Tourist season has begun

I am thrilled to announce that tourist season has officially begun here at the West Kelowna Hostel.

Yes, that's right. Not a hotel, but rather a hoStel. As in: I am very happy to provide accomodation, linen, toiletries (including an ancient hair dryer) and companionship. Meals are optional.

My longtime friend Linda and her mom arrived from Chilliwack on Friday evening.

Dinner was at my favourite restaurant in the valley: the Gasthaus in Peachland on the lake. It was prime rib night, complete with yummy root veggies, yorkshire pudding, salad, mashed potatoes and sticky toffee dessert. The meal was amazing. Linda's dessert included a sparkler in honour of her April 12th birthday. It has been many years since we celebrated it together, perhaps as far back as the 80's when we both lived in Armstrong. Guests at the next table were also celebrating a birthday. I suggested stealing a balloon, but Linda nixed that idea when she noted the digits on the balloon - too many for her! However, she was eyeing the table loaded with presents - a brightly wrapped box in particular!

Alas, we left the restaurant empty handed but with very full bellies.

Arriving back at my home, Linda offered the guest room to mom, and accepted the airbed in the living room for her nightlong nap. In the morning all 3 of us claimed to have enjoyed a comfortable sleep.

We shared stories over coffee, then it was time for them to head to Vernon for the night to a family gathering.

I filled my day with a haircut, banking and foraging at the local market for fresh veggies which later turned into veggie chile. Sunday dinner. (that's the optional meals part).

I'm enjoying a good book too. I think my attention span is slowly increasing again. Thank goodness. Frustrating to feel like an adult ADD person, which is not me - I believe I've always had the ability to focus on the tasks I like, but since Bob's passing it has not been so.


When my wandering friends return this morning, we will head up Mission Hill to the winery for the noon ringing of the bells. It is an amazing thing to witness - both audio and visual as the huge mission bells dance in a synchronicity.