(Post #28) The Great Ontario Summer: Friends, Family, and Fancy Guest Rooms

The decision to head back to Ontario felt like the right one. I mean, after a year of house-sitting adventures, including narrowly avoiding death by fire, dealing with a haunted house, and escaping a potential stalker, I figured I’d earned myself a little break. Two months of rest, relaxation, and reconnecting with friends, family, and colleagues sounded like the perfect way to remind myself of what matters in life.

On July 9th, I boarded a plane out of BC, planning to stay in Ontario until the end of September, since my next scheduled house/pet sit isn’t until October, unless, of course, something changes my mind along the way. Being away for so long meant I had to get creative with my accommodation plans—no couch surfing for this nomad. Luckily, my friends always come through for me, and this time was no exception. They insisted on offering me their best guest rooms, no less! Who needs Airbnb when you have friends like mine?

The first to step up was Vania, a retired colleague turned dear friend, and—if I’m being honest—my guardian angel. She took on the Herculean task of shipping my car and belongings to BC, and her help has been nothing short of lifesaving. She’d hosted me during my New Brunswick land adventure two years ago, and here I was again, basking in her and her husband Eric’s hospitality, which felt like a personal oasis.

Between visits with old friends, family, and colleagues, Vania chauffeured me around like it was her favorite hobby. I swear she secretly enjoyed it. Not that we had much to catch up on; we text daily, with me sending her snapshots of my nomadic life. She assures me she loves being in the loop, and frankly, I feel pretty lucky to have such a friend.

Now, Hamilton, my hometown, had changed—a lot. Driving through the city, I was struck by the rapid housing development juxtaposed with a growing homeless population. How are they building so much, yet so many remain without homes? It was a sobering reality, one I’m seeing more and more in cities everywhere.

I couldn’t shake the idea of driving by my old neighbourhood—nostalgia is like that friend who won’t stop sending you puppy videos: impossible to ignore. So, off we went to see the house I sold to fund my BC condo adventure. That sale had flipped the script on my life, sending me on a journey that led to this very moment where I’m now a full-blown nomad, navigating life like I’m in a travel documentary (minus the camera crew, fancy drone shots, and the impossibly perfect hair).

We parked near the house, and as soon as I laid eyes on it, I had to laugh. Not a thing had changed. I half-expected some dramatic transformation—maybe a new roof or a shiny set of windows that would make me gasp and question my life choices. But nope. It was still the same, looking like it was frozen in time, kind of like my high school yearbook photo.

And you know what? I felt good. No regrets. The family inside is now living their version of reality, creating memories like I once did. It hit me then that bold decisions aren’t something to fear; they’re necessary. Sure, staying put can feel comforting, but sometimes, shaking things up is the only way to move forward. Leaping into the unknown isn’t just for bungee jumpers—it’s for anyone who refuses to let life grow stale.

Despite Hamilton's changes, time with family was wonderfully grounding. My brother and his wife were thrilled about my travels, and they weren’t even fazed by my daughter’s plans to move to Costa Rica at the end of September. I also reconnected with my girlfriends—who, like always, made it feel like no time had passed—and even caught up with my old boss. We shared a few laughs, and as I told him some of my wilder stories, I could see the concern on his face. But I made sure to lighten the mood with humor, and for a moment, I almost missed work. Almost. Then I quickly remembered why I traded financial reports, conference planning, employee relations and all the leadership responsibility for house-sitting gigs. Definitely the right call!

Next up will be a longer stay, and with my friends Mary and Tom in London, Ontario. They kindly offered me their home—and their lakefront cottage as a summer retreat. They spent most of their time in the summer at their cottage, so having someone stay in their London home was appealing to them. They gave me the option to pick and choose: city living or lakeside serenity. Knowing me, you can bet the lakeside option called my name, though London in the summer can be full of surprises.

Saying goodbye to Vania and thanking her for making this part of the trip so effortless, I hauled my suitcase onto the train bound for London. I had plenty to think about on the journey. Should I extend my tenants' lease and continue the nomadic life into 2026? Should I head back to BC early to help my daughter pack before she moves to another country, spending more precious time with my granddaughter? These decisions could wait for another day. 

First, I had to settle into Mary and Tom's London home. They wouldn't be joining me for a week, so I had their cozy space all to myself. But, as I unpacked, another idea started forming in the back of my mind. I have a cousin who lives about four hours away, and though we hadn’t seen each other in some time, a road trip could be fun. After all, why not mix things up a bit?

Who knows what London has in store for me—or if a spontaneous family visit might add to the adventure? All I know is that life always throws something new and exciting my way, and I'm ready for it.

A Place To Call Home - Mary & Tom's Place

Next: Post 29 London Buses, Oven Disasters, and Life's New Directions: A Few Weeks in the Unexpected