Making oliebollen and appelflappen.

Surfside RV Resort, Parksville BC (2 stars)

Lee is breaking in his new chef's apron he got from Lez. It's already got a few splotches after the first batch of oliebollen. But, they taste great.

Lez is sous-chef: Well, the Man decided he would make a Zwaal tradition of Oliebollen and Appelflappen which are Dutch traditional Old Year's Day versions of Timbits and Apple Fritters. SUPER yummy, and not going to be doing this waistline any good. But they are sooooo delicious! We had a great time, made lots, took some next door for Ron and Cami and will be taking some to mom's tomorrow. It was actually a very laid back Old Year's Day - and fun. Until we had no water.

Actually, Surfside had to shut the water off briefly - the weather has been brutal for the unprepared RV's, especially those where the owners are not here and could not prepare their units for the unusual deep freeze. Well. that's what these treehuggers think it is. Us flatlanders are quite used to a -4zero Celcius, not this wimpy -4C weather.

All in jest as we did sit outside with Ron and Cami - around their nice firepit and ate the scrumptuous rotisserie turkey that Ron had bbq'd for us. We missed the Holdens who had planned to join us but the icy conditions at the harbour where they spent Christmas on their boat was just a little too icy to manoever safely. Weather may continue to work against our road safety - as it will be warmer tomorrow and then possible rain.

Lee and I spent the evening watching and listening to some blues from some of our favourite artists. I worked on our day's photos of the beautiful Trumpeter Swans that showed up yesterday and Lee enjoyed the internet searching out those artists. A quiet midnight celebration with the sound of fireworks out on the boardwalk on Parksville beach.

Happy New Year! It is now 2 a.m. and someone out there is still lighting fireworks.