The Farm in the Blaeberry: July 2014

Tomomi, Helper 94, June 23 to July 4th Tokyo, Japan

Tomomi had been in Canada in the past for a year, and was here again because she loved Canada and wanted to improve her English. Tomomi's English however is already very good and we took every chance we could to practice her pronunciation. Tomomi arrived just in time to catch up with weeding. She also helped with the lodge and did some painting for me. Tomomi was a great help n the kitchen and always was very cheery and thankful. Tomomi came with us to visit Loren's family in Canal Flats, where her and I hiked some of the Spirit Trail along the east side of Columbia Lake celebrated a family birthday and she drove brother Bill's RTV. We also took time to visit Thompson Falls and enjoy the festivities in Golden on Canada Day including; the Museum where we sang 'Oh Canada' and ate birthday cake, the car show and Farmer's market and then to Vera's for tea. I was sorry to see Tomomi off on the bus, but with all helpers we know that there are many new and exciting things ahead. Tomomi's new adventure was to be delayed in the Toronto Airport on route to Halifax, because the remnants of a hurricane were causing high wind in Nova Scotia. In Halifax, Tomomi will help at a farm where they make Tofu. Then she will meet up with her Husband, and then of course they will go to PEI to visit Anne of Green Gable's home town Charllotetown.

A photo Tomomi sent me of her visit to Anne's house.

Tomomi said she would like to return to help us again, and we are hoping that her travel plans allow her to return here. Below is a photo of Tomomi riding with Brother Bill in his RZR, I believe this is short for Razor.

Tomomi is driving brother Bill's RZR, I believe this is short for Razor.

Bertram WW 93, June 21h to July 4th

Bertram an accountant from France travelling since February had been at a co-op farm near Fernie, where he experience Canada's cold winter in the Rockies. Then he took a few days to buy a car and drive here. Bertram helped to finish planting the garden and then moved onto some weeding. He painted siding and helped Valentine build the walls in the machine shed. Bertram also helped with brushing around crop trees at the woodlot near Donald and on our property here. Bertram always had interesting ideas and was very keen on perma-culture, which he hoped to learn and practice back in France. We were very thankful for his help as by the time Bertram left we had very few jobs left to do around here. We know we will see Bertram again because he left his winter tires here until he needs then next fall. Below Bertram is building rows to plant beets and peas.

WW 91 Olivier, France May 4th to May 24th and Valentine May 4th to June 3rd

Olivier as special needs teacher from France had been in Montreal working for the winter, then woofing and then a bus ride across Canada with friend Valentine to help us. Valentine a carpenter, had traveled to Montreal to visit Olivier and work. We were finishing up several outstanding projects around here, and were glad to have such their help. Olivier was our master painter. He painted siding, cupboard, cupboard doors and a dresser I was refinishing. Olivier helped Valentine with some carpentry projects, helped to plant the garden and even made the traditional French pastry dish 'tarte tatin'.
We put Valentines carpentry skills to great use. Valentine helped with the ceiling off of the porch, finished the siding on our house, the fascia on the barn, the ceiling and floor at the woofer house and the walls in the machine shed to name some of the things he put a hammer, saw and screw gun to. In addition he planted the potatoes which were just up by the time he left.
Olivier, Valentine and Bertram all worked with Loren on our woodlot near Donald, brushing around crop trees.
While Olivier and Valentine were here there was still too much snow to do mountain hiking, however I had an appointment in Canmore and dropped Olivier, Valentine and Bertram in Banff where they hiked up Tunnel Mtn. And one afternoon Bertram, Valentine and I visited Thompson Falls.
Both Olivier and Valentine were with us long enough to feel like part of the household and we were very sorry to have to say good-bye to them.
All their hard work was appreciated, and we hope to see them next time they are in Canada and we know there will a next time. Olivier will be in school in Montreal next year, and Valentine is returning to France to get his drivers license so he can come back to the Rockies and do some car touring.
Following are several photos from Olivier's and Valentine's stay here. Unfortunately we only have the one photo of Valentine.