Kalyn

Spencer played with my camera, taking photos of Kalyn in the garden, and this was one that I really liked, so I decided to use it for my blip.
What a day! We'd planned to meet cousins Beaches Doogie and Impy at the Saturday Market, so we had a fairly early start to the day. G stayed home to get lunch ready. Town was heaving!  I felt a bit uncomfortable being around the hordes but being with family helped ease the transition into nearly normal life.  We had decided that we'd just stroll around the market until we ran into each other. So good to hug them when we finally did!  I suggested that Doogie could head down to our place and help G. Didn't have to convince him!  Off he went, and the rest of us wandered around the stalls and town for a couple of hours. When we got home, no preparations for lunch had been made! G and D were having a good old time sitting on the porch, talking about their wives no doubt. Ha!  It didn't take long to get lunch on the table, buffet style, so with full plates, we sat on the porch and enjoyed good company and good food. Lots of stories, lots of laughs, lots of love. Beaches Doogie had us in stitches with stories about Uncle Bill, and Doogie's Scottish accent is great, even though he was born in Canada! Of course he's been around the accent all his life with his mum and other relatives in Ontario. I'm such a blubberer, I'm sitting here tearing up as I remember the day. 
Then came time to go to Aunty Pesto's for dinner. Fortunately restrictions had been eased and we were able to sit together at one table. I'd requested an indoor table but we were set up outside in a section that was a bit separate from the rest of the patio. Good thing, because we were rather noisy, mostly hooting with laughter!  Spencer got quite the introduction to the family, because a fair bit of the laughter was caused by poking him - might as well get used to it!  He handled it all very well as an "unarmed man", as he said, and I'm sure he'll be right in the thick of things poking us all back next time. Again, good food, great company, and such a treat to enjoy time together. I'd really hoped to get a photo of all of us, so I asked the server to take a photo. She took a couple, but unfortunately it was at a difficult angle and neither turned out. I should have taken one of the group minus me while we were at home. Next time - and how lovely to be able to say with confidence that there will be a next time.
After dinner, we walked around a bit before Doogie and Amy had to head to their ferry. So happy that they were able to come over from Vancouver Island to join us today. Valdi was playing with Duck Creek at the Tree House and another musician was playing at the restaurant on the dock. Plenty of locals and tourists around, and it was amazing to see the town alive and vibrant again, just like a typical Saturday night pre-covid.
One of our traditions when the girls visit is to sit outside in the garden as it gets dark and "watch the constellations reveal themselves one star at a time."  (one of my favourite lines from Bobcaygeon by the Tragically Hip).  We saw satellites and shooting stars and had some interesting conversations, including one about UFOs.  It was wonderful to sit outside without being completely bundled up. Packed it in just after midnight and headed to bed.  
One of the best days ever!  
Extras: Kalyn and Spencer in Aunty Pesto's and them again on the boardwalk at the harbour. This was around 8:15pm - lovely summer evening!