The sea is a mirror, reflecting the tranquility of my Monday evening walk with Beau, my eager companion. I stroll along the shoreline, breathing in the sights and sounds and scents of sea meeting forest. Beau strains at his leash, his nose twitching at the salty air as he presses me to hurry up and walk faster. Perhaps he senses the stormy seas wrapped up in a ‘cyclone bomb’ predicted to descend upon the west coast this evening? In the words of Scarlett O’Hara, of Tara, “I’ll worry about that tomorrow.” On this evening, we stroll along the shore, watching otters frolic and a bald eagle trace circles against the sky. Who knows what fierce fury tomorrow’s weather will blow in with the wind?

Life here has a rhythm all its own. One day I’m elbow-deep in flour, baking Christmas cookies with a gaggle of laughing women (let’s just say my first batch of chocolate chip cookies, were unexpectedly, ‘Chocolate Chip Florentines’!). The next, I’m immersed in the vibrant local community, volunteering with the “Grug Huggers” who provide meals for Islanders needing food support.

My sister Anne and I are rediscovering our shared love for music and laughter, exploring the island’s theaters and concert halls. Sunday nights find C.C. and I swaying to jazz in a cozy pub, where we met Ken, an artist who welcomed me into his creative circle, and Kat, who introduced me to the Island Singers. Who knows, maybe Anne and I will even grace the stage again, defying our brother’s youthful pronouncements that the only stage we should be on is, ‘the first one out of town’!

But island life also means facing the raw power of nature. A “cyclone bomb” is brewing, promising high winds and crashing waves. We’ve battened down the hatches, our generator standing ready to keep the essentials running. Wish us luck as we ride out the storm!

Island Living is pure adventure, especially in stormy weather!