Despite our best efforts, over the two planned, which became three, weeks that “our Austrians” were here, we didn’t have any sightings of whales close to the house. They saw lots of eagles, otters, seals and cocker spaniels but a disappointing show, for sure, on the Orca front. These darned whales are so unreliable!

We were very sorry to see our two new friends off at the ferry. Honestly, they were just joyful. They were really hard workers who finished the main projects they started for us while laughing and maintaining their positive outlook. They shared fun stories of their life in Austria and their travels and embraced our way of life here like they were born to it. Best of all they understood our humor and were quite happy to play along with mutual teasing. The dogs really liked them and miss them.

I cancelled my garden party. The plant sale continues with friends picking up their vegies when they are ready to provide a warm home for them, but the group sale/garden party had to be cancelled. It was unfortunate but at this late age in my life I have learned how to manage my stresses and getting the garden and property ready for guests, no matter how nice they are, was sending me near the edge. This way, I can still have a nice visit with each friend when they come by for their babies but I retain my sunny disposition. As I said to someone who asked if there was anything wrong, no, everything is good and I need to keep it that way. After thirteen years here, everyone is used to me bailing on events to keep my anxiety in check. But it was too bad. Next year, hopefully, with all this help from workaways, our property will be better prepared.

We have another workaway coming next week to continue with wood splitting, stacking and general maintenance. He, also, is near the end of his travels and I think will enjoy the change of pace our island provides. The weather looks like it is turning to summer temperatures so our schedule of working in the mornings and resting in the afternoons, should work well. Hopefully he likes hockey because there is going to be hockey on at night. Go Canucks.

Close to thirty tomatoes have already been picked up by my friends and, yesterday, at great personal risk, I took most of mine out of the greenhouse and put them in the garden. Not planted in the ground but sitting on the soil in pots. Hopefully, they will appreciate the fresh air and space to grow and not hate me for the chills.

I started to plant the annuals I began as seeds. Today I planted 15 Zinnia, 15 Cosmos and 15 annual Hibiscus. Tomorrow I can attack the Aster, Stock and Statice. They have all been outside in their 4 inch pots for weeks but with the upcoming hot temperatures it is time to get them in the ground.

Worst part about my chores today was clipping the tent caterpillars off the apple trees. Trust me they are gross. I think we got most of them before too much damage was done and then they were unceremoniously cremated. Ugh.

Ok, that is my day in the life off grid and to thank you for reading. Here is a moment of zen on the deck with

the Gold Finch