Mary Lou – Enjoyed a family BBQ (with Marg’s famous pickles), then braved the “Fun Box” in Coquitlam after a bouncy castle event was canceled. Came home with a few battle scars but plenty of laughs. This was her last Thursday with Oscar before he starts kindergarten—bittersweet milestone ahead!
Debbie S. – Taking on grandma duties with Avery two days a week (but not Thursdays—Rotary comes first!). Off tomorrow on a 5 a.m. flight to PEI for a five-day cycling adventure on the Confederation Trail.
Garth – Trial update: eight days down, four more scheduled next year because the other side underestimated by 500%. For now, it’s “over but not finished.”
John – Anxiety dreams usually involve trials—but this week’s dream featured parking, a towed car, and a missing phone. Fitbit rated it his “best sleep ever” at 91%. Go figure.
Christine Marin – Temporarily back in babysitting mode while Eleanor transitions to a new daycare—on the same grounds as Christine’s old high school! Started her term as president of CFUW and finished painting the house. Next project: building a fence to free the front yard for Eleanor and the dog.
Marg – Scored a $20 Canadiens game package that included free beer, bus rides, and Jell-O shooters—best deal ever! Less fun: a marathon trip home from Edmonton for Don involving a runway shutdown, overnight drive to Calgary, and salmon prep for a birthday party. Now busy canning beets.
Sam – Happy to cook for the club (even if Bobby “rips up his receipts”). Loves any excuse to wear the chef’s hat and apron—today’s feast will be ready in minutes.
Lawrence – Celebrated an anniversary dinner, then had a scare when Haley ended up in the ER with chest pains. After 13 hours in a jam-packed hallway, she’s home with meds and follow-up tests. MRI tonight—fingers crossed for good results.
Susan Ness – Ryan turned 21 and came home from the Sunshine Coast. Gifted him a seal sculpture she won at the Rotary gala—perfect since Ryan loves clay work and spent the summer lifeguarding with seals nearby. He was moved to tears.
Maryam – Back from Europe (thanks to Air Canada for the extra three days in Amsterdam—working on that claim!). Hosted six international Rotoractors visiting for PACE, including youth from Brazil, Romania, Hong Kong, Poland, and Germany. Shared a great story of how PACE inspired the very first Rotaract club in Norway.
Sandra – Kids called mid-gardening to say “too hot for the PNE, can we swim at your place?” In 45 minutes she had the house and yard ready—ended up with a wonderful impromptu family pool day.
Bobby – Praised Sam’s cooking and Debbie’s cycling goals. Spent time in Whistler biking, barbecuing, and enjoying the pool with his son and nephew. Also showed his visiting daughter around Vancouver and the PNE. Looking forward to September for a post-summer “reset.”
Pat – Reminisced about babysitting her grandkids every Wednesday—now they’re 17 and 15! Celebrated her grandson’s birthday at Peace Portal Golf Course restaurant (beautiful spot). Just started physio for her shoulder.
Peachy – Thanked Sam for the delicious cones and shared updates: busy with her dance company (hoping it helps with weight loss), attended the Philippines Canada Trade Council AGM, and joined a health and wellness session with international nurses.
Danny – Led a health and wellness day in Coquitlam: fun run, tai chi session, plus acupuncture and hypnosis workshops. (You are getting sleepy)
Elena – Officially “retired” from babysitting after eight years—time to enjoy life! Stepping down as a director with the Philippines Canada Trade Council, though she and Peachy enjoyed the AGM. Also tending the garden but battling critters eating the apples.
Jeanette – Fresh off night shifts, visited Peter—he’s off oxygen and isolation but still recovering. Proudly showed her the card she brought him. Also spent three hours at urgent care with her mom just to refill a prescription—“not worth it, should’ve gone to a walk-in.”
Michael – Shared the story of his “lucky shirt,” worn for every passport photo for the past 25 years. It’s faded now, but tradition continues as he renews his passport this week. Looking forward to his annual last-day-of-PNE tradition on Monday.
Debbie T. – Checked in on Peter (he’s improving, slowly but surely). Spent the weekend dragon boating—high tides, drifting boats, and even a parrot on board made it a regatta to remember. Her team took home a medal!
