BORDER BLUES

 POST # 690

Border Crossing

When I travel to the USA via Amtrak, I don't have to wait until I get to the border crossing in order to clear US customs.  That procedure is done at the train station in Vancouver.

In recent times, I have commented to various people that lately, going through customs has been very simple, and in fact, prior to this recent trip, the border agent didn't even ask any questions.  He just stamped my declaration card, and I was on my way.

So imagine my surprise last week, when once again I was standing in line at the train station, waiting my turn to go through customs.  I had a bad feeling about the agent even before I stepped up to his booth.  Perhaps it was the look on his face.

In any event, it took a very long time to go through the process.  He just kept asking more and more and more questions.  Questions that I have never been asked before, like how much is my income, how much do I have in my bank account, when did I retire, etc. etc. etc.  At one point I was beginning to wonder if he was going to let me through or not.

Finally, for whatever reason, he decided to allow me to continue, and I made my way onto the train in preparation for my southbound journey.  It was without a doubt, one of the longest times that I have ever spent going through customs, and I wonder if that is going to be the way it is from now on?  Only time will tell.

As always, Mary and Dora-dog were there at the station to meet me, and drive back to her home in Shelter Bay.

It had been a long day, as you can tell by the look on Dora-dog's face.

It was time to call it a day, and be thankful that I was successful in making the journey.  My border blues for today had come to an end.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

THE IMPOSTER

 POST # 689

What the heck?  I went to bed last night with the Ollie that I knew, and I woke up this morning with this updated version of him.  Black and white, long hair, and larger as well.  Who is this imposter?  

Don't get me wrong, the new Ollie is a wonderful furball, but where did the old Ollie go?

Ah, here he is after all. He never really left, but when I told him about the other furball, he had this rather shocked look upon his face.  I had to then explain to him who this imposter was.

His name is Bandit, and he has found a home at my friend's place here in Vancouver.  I was over to visit them a little while ago, and that's when I had the good fortune to meet Bandit.  As I told Ollie the story, he settled back down, and then went right back to sleep, happy with the knowledge that in this house, he is still number one.

I have to say goodbye to him tomorrow, but we still have a little more time to spend together, so we'll make the best of it.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

NEW FOOTWEAR FOR MY DAILY WALK

 POST # 688

Shortly after my arrival in Vancouver, I decided to take a walk over to the Wildlife Thrift Store on Granville street.  The purpose of my trip was to find some new footwear.  As you can see from the photo below, it was well past time to do this.

The old shoes were almost worn through on the bottom, so I walked into the store, hoping to find something to fit the bill.  And as you can also tell by the photo, I was successful.

I have been wearing the new footwear for a week now, and I have to admit that they are proving to be a good choice.  Each day I head out for my walk, so I have had a good opportunity to break them in.  This particular pair have vibram soles, so it will be a long time before they wear out.

I am very lucky indeed to be able to go for a walk every day.  It's always a reminder of how fortunate I am to still have the ability to perform this simple task.  I was reminded of that fact just the other day, when I saw a man on the street, who had no feet.  Sometimes, we take the most simple things, like going for a walk, for granted.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

BACK TO CANADA FOR A LITTLE WHILE

 POST # 687

Yesterday began as just another normal day for Dora-dog, and she was happy to be awake, have some breakfast and play with her toys.  Everything was looking good at this point in time.  

I try to get my luggage out to the car in the garage without her knowing, so that she doesn't suspect that something is up.  We all hop into the car, and head to the train station in Mount Vernon.  The route is a familiar one for her, and I make sure to point out all the horses and cows along the way, to keep her amused.  All is well until we arrive at the train station.  She has by now figured out that if Mary and I are both in the car when we get to the station, that I won't be returning home with them afterwards.  At this point, she shows her feelings, as only Dora-dog can do.

When the train arrived, it was time to say goodbye for now, and just as I boarded the train I took this one last photo.  What is that look?  Is it sadness, or is it a look that suggests that she can't understand why I am leaving?  I'll never know.  Mary told me afterwards that Dora-dog barked at the station attendant who let me outside the station to walk to the train.  It's as if she was blaming him for taking me away.

And then moments later, the train departed, which is sad for all three of us.  But life goes on, and later that day I arrived in Vancouver, in preparation for spending a few weeks with Ollie.

He doesn't look so happy to see me arrive, but as is normally the case, it takes him a little while to adjust, and then all is well.

So it's now time to settle in with Ollie, and enjoy our time together for the next few weeks.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

A BEAUTIFUL SUNNY DAY

 POST # 686

It is a beautiful sunny day today, and it's always more enjoyable to take Dora-dog for her daily walk when the weather is cooperating.

She had plenty of four legged friends to see on today's journey, and lots of interesting smells to keep her occupied along the way.

Returning to Shelter Bay, I photographed the sign at the entrance.  I think they nailed it with this one.

It's another blog post with not much to say, so I'll end it here.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

PS:  Happy Birthday Bill

FROM SOURDOUGH TO DOG BISCUITS

 POST # 685

The baking continues, from sourdough bread last week, to dog biscuits this week.  Mary has found a simple all natural recipe to make them, and Dora-dog has given her paw stamp of approval to the outcome.

You can certainly tell by the expression upon her face, that she is happy with this latest endeavour in the kitchen.

Not only did Dora-dog benefit from the goings on in the kitchen, but so did The Thoughtful Wanderer this past week.  I've now turned one year older than 70.  Another lap around the sun has been successfully completed.  Having tasted both, (the dog biscuits and the chocolate cake), I give the award to the cake, but I imagine that Dora-dog would give the dog biscuits the number one prize.  We are both very grateful for Mary's baking talent.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

MARY'S SOURDOUGH BREAD FACTORY

 POST # 684

In recent times, Mary's home has become a sourdough bread factory.  In my humble opinion, she has perfected the art of making sourdough bread.

I'm not quite sure when she began this little experiment, but it has now become a part of the day to day routine.  I find it simply amazing that from the three simple ingredients of flour, water, and a pinch of salt, such magnificent tasting bread can be produced.  And each new loaf tastes better than the last one.

I never thought that I would be assisting in this process, but I have taken an interest in helping to mix the ingredients together, prior to baking.

There have been some magnificent loaves produced, and here are three recent examples.

 

And not only do we have sourdough bread to enjoy, Mary has now also produced some sourdough cinnamon rolls as well.  And they are just as yummy as her bread. 

I for one, am extremely glad that Mary decided to pursue this sourdough baking endeavour, and I look forward to more eating enjoyment in the future.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

PS: Today, February 28, 2026 may turn out to be a memorable date, but only time will tell.