We have been having some beautiful fall weather here and so last week I pulled my bike out from underneath the overhang where it has been resting, pumped up the tires and headed up the rail trail to the COOP to buy milk and eggs. The rail trail goes along the river, following the former rail bed that ran up the Slocan Valley. It is about a 15 minute bike ride up to the COOP.

On the weekend, I took the van in to get my new winter tires put on. (Winter tires are mandated from Oct 1 – Apr 30 here in the mountains.) Upon leaving, the tire guy informed me that I needed new wheel bearings. My mechanic say’s “don’t go anywhere”, so I’ve been sitting tight for a few days — 13 in total to today… hence the need for a new jug of milk and more eggs.

It has been almost exactly two years since Alex and I pulled our bikes off the newly arrived truck (full of our belongings) and fixed them up and headed up the same trail in the same direction. It was another beautiful autumn day, just like this one. In the intervening two years, mine has sat hibernating under shelter. Alex’s went with him to Cranbrook but it has also sat resting up against the side of his house. Alas… riding bikes (or doing anything for that matter) isn’t as enjoyable when you do it alone as it was when you have company.

Recently, Alex has been helping someone else split and stack firewood. And he had Thanksgiving dinner at someone else’s house. All of that means he’s managing well on his own and finding his own way – as it should be. But there’s a certain sense of sadness and loss to it also. We miss him. And now I understand!!

I know many of you reading this have kids who have left home for new adventures and pursuits. What are the memories that spark your nostalgia?