Ann’s Weblog

Yesterday I went on a road trip by myself to the wholesale nursery, as my trees and shrubs were ready for pickup. The trip was 1200 km. (about 740 miles), and by leaving before dawn, I made only a day project out of it. I had no problems even though I had some anxiety over handling even a small trailer… I didn’t want to get into any difficult parking or maneuvering situations. The traffic in the Okanagan is dreadful by any standards.

As I drove all those hours, I listened to such disparate artists as Paul Potts, Nickleback, John Hammond, John Reichman and a local sweetheart, folk singer Arlene Charlton. I have a 10 disc changer in my truck, so I can drive many hours without hearing the same song and without swapping CDs in the machine. I just enjoyed the scenery and had all that “thinking time”, ate cheese and crackers and didn’t spend time or money at a restaurant. Part of the reason for picking up nursery stock was to save on freight… last year the same amount was delivered for $650, and yesterday the fuel cost me less than $300. Also, I was able to obtain the goodies at my “own” time instead of waiting anxiously for a truck to show up here. It’s funny how, now that we can afford it, we’re more careful with the dollars than ever.

I didn’t visit (apologies to my chat friends, family members and other friends) or shop (didn’t have room left anyway) and today it seems like the trip happened in a dream. But here’s the result:

Gary and I agree that it doesn’t appear to be “that much” even though both the trailer and the truck bed were packed solid. There are another few dozen plants that I unloaded into the greenhouse, so they’re not visible. I have several dozen trees and shrubs and quite a few perennials that I still have to dig up from the vegetable garden where they have overwintered. It’ll be a nice variety when everything is brought out, and I’m now SO excited that Spring is here.

It was good that I didn’t spend much time getting the new stock for the garden centre. We already had almost a “full house” at the Pet Hostel, and several more are arriving today. By this afternoon we’ll have Missy, Foxy & Morag, Beowulf & Chester, Roxie, Molson, Pritchard, Timber, Jade, Sophie, Ranger & Annie, Kimo, Teddy & Bud. All of these dogs are great friends and many are repeat customers, some from quite far away.

So today, other than unload the truck and trailer, I have done nothing but feed, water and walk the canine guests, and now I’m drinking coffee with YOU. Love, Ann