Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day!! As far as I am concerned every day is a day for chocolate. Today I handed out some 'flowers' of chocolate to the seniors at lunch time given to us by a family member. They were thrilled. I may even get some as one senior is not fond of chocolate.

On February 3 I flew out to BC and surprised Kathy after she had finished a Pursuit of Excellence course in Nanaimo. She was indeed shocked to see me and even more shocked when I said I was there for a week. I made these plans way back in October not knowing for sure Kathy would be moving here. Between October and now I visited her in December, she came here in January and while here her house sold in 1 week. It really is amazing how all of this has worked out. It was hard at times to not give up the surprise as many people were in on it.

So now what?! I simply packed Kathy's PUP a 7'shipping cube that had been sitting in her driveway since early December. Kathy sorted through stuff and told me about several things she would like to take. One- her west coast cat tree.She loved it and wanted to take it but convinced herself there was no room for it.  I took this as a challenge. Sure enough I got it in . I also squirreled  away 4 antique press back chairs, HUGE shop vac, chop saw, shelving units, an 8' ladder and a beautiful wheel barrow I found in the back yard. Kathy is learning that I rise to a challenge on short notice and is delighted when she sees my problem solving gears turn.

The house became more and more bare so we took off with Tristan Kathy's 17 year old border collie x to Victoria for 2 days. We visited with friends, ate Thai food several times and dim sum in China town. Our friends Bunny and Connie visited Friday and  the " 4 widows"  had a GREAT talk. We heard personal stories, cried, remembered our partners, and talked about gratitude and just how lucky we all are.

We left enough furniture behind to offer Kathy's brother and sister in law a place to stay for a couple of nights. It was so good to see them, have them join us in a farewell party for Kathy put on by the spca volunteers and watch Kathy's eldest son DJ at a bar Saturday night. After I left on the 10th the remaining furniture was picked up and items distributed. Kathy has an appointment with her lawyer for paper signing today at 3 pm then she plans to leave .

I think this is significant she leaves today- Valentines day. Both of us are open to the experiences of giving and receiving. As I approach the anniversary of Lee's death this will bring up 'stuff' for Kathy too. Kathy understands plain and simple.