Day 68-Bicycle Repair again !

Day 68 Thursday, July15,2010 Distance 2.81 km. Time 19 min. Total so far 4677.49 km. We still got up early out of habit as we could have slept in since Darrell and Judy are not back yet from their overnight party an hour away. We made a yummy breakfast of eggs and toast. Then I called my neighbour, Lorraine, to find out how things are going with her husband who has dementia. Dave spent the time writing a sympathy card to the wife of his former basketball coach, Hugh, who has passed away from cancer. He was a very important model and inspiration to Dave and our thoughts are with his family at this time. Later, we started to go to the bicycle store and after one second, I noticed that my front tire was flat. I’m surprised Dave didn’t notice when he pulled it out of the shed. He was long gone down the steep hill so I called Neal from the house and he loaded it on the back of the car and brought me there. Blackie got new brake pads and levers and Silver needed a new spoke on the back wheel and the front tire fixed with a new tube. I think the damage was from the construction yesterday. I also bought a new Armadillo anti flat technology tire to replace the one that kept giving me problems. Then they put on a new chain as I am changing it every 2400 km. or 1500 miles as recommended. Our pocket book was emptier but our bicycles are functioning better. We headed back to the house at about 1:30 just as Judy’s friends, Linda and Chris arrived. I had met them 4 years ago. Linda brought marinated pork chops, scalloped potatoes, salad, croissants to bake, and cheesecake for dessert. During the afternoon, Dave talked to Chris who used to work in the paper mill and lost his job. Now he plans courses for a college. Linda, Judy and I worked in the kitchen and then I worked on a blog and when Sarah skyped the ladies all said hello to Sarah and Tryne. They may going to Idaho from Calgary with a relative for a few days. We enjoyed interesting conversation over supper and a glass of wine. After they left, Darrell took us to Walmart and the bank and then for a tour. Darrell is the director of finance and administration for Colemans which is big chain here in NFL of grocery stores, as well as furniture, clothing stores and a paving business. They just opened their latest grocery store in an arena. It is the most spacious and progressive store that I have ever been in. They have a special kitchen for tasting and special areas for fish, baking, and making salads. There is lots of room between the aisles and the shelves aren’t too high. There is a sushi counter that is very busy. I was impressed by it all. Afterwards, we went up one street from theirs to the Captain Cook Historic Site. What a change from 4 years ago when it was just gravel and no special plaques. Now it is paved and the cliffs are fenced off and there are several commemorative signs. Tour buses go past Darrell’s house to get up there.. We took photos as the sun was setting. We got a grand overview of Cornerbrook, the paper mill, and the Humber Arm of the Bay of Islands. When we returned home, I showed them photos of all of our children and grandchildren and Melissa’s twin daughters. Bedtime was late.