July 13

Bobbie woke early, dressed and ran down to the restaurant to leave little envelopes for the cooks and Mink. Katherine Fox was apparently an early riser too. She let Katherine in and turned the light on. “The cook will be here soon. I don’t want to invade his kitchen so maybe we’ll just start with some water and juice.” Bobbie carried over a pitcher of water and some glasses.”

Pulling out a little case Katharine said. “That will be great. I like to have water in the morning to take all my pills. Lester doesn’t like to see me taking them.”

Not wanting to pry Bobbie said. “Men can be a little squeamish.” That’ a lot of pills thought Bobbie, they can’t all be vitamins. She thought she recognized some chemotherapy drugs but didn’t say anything.

“I want to thank you for the lovely dinner. I so enjoyed myself. It was nice to have a dinner where I could talk to people with no agenda. I loved the welcome basket too, it was perfect.”

“It was absolutely my pleasure. I see the lights coming on, we’ll have coffee soon. The Market is open at 9:00 and I’ll be heading over then to sing a couple songs with Johnny. Then I think he’s taking Brose and Lester on a tuna fishing adventure this afternoon.”

“Lester told me last night. He is quite excited.”

“You can come over to the market with me at nine but Trixie is coming at 10 and can pick you up then if you’d rather.”

Mark came out with coffee and several prepared biscuit sandwiches and placed them on their table.

Katherine stood. “I’ll just take a couple of these sandwiches for Lester and see you at the market later, with Trixie. She can just come to my room at 10.”

Bobbie wrapped 3 sandwiches up for Katherine and watched her leave with them.

Mark came out with a coffee and said. “You guys were here early. And Bobbie you didn’t have to pay us anything.”

“Oh Mark treat yourself to a night out or something. It is just a little thank you. The dinner party last night was perfect. I don’t want you to think I take you all for granted. It was fun to see Mink in action, they may actually be a ninja.”

Mark laughed. “I will have the best shaved beef sandwiches on the lunch menu this week. People will be driving from all over to get one.”

Can you pack some in a picnic lunch for Johnny, Brose and Lester and maybe a sea captain? I’ll pay the going rate.”

“Sure, but you already paid for it.”

A sleepy looking Gina came in and said I’ll get the scramblers cracked and get the bacon and sausages ready to go in the oven.

This is more like a hot buffet breakfast than a continental one. We’re getting good comments on the website about it. Don’t you guys get big heads. Thanks I’ll jut grab a few biscuits and head back up.

She found Brock, sitting at the island and Brose made was making coffee. “Hi guys, you’re up pretty early after the party.”

“Not as early as you dear, I’m making lots of coffee if you want one.”

“I brought these biscuits, I have some nice local honey that is really good on them.”

“I also made myself at home and found some left over bacon wrapped scallops in the fridge. They make a most excellent breakfast too.”

Bobbie was glad that Brose was making himself at home. I think Fossy wants a little left over scallop too. Fossy’s little meow got more insistent as Brose put a little bowl of chopped scallop on the floor.

Brock was shaking his head. “Living in a motel is a much better setup than I ever imagined. Your party last night was as lavish and professionally catered as as any embassy party I have ever seen and at the same time, homey and intimate.”

“I was up early to thank my kitchen staff but I would have to be in a big mansion with several staff members to pull of something similar I guess.”

“Well, even a big mansion with several staff members might not have been so talented at cooking and serving.” Said Brose thoughtfully.

“Well you can’t have my staff. Why don’t you try the biscuits? Are you excited to go tuna fishing. I see a lot of sushi in your future maybe.”

Brook shook his head. “I’ll help eat sushi but I think sitting buy the pool with a fancy drink seems better than going fishing.”

Brose laughed. “So when are you heading to the market?”

“Well it’s almost 8 now so we’ll head over for 9. Johnny and Jamie are meeting me here so save some scallops for them too.”

Johnny arrived around 8:30 and Jamie followed shortly after. “I thought I’d join you because Jarrod is picking up Mom and Dean. Dean wants to get in on the Tuna fishing and Ms. Fox and Mom conspired to meet, drink tea and reminisce about any old times they share. I’d rather be singing with you guys, I brought the fiddle.”

“Outstanding! We should get moving, go get ready Bobbie.”

Bobbie headed over to her room. “Help yourself to biscuits, leftovers and coffee.”

She appeared 10 minutes later ready to go. They all walked over and Johnny drove ahead with the guitars, amps and Jamie’s violin.

The show was going well. The 4 large tables that were in the front of the stage held 8 people on benches and had room to use other chairs too. Jarrod arrived with Florence, Dean and Johnny’s Aunt Linda and they had nice lawn chairs. Trixie, Greg, Katherine and Lester arrived shortly after. Charlie, Eddy and all the kids came next and all in all the Orlov party took up two big picnic tables and then some.

They started with some kid friendly songs and then sang a couple of sea shanties and finished up with some newer arrangements they were working on. Johnny was giving announcements for the market between songs:

“Be sure and visit ‘Cool Beans’ coffee stand. You can buy it brewed by the cup or bags of it ground or in bean form. Visit their shop on the corner of Water St. and Albacore Ave. For even more coffee. Also, enjoy their gluten free treats, cooked in a dedicated kitchen. All my fellow Celiacs will know what that means.”

“I’d like to introduce this new vendor “Exotic Biotics”. Get everything you need for good gut health. They have Koombacha, kefir, homemade yogourt, a variety of sauerkrauts, kimchi and pickles. They also have 3 flavours of frozen yogourt treats to help cool you down.”

“The Water Wheel Motel sponsors “Chili and Sourdough Bread.” Visit Chef Mark for hearty chili and out of this world garlic bread.”

“The Captain’s treasures, have an heirloom on every shelf. Ask about their special boxed lots.”

“The Hairless Potter’s, can be found here at their stall and also up at the “Crescent Art Gallery’ on the Motel site. Buy a bowl or mug, fill it with chili and get a free slice of garlic bread.”

“The Grower’s Collective, have some fresh veggies and preserves and baked goods to enjoy.”

“If fibre is your thing we have a shop called “Yarn 4 Ewes” The animals and yarn are raised in Green valley. Go say hi to the girls, meet the family and two of their lovely Alpacas they have in the pen behind the stall. For now they have unspun, carded wool and some reclaimed cashmere, wool yarn.”

Bobbie and Johnny and Jamie finished off and Bobbie went down to sit with her family. Katherine leaned over and said. This is a nice little market, I think I was actually kissed by the alpaca. Your mother, Linda and I were hoping to go back to their place for tea and a light lunch and maybe a few rounds of bridge. I’ll leave Lester in Johnny’s capable hands. Thank you for everything Bobbie. We have an evening flight but I may not see you before we go.

“Well I’m glad you had a nice time Kathy. My mom is an excellent hostess. I’ll can take you to the airport later if you’d like.”

“Yes Bobbie I’d like that.” Kathy turned. “Perhaps you would join us to be our forth Trixie?” And started to walk with Florence, Linda and Jarrod.

Trixie’s eyebrows went up. “I’d love to, I’ll meet you there. enjoy the fishing dear.” She gave Greg a kiss.

Lester, Dean, Greg and Brose sauntered off towards the parking area.

Johnny said. “We’re taking the minibus, I got the food from Mark and already have a few cold ones on Ice. Wish us luck.”

Bobbie moved beside Trixie. “I wonder why they asked me to go to Mom’s. See you later.”