Started the month with a few golf games, 4 person trombone concert on the lawn of our community center (there are reasons few pieces are written for trombone ensembles) and then left for the coast and 5 days of on-board sailing lessons in Desolation Sound on a 40′ Beneteau with sister and Bro in Law. Beautiful area. We saw whales blowing, orcas breaching and seals frolicking. Slept 3 nights anchored in sheltered coves and 1 night at the Toba Wilderness Marina – very remote, serviced by their own hydro electricity generator with an enormous post and beam gazebo. Great experience overall but one that confirmed our preference for powerboats.

After the sailing, we spent a few nights at a spa on the Island celebrating our 36th anniversary and a few nights in Vancouver at the historic Sylvia Hotel beside Stanley Park. During our absence a young Australian couple took care of the house and Taisho and all thoroughly enjoyed. Taisho had his first teeth cleaning and all 42 were in good shape, thanks to Mizuho’s nightly brushings.

Managed to finish (99%) of the first part of the retaining wall on the driveway. Still need to backfill a bit, top up with dirt and mulch, plant my 3-year old spruce seedlings and cut a few top plates. Shall turn to the second half in the spring. In between with be about 4 meters of natural rock wall.

In October, I will be cutting up some trees that were cut down in the summer, cleaning the eaves and windows, changing the hot tub water and attending to a host of other small projects. Hope also to complete some exterior stairs month and start on the equipment shelter.