Another summer is almost finished. Overall, it was a good summer, but quite different from previous summers. Andrew was unemployed as he is waiting for his computer course to start in September which meant that he was home a lot this summer. Daniel planned to get a job, but as he held out for Mr. Sub, it became apparent that this was not going to pan out. Now he is waiting until school starts and will be looking for a part time job. This meant that he was also home a lot this summer. Vicki volunteered for a few days at camp Seggie and did some babysitting, but she, too, was home a lot this summer. Cheryl was working half-time this summer, which meant there were many days when she was home. I found myself more frustrated than usual this summer, as I would get up and go to work, while the rest of my family stayed home, seemingly playing computer games and watching tv. I am looking forward to everyone getting back to routine over the next weeks.
The good parts of this summer include a great bbq at Steve & Debbie's with Dad, Chris, Jackie & all of our families. A nice trip to Pictou for Melody & Jeff's wedding. There was some great relaxation & down time if only for a couple of days. Mark & Samantha Sambrooke's wedding was absolutely beautiful. This included a great reunion of many of my class of 1991 friends and French immersion friends. Dad & Cheryl & I attended a Meaghan Blanchard concert at Victoria Playhouse which was really nice. Cheryl & I are booked to see Lennie Gallant's show "Abegweit" next week.
It was an extremely busy summer, and I am reminded that I should take the first week of August off, regardless of any vacation plans. Within a 10 day span we had lots of friends visiting PEI (Rod & Tanya, Erin & Seb, Colin & Janet, Willy & Kelly, Jason & Beth, Gerard & Rhea, Samara & Mario) and it is just impossible to visit with everyone and still work all week. I think the lack of vacation this summer and the string of visitors was quite overwhelming.
Tonight is our tech rehearsal for Much Ado About Nothing and opening night is in 48 hours. I think we are ready, although we could use a few more rehearsals to tighten things up. It has been great working with Dan this summer, as this is typically when teenagers start to distance themselves from parents. Dan also just passed his drivers test yesterday, which is another sign that the kids are getting older.
Willy Boyles dad, Ron Boyles, passed away last week and it was just another reminder of how short and fragile our time on earth is. I am trying to enjoy my time as much as I can and focus on friends and family rather than work and money. It is a constant struggle, though.
I just recently finished filming a new documentary about the fathers of confederation that will play at province house as a vignette for tourists visiting the historic venue. It was great to be part of such a historical event, event as a recreation, and it is great to know that my kids, grandkids and friends and family that tour province house will see me in the role of Alexander Tilloch Galt for years to come.
Finally, I took a break from running over the past few weeks as I let my foot heal and get used to running with an orthotic. After my play is done on September 1, I am committing to running regularly to get back into shape.
