We’re testing out a new process this week using voice dictation, so please forgive any transcription hiccups or actual hiccups! Thanks to everyone for your stories — some a bit longer this time, but full of life and laughter. HICCUP!
Brian shared that Meredith turned 22 over the weekend. He cooked a big dinner for her and her friends before they went out. Watching his daughters get dressed up, especially Macy in what was essentially a bra and a flowing wrap, brought out the classic “dad” moment. He kept quiet—but wondered out loud if it was “too slutty,” prompting her to change. The evolution of going-out wear is... eye-opening for dads.(I guess Brian's dates have been dressing a little more conservatively! RATS!)
Chewy shared a heartwarming update: his notoriously picky son has created a personal summer food challenge — trying 50 to 100 new foods. He’s even journaling and rating each dish out of 10. Chewy is encouraging a little more variety, as about half the “new foods” so far have been desserts. (And this is a problem????)
Melinda brought her shy but sweet granddaughter Rory, who stayed over the night before. Melinda had a weekend visit from old, dear friends—lots of laughter and reminiscing, including their early 20s and a memorable softball tournament that involved a beer bong. Her friend Roxanne forgot an entire drawer of clothes, so Melinda now has to mail them back across the border! Also: it’s hot in Wenatchee.
Peter had a rough 10-day hospital stay with a serious bacterial infection (C. diff), but is now recovering. He also shared the sad news that his cousin, who had previously suffered a stroke while on a cruise, passed away after a second stroke in Nanaimo.
Marg returned from a phenomenal trip to Newfoundland — the food, the people, and the history were all incredible. She also made it over to the nearby French islands, where she indulged in wine, cheese, croissants, and all things French. The whale watching? A sperm whale — wild!
Kal followed Marg’s whale story with a joke about being looked at during whale references. He also shared a disturbing story about someone faking a kidnapping situation involving their child. He came with Peter today and is now looking for a ride home — thanks, nurse!
Bill hosted two clients at a baseball game and has friends arriving from Florida this weekend. But the real celebration was Shelly’s medical check-up—her surgeon told her never to come back. She’s healed and was thrilled to be "fired" by her doctor.
Sam recapped his baking experience from the auction—he and Justin won a stand mixer and attended a class through Midland Appliance. It was chaotic but wonderful. Bobbi and the team went all out, and it ended with a wine tasting at Country Vines. The baking instructor offered to make it harder next time. Sam thanked Amanda (who wasn't present) and promised to sprint for the auction table if Bobbi donates it again next year.
Jeanette has been back and forth to Calgary to deal with a property, and has been helping her mom, who recently arrived in Canada with no return ticket. While Jeanette's been busy sorting services and IDs, she recently learned her mom has secretly been sending messages asking to go back to the Philippines — homesick, perhaps, but not unloved. Luckily, her niece is still here and taking her around to see the sights.
Larry threw a surprise birthday for Steve, even though their joint birthday dinner is next week. He’s off to Birch Bay for some R&R and gardening, and hoping to return for Rotary in between.
Maryam just wrapped up summer school — a loosely-graded program focused on literacy and numeracy. Some students were quite the handful this year. She’s now prepping for a big three-week trip to Scotland and Amsterdam, but hasn’t started packing… or ordered her suitcase. Taking all travel tips!
Micheal thanked Debbie T. for hosting the board meeting and Drew for the great food. He shared a joyful moment from a family meet-and-greet at Earl’s with his son Arman’s fiancée’s family. He also took his kids to Playland, and brought his mother — her first visit in over 30 years. Seeing her face light up made the day unforgettable.
Peachy had a lovely Sunday picnic at Burnett Marine Park with old friends. She brought her new portable speaker in preparation for Elena’s big sendoff on August 2.
Elena is enjoying retirement, though her time seems to go quickly with Rotary and friends. She had unexpected visitors early one morning — they came to pick plums from her tree after spotting them on Messenger. She had to get up and cook breakfast, but it was fun nonetheless.
Susan thanked Debbie T. and Drew for hosting the board meeting. She also promoted a Latin Dance Party on July 27, with $10 from each ticket going to Richmond Rotaract. She’ll send out the poster to everyone interested.
Pat arrived to find herself locked out this morning — but thanks to quick texts and Bobby’s complaint, all was resolved. She’s planning to repaint her house using her neighbour’s recommended painter and officially passed on the secretary pin to Susan.
Debbie S. (whose family is from the Netherlands) shared some essential food recs for Maryam’s trip to Amsterdam: poffertjes, oliebollen, stroopwafels, pannenkoeken, and kroketten. (Now those are mouthfuls in more ways than one.) Also, try the liquorice! And don't miss the speed skating oval. In Scotland? Try Wetherspoons and the haggis breakfast.
Bobby shared that the address for the board meeting brought back memories — his family used to own a duplex on that lot. He's been going non-stop between Rotary, family, and the banquet hall, but is taking a few days in Whistler to recharge. He also gifted Rory a soccer ball as a thank-you for visiting.
Chris M. is deep in reno-mode with her new old house. She found a free, solid 8-foot picnic table just a block from her place via Facebook Marketplace and hauled it home. After sanding and painting, it looks fantastic — and won’t tip no matter how many people sit on one side! She’s now started painting the house exterior herself.
Debbie T. thanked everyone for attending the board meeting and gave her own Amsterdam food tips (stroopwafels and black licorice!). She’s off to the Regatta in Harrison this weekend and recently enjoyed a poolside picnic with her granddaughter.
Amanda — sorry we couldn’t get you back on Zoom this week!
