12.05.2018

guest post: allan and diego's first week in port hardy

Allan wrote some really nice things about our new life, both in emails to me and on one of his non-baseball blog. With his permission, I've collected some of them here.

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I drove into town today, thinking I would go to the library and museum, but I forgot they are closed on Monday. I went into the Cafe/Book Nook. Small book area in a semi-lower floor, way more new books than used. There is a craft store upstairs that has all kinds of nice things, including earrings I'm pretty sure you like - and a wonderful golden-haired adorable young dog. Quiet as a mouse, s/he followed me around and then went back to the register and laid down. I got a tea and walked over to the library (sign on door said something like "No bathrooms - Key is missing"), went over to Mo's pizza/sub place (they deliver for an extra $2, fwiw).

I found the Ministry office but this was the 12-1 PM closing time, so nothing was going on. I walked back to the main street. One business had a handwritten sign saying it was closed ("More Medical Procedures!"). I saw the post office down one street, so I went and got our mail. There was a taped green envelope addressed to "Laura and Allan". No return address. I figured it was one of those 'welcome' flyer things with junk mail inside. I opened it and it was a card for you from library people. They said extremely nice things about you. I walked back to the car and came home.

I sat out on the deck reading for a bit with Diego on the stake in the side yard area. Our neighbour in the house beyond the deck came over and said hello to Diego. Brenda and her husband are retired and they travel a lot in their massive RV (Arizona, Florida, "down island"). She asked if we were retired. (I guess I looked really old today.) When she heard you were a librarian, she said she used to work as a librarian and her husband was a school principal. They apparently are famous for having the most Xmas lights on their house, but they are getting a late start. She wanted to know if she could come into our yard to string lights on the fence because there are plants and whatnot on their side. I said sure. (I think that was the real reason for introducing herself.)

I am going to grill some burgers tonight and maybe have a fire. M got it all prepared, so I can't really call it my first fire. ... Also, a lot of frost on the grass this morning. The roof looked like there was a very light dusting of snow.

I really liked walking around in the town. This seems like the right amount of town for me. (That may change, who knows?) Plus, I like the uniqueness of every single house, the water nearby, the cool weather, etc. And being in a house instead of an apartment is such a wonderful difference. Everything else has worked out according to plan - and then some - so that aspect had better do so, too.

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For more of Allan's thoughts and some pics, including one of the house we're renting, go here: Port Hardy After One Week.

I'm sorry I haven't posted any pics. This is all I can deal with right now.

Funny note: Cafe Guido, mentioned above, has the spare key to the library in case staff gets locked out.

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