(Post #51) Training Remy, Taming My Golf Swing: A Six-Week Slice of Life in Cadboro Bay

If you’ve been keeping up with my adventures, you might recall Post #40. Well, I made my way back to the modern condo in Esquimalt—home to the adorable dog Niki, and the now-legendary "too-long-shower, water-shutoff-alert-sent-to-Europe" episode. Thankfully, no such blunders this time! Just a peaceful, two-week retreat in a familiar environment—and in typical “me” style, I couldn’t help but do something nice for my generous hosts. Their spring surprise? A complete deck makeover: sparkling windows, a scrubbed patio, and a goodbye to some very weary plants. You’re welcome! 

Next, I headed to Cadboro Bay for a six-week house sitting gig, my longest of the year thus far—and I was prepared. Remy, the lively labradoodle mentioned in my November post, recognized me immediately. Whether that filled him with happiness or anxiety, I couldn't quite tell. But I did know this: he still required some training, and I was ready to take on the task. With six entire weeks together, Remy and I became quite the team. I relished the opportunity to explore the area like never before—and this time, I even took him on road trips. Sure, I had my doubts. He did not. 

He settled in the backseat as if he were trying out for a luxury car advertisement—ears perked, head held high, absorbing the scenery like a furry noble. One memorable day started with a leisurely walk through the Elk Lake woods. It unexpectedly transformed into a full 10K loop that I hadn’t planned on. When I asked another walker how much further there was to go, she smiled and replied, “Just four kilometers more.” Turning back would’ve been worse. So on we went—Remy trotting beside me like a pro, sipping water from my bottle like a little gentleman. Who is this dog? 

Another surprising revelation? Allowing Remy to take the lead on a neighborhood stroll. He guided us up a steep incline, and suddenly—we found ourselves on the campus of the University of Victoria! I had no clue how stunning it was. Sadly, neither did Remy, who wandered around cluelessly like a freshman without a class schedule. I may have been slightly disoriented, but we managed to find our way out, returned again, and made it a regular route. 

And then—another treasure I overlooked last time: Cadboro-Gyro Park, just a short 20-minute distance and boasting a sandy beach. We visited frequently. Some days we walked to different spots for two hours, sometimes enjoying three or four shorter walks each day. Remy had transformed. He no longer regarded the faux-grass dog balcony as his personal restroom (remember that regal setup?). Why? Because once you’ve peed by the ocean, there’s no going back.

About halfway through my journey, I experienced a revelation: this can’t solely focus on dog walks and waste bags. What about my own passions? So, in a rare moment of clarity (and perhaps a brief lapse in common sense), I decided to try something I had never done before: golf. Just a short distance away was the stunning Uplands Golf Club. After a quick call, I arranged my first lesson with a true professional. 

Lesson #1: stance, grip, swing path, and an introductory course in golfing lingo. "Divot" quickly rose to the top of my favorite terms. My instructor was friendly, clear, and comprehensive—sending me a follow-up email after each session with images of both my promising and "we might need to improve this" positions. Was it a humbling experience? Certainly. But one that I am genuinely enjoying. Who would have thought? 

Now entering Week 3 of 6, I feel like this house-sitting gig has become more than just another task. It’s been a reminder that even in a life where I’m perpetually busy, I can still find time for myself—to grow, to explore, and yes, to hit a ball in somewhat the right direction. I’m actually managing to make time to visit a driving range to practice for the upcoming lesson (more on that later). 

Stay tuned to see if my swing improves, what new skills Remy acquires (fingers crossed, “heel” isn't just a shoe reference), and how I plan to get the house ready for the owners’ return. Six weeks is a significant period to be somewhere—and Remy is no longer just a temporary charge. He has become a part of my everyday life. This beautiful home? It’s mine for now. 

And you know me—I never finish a task without a surprise or two.

I am beginning to like this golf thing.

He wasn't this cool before I arrived.

One of our road trips to the Legislative Assembly of BC (Victoria). 

He was wearing the appropriate attire.