The 29th message from Canada

Wednesday, May6, 2015

Yesterday, Tuesday, Michael went to bed feeling uneasy about the continuation of his journey. This is his story 'the day after':

"I wake up at 6:45 AM, but Tom and Coby woke up way earlier and have had their breakfast already. They will get visitors today and like to have everything prepared in time. Coby is very busy in the kitchen and the rest of the house. I offer, where I can, my assistance. First, I have breakfast: waffles with syrup and a cup of coffee. All delicious. I fully enjoy it...

After breakfast and some kitchen chores, I accompany Tom picking up his son Tim. Tim is also going to help his mother. The guests are next door neighbors and were invited to arrive at about 11:30 AM at the Cottage.

At the entrance of the neighborhood a firetruck is parked next to one of the villas. There was a car fire on the street, and I think it is a Lotus GT, it is still billowing some smoke. Pitiful and bizarre.

When we return, Tom and I go outside and take a look at the irrigation system. Tom has lived here less than a year and now he has to start the system up for the season, but he has never done that before. Together we get the system somewhat to go. The sprinklers do pop-up, but spray little water. Tim walks over and indicates that the other pump also should run. After about an hour, we have a small part of the system up and running.

The guests arrive. They are nice people and I have met two of the four guests when I visited the Cottage in 2013. With assistance, Coby put an entire lunch on the table. Tim and I talk for a while at the barbeque. It is a remarkable conversation and I would like to meet Tim more often.

It's time to go to sit at the table. Though, we walk along the buffet table and there is everything to choose from. Time flies and everyone has fun and there's more than enough delicious food – it is a great success. Around 3:30 PM the guests leave and Tom and I bring Tim home. Upon our return, we try once more to get the irrigation system started, and this time with more success. Everything seems to work and in alternating fashion, depending on the zone, the 27 sprinklers turn on and off spraying water.

A little later we sit in the sun and it's quite warm. While it is only 5:20 PM, I feel quite exhausted and sleepy. After some deliberation, I decide to cycle a bit. Some physical exercise. What a difference this makes, not riding my bicycle fully loaded. I fly over the road. I decide to turn to go back after some 8 to 10 kilometers. At the turning point, I suddenly hear heavy growls coming from the bushes. Though I can't see it, it makes a penetrating sound and I think it is a large animal. I quickly turn, better safe than sorry, and ride back home.

We have leftovers for dinner this evening and feel quite full. After watching some TV on the couch, my eyes fall shut. It's time to go to bed...."

Han Schomakers, editor

Translation by Albert Dijkstra