May long weekend

I have this need to get away from home whenever a long weekend comes up. Usually our Bible Study group heads off to some "campsite" where the washroom is, well, wherever you want it to be, and the water comes from a river.

This year, however, everyone was busy. The weather didn't sound promising anyway, so we decided to fill up our weekend with something other than tenting...and I'm glad we did.

On Saturday Colin and I headed up to Salty Shack (a friends' cabin on the Indian Arm) with...my dad! He's always so interested in the stories we tell about the place, and the pictures we show. I never thought he'd go up, though, because of the boat ride to get there. Not enjoying boats is a Jarvis trait (one that I inherited, but try to curb), BUT he said he'd come up with us for the day! We had tame waters, and no rain! We hiked up to the water system we've set up, told stories around a mid-day bonfire, and sat on the deck reading. We even caught 4 crabs for dinner!

When we got back home, mom was going to meet us at our place for the crab feast. She WILL NOT go on the boat, but will still reap the benefits of our hard work (Colin and I both got stung by a red jellyfish when bringing in the traps)! She spent the day shopping...

To my surprise, my Uncle George and Auntie Bev came over for dinner too! I was so happy to have them there to share in the feast! Unfortunately, my uncle's cancer came back last week, and he's in town for various treatments and doctors appointments. It was really good to spend time with them, as they both have a great sense of humour, and I normally only see them about once a year (which is more than I see any other relatives). I like to get the updates on them and what my cousins are up to.

We had a wonderful day; one that I am going to remember for a long long time (if not forever).

Sunday we had our day around the house. Gardening for 5 hours in the beautiful sunshine which turned to rain, with Jack Johnson blaring from the house. There's something wholesome about pulling weeds and moving 500 pound boulders! Got to talk to the Keitches too! God Bless phones! In the evening we went to a free movie "Over the Hedge" with Steve and Rhonda, which was fun and funny!

Monday we went to a friend's new property at Hatzic Lake. We hadn't been there before so it was good to see the place we've heard about! The plan was to wakeboard and kneeboard, but the boat wouldn't start! It must have been divine intervention, because just when Ryan gave up trying to start the boat, it started to rain. Rain? No...POUR! Our day retreat was cut short by the weather, but at least we roasted some weenies on a bonfire.

It was a great weekend to remind myself of what's important. I think that sometimes I am so caught up with "doing something" that I don't put much thought into what it is I'll be doing, or who I will be spending it with.

As long as friends and family are there, a good time is guarenteed.