Shop local.

Surfside RV Resort, Parksville BC (2 stars)

We went for groceries right after breakfast. The 'shop local' phrase has an even greater meaning for us, as evidenced in today's adventures. Parksville has one, large grocery store. The Save-On is only ten minutes away, but certainly not the closest. We shopped at a very busy Save-On which has more selection, but less stock. We then headed back to Thrifty Foods (owned by Sobeys) that is located right at the top of the hill by Surfside. The stock was there and we finished most of our list. So what is the moral of the Zwaal shopping story Maybe local means shopping two minutes from home.

Later on, Lez went over to mom's place. Lee stayed home to watch the Oil Kings play at home. Another win, all the while without five of the best players who are playing for Team Canada. Lee has a good feeling about this club's chances come play-off time.

Lez notes: We also shopped at Eat Fresh Urban Market in Parksville - a 'one-off' local grocer and decided that will likely be the first shop we check out on grocery day. Great fresh selection, and surprisingly very competitive prices. We also wandered to Cdn Tire and picked up a small Phillips screwdriver just for me - GRIN. Well, I need it without having to dig into the big tool chest in the back of Chuck. I need it handy for my sewing machine to make it easier for old fingers to get into the tiny places such as where I change the sewing foot.

After unpacking and reorganizing the fridge for the day's haul, we made dinner a la carte. In other words whatever is fast and easy. So perogies and hotdogs it was. Gourmet of course, finishing off the Chianti with it. Life in an RV, just like a big house.

After dinner I braved the sleet and rain and drove 5 minutes to mom's to build a Gingerbread House with my brother. Ralph and I had a great time using his construction skills and I used my decorating skills. I think we did pretty good! It was certainly something the two of us had never done together. We may have assisted our kids - aka cleaned up afterwards. It was a wonderful evening.