A Guilt Avoidance Tactic

There's a particular behavior that can cause trouble for people residing in Metro-Vancouver. Actually, it may be a coastal malady extending at least 1500 kilometers both south and north of this geographic point. The onset is mostly during the months of July, August, and the majority of September. It always occurs when a trough of high pressure builds over us and we witness a few fleeting weeks of a clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine. You might think that such a situation would merit joyous celebration. Well, generally it does.

Yet, people living in this area have to pack many weekends of fun into a short few. Even with precise planning, occasionally there is a weekend that comes up absolutely free. If individuals don't run out an make use of the precious resource, one can encounter a sudden onslaught of guilt. It nearly occured to us today. We got out in the morning on our weekend vegetable run at the Langley Farm market. Then, we puttered around doing things in the apartment. After a great lunch, we succumed to the desire to have a nap. Oh, what a waste for an afternoon such as today's! Oh, the humanity!



Luckily, we were able to rebound by going out to pick a few litres of blackberries. Across the river from downtown New Westminster is Tannery Park in Surrey. A lot of beer drinkers drive there to give their dogs a run, but a little bit down river there's excellent blackberry-picking area. A short hour out in the sun prevented the attack of summer-wasting guilt. Phew, that was close, though.