While in Kelowna we were invited to supper at the home of Gloria and Roy. Boxes at Mom and Dad's were mostly uppacked and we left in the mid-afternoon with their exhortation to "Go out and enjoy yourselves." So off to Winfield we went, stopping at a liquor store on the way to purchase a dozen beer and a six-pack of green-apple coolers.

Gloria and Roy's home is the only residential area left in an industrial zone, and they have turned it into a little tropical paradise of winding paths, a fish pond, all sorts of lovely blooms and greenery, all beneath a towering pine that shades the back patio where we sat sipping our libations for several hours before sitting down to dine.

I managed to slice my index finger pretty good while frenching green beans during the meal preparation. No sooner had I visualized this happening (and not bothered to ERASE THAT THOUGHT as I usually do when I catch myself imagining some undesirable event) than I pushed my finger into the blade and got all weak and fainty at the sight of my own blood. What a suck I am. Had to go sit down and do some deep breathing and my, what a clever way to wangle out of finishing my job at the kitchen counter.

While we were there Gloria had a phone call from a friend (Debbie?) who lives up in the boonies somewhere. I said I'd post some photos for her to see, so here you go, girl.

This old lamp was a genuine brothel fixture, now found in one of Gloria and Roy's attic bedrooms. Below is one of Gloria's fairy houses. Well that's what I call them. This is a small one compared to the others I've seen. They had several floors, walkways running up their sides, the whole kit 'n kaboodle. They are sold before Gloria even gets them made. I think she said she makes them out of pieces of driftwood and twigs and dried plants that she gathers. I have to admit, I covet them.

Gloria and Roy were not only the most welcoming hosts one could find, but they were so generous as to set out a spare key and invite us to come and stay whenever we liked. We thought that was pretty sweet, even though we didn't take them up on their offer this time. It's a fine thing to have goodhearted friends.