Family dinner at Tigh-Na-Mara.

Surfside RV Resort, Parksville BC (2 stars)

We had a great Chistmas dinner courtesy of mom Worel at the Tigh-Na-Mara resort. The stories and re-collections were told all during the meal. We also learned some Romanian words from Simona, who is visiting Ralph. They are going to Mexico in a few days.

Throughout the day the temperature was rising. As we drove out for dinner it was already above freezing and the water was starting to pool on the streets. On our way back, all the snow had melted off Chuck's front hood (in the dark no less). There is no freezing in the forecast so we might be surprised how quickly the snow will melt.

The day felt like it was warming up a little, but still windy and cold. Hobbes decided he wanted outside and would not stop meowing at the door, so I opened it for him and - well three tentative steps down and he turned around and double timed it back inside. Of course, within 10 minutes he wanted back out. Cat logic "Rule number 1 - if I go out and come back in I get a treat. SO - I want out again." Hobbes is a smart kitty, but there is only so much wool you can pull over this lady's eyes. He did eventually crawl into his basket - with the air of if I can't go out, I might as well go to sleep.

Shortly after we headed to mom's and met up with cousin Herb and Jan, and my brother Ralph and Simona. After catching up on life we headed over to the Tigh-Na-Mara's restaurant Cedars where we enjoyed a great evening of conversation over a very tasty meal. THANK YOU MOM!

Now back at home and the Schooner is rocking as if we are on the high seas - the wind has come up. The official weather alert - "Rainfall of 125 mm and strong southeast winds for West Vancouver Island; Rainfall up to 100 mm for Inland Vancouver Island with patchy freezing rain tonight. A second Pacific frontal system will move onto the south coast tonight. It will contain a significant amount of moisture and result in rainfall rates of up to 10 mm/hr overnight and Saturday morning. In addition, strong southeast winds of 70 km/h gusting to 90 are expected over exposed coastal sections of West Vancouver Island."