Yesterday had been a tiring day, so we thought it best to stay close to home. Grampa, or as Patty and I call him, Fada (an Irish acute accent like “É “used on long vowels in Irish Gaelic) needed a break.
We thought that name fit, when we first heard it in 2008, while in Ireland, as cousin J spelt his daughter Róisín’s name (pronounced ROW-SHEEN)….R-O-fada-I-S-I-fada-N. We asked him to explain and he spelt it the same and then explained. So, Grampa has been Fada ever since.
We spent some time together in the condo, handling chores and helping out where we could.
Down in the gym
Our only outing for the day was a late lunch on the patio of a nearby pub. B provided the wheelchair Uber and we were soon seated on a comfy outdoor patio awaiting our meals.
Lunch arrives, except for Fada’s
Fada’s fish and chips arrives
The uphill climb to home provided more of a workout on a full stomach
Trees in bloom close to home
Plant Manager
Put your feet up and take in the view
Grampa and B have a discussion
about plants
It was still a good day, but tomorrow, I would be driving B to the ferry, so he could handle some work obligations. Time together is precious.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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So lovely for you all to be together especially so for Grandpa. He must cherish your visits as much as you all do seeing him . Has he lived on Victoria Island quite awhile?
It was a good visit. Fada has lived in Victoria since 2010. It is tough to look after him from this far away, but that is where he wants to be. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
Fada used to be the head groundskeeper in a government facility and he knew all there was to know about trees and outdoor plants…still does. Indoor plants were not always his game, but I think he has figured them out now. We still can’t figure out indoor plants. 🌞Thanks for reading Linda. Happy Friday. Allan
PHOTO DROP 
What a lovely day !
I agree with you: time together is really precious ❣️❣️❣️
Have a happy Wednesday
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Thanks dear Luisa. Quality time with those you love is always best. Thanks for reading. Happy Wednesday. Allan
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The pleasure is all mine , Allan!
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🤗
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Good to spend time with family when you can.
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You are right. No regrets. Thanks for reading. Allan
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So lovely for you all to be together especially so for Grandpa. He must cherish your visits as much as you all do seeing him . Has he lived on Victoria Island quite awhile?
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It was a good visit. Fada has lived in Victoria since 2010. It is tough to look after him from this far away, but that is where he wants to be. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
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Thanks to your blog-diary, these moments will last longer.
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This is true. Capturing moments in photos and posts. I call it my Alzheimer prevention project. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Yes, it is precious.
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Thanks for reading Lynette. Allan
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I guess gardening runs in the family!
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Fada used to be the head groundskeeper in a government facility and he knew all there was to know about trees and outdoor plants…still does. Indoor plants were not always his game, but I think he has figured them out now. We still can’t figure out indoor plants. 🌞Thanks for reading Linda. Happy Friday. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person