June 22

Home and back to work again today. Traffic was surprisingly light crossing the bridge as I cruised to my destination on my bike. Life felt normal after my escape to the Kootenays. I yearned for that simplicity yet I fear the disconnection it brought. I was on another roof overlooking Okanagan Lake. I felt thrilled with the fortune of living in such an amazing place.

After a few days off the grid, I felt recharged. I felt like life is back to normal in our part of the world. Our boat is getting bookings, and I am busy with work. I kinda miss the stay home mantra of Covid. I have lost some of my free time I had to write, to live in a simple way. As they say, all good things must come to an end. Now it’s time to create new good things and learn from being forced to stay home.

We walked our road again at night and watched the sun wash the clouds in a flame of brilliant colour. Brad, his wife the health care worker, Krista, and I wandered the street until we arrived at Paynters Market at the bottom of the hill. I was pleasantly surprised that it was open for the season, I was disappointed that I had decided against bringing any money with me. I love walking to the fruit stand and getting ice cream, even without my kid. My girlish figure is better off for not bringing any cash.

Walking every day for three months has helped my mind, it hasn’t helped my body as much as I would have liked. Writing every day has also helped my mind, three months of daily blurbs and observations has provided catharsis in a time of uncertainty. This past week going off the grid changed the routine and I strived to return to my daily posts.

Summer is here and the days stretch on. Walking back up our road we felt a peace and connection, the setting sun lit the clouds like a flame. The sky looked on fire, glowing with a life and energy that made me feel like a lucky witness to nature’s glory. I came out of my reverent haze and realized our gang had wandered on leaving me to bask in the glory of the moment.

Summer is a time for fun and excitement, for joy and connection; a time to enjoy the outdoors and the world around us. I welcome summer and all it has to offer. Like a summer storm, covid rumbles in the distance, I hope it stays at bay, I hope for a long and enjoyable summer in our corner of paradise.