathering. Kelsey cooked up a wonderful array of meats and others brought salads, etc. A very yummy feast!