Description
We are retired educators who are active volunteers in our community. We live in town, walking distance to the centre which is wonderful because I prefer walking most places.
Gerry and I are both musicians, Gerry plays the flute and saxophone, I play guitar. (I am a felt maker, fused glass artist as well and love to dabble in many other art forms). Gerry teaches Tai Chi in our private studio and I have yoga classes there as well.

Vernon is located in the North Okanagan and in our minds, is one of the most beautiful places in the world to live. Over the years, our entire yard has been transformed into a garden where we grow vegetables, flowers that provide a rich biodiversity for birds and insects and other critters. As much as we feel happy to share the produce we grow, we have decided that constructing a fence to keep the deer at bay. (for they have a completely different version of sharing). A portion of the front gardens need to be reformed this coming spring as well. The projects aren't big but we would appreciate some help to dig fence posts and create unique, artistic fences and garden beds.

There may be other projects that need doing around the house but at the moment, these are the two main ones we see needing help with.

Oh yes, I am volunteering with a Lantern Festival to be held at the end of October 2023. We will be holding workshops for the first 3 Saturdays in October where participants come and make lanterns for the festival. We can always use help as there will be many aspects that we need support with prior to the festival as well as on the night of it. (Details as they come)
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There are so many benefits in coming here....We have lived and worked abroad, we understand that the experience gained is wide open, we had rich experiences that we would never have otherwise had if we weren't open to them. We know that if you are affiliated with the workaway program, you are open to all sorts of experiences.

The Okanagan Valley is an exceptional place to live and visit. It offers a variety of 'cultural' opportunities from the fine arts to outdoor experiences. We have many, many wonderful trails for bike rides and hikes, lakes, regional parks and so much more. We love to hike and are always in awe of the beauty we have around us...we have an amazing "playground/backyard"

Gerry is an accomplished musician and I am a budding guitar player. We thoroughly enjoy playing music and have many friends who share musical adventures with us.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
As were plan on making two fences, we would be grateful to have someone with carpentry skills as well as muscle to dig holes...etc. The garden help will involve dismantling old raised beds made with log cuts, (to be put under the soil) and creating garden beds for a xeriscape garden. We will be gathering and laying rock for the borders. (I am not a fan of straight edges...I prefer contours and interesting shapes - a good friend once said, "there's nothing straight and box shaped in your thinking, is there?"

If there is an opportunity to help with the lantern festival, your creative support would be appreciated... working with a team of fellow artists at lantern workshops. Fostering the creation of beautiful - easy to make- lanterns to be used in the lantern parade in late October. All details for the festival have not been ironed out and as our team meets, details can be provided.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Urdu: Beginner
This host offers a language exchange
I love languages, I speak French, English, learned a bit of Urdu, while living in Pakistan. I have ASL but it is somewhat rusty...always willing to learn. Gerry is very musical, which is a universal language, and I would consider myself, somewhat musical...
Accommodation
Our house was built in the late 40's and is situated close to the downtown which is walking distance.
The room we have to offer is very comfortable and is located upstairs in our home. It has a double bed, dresser and closet for your use. There is a bathroom next to the room which will be yours but may be used by friends who come to visit.
We are omnivores with no dietary restrictions but do consume a wide variety of diets from vegan to gluten free. We enjoy vegetarian main meals at least 4 times per week. It is only on the occasions when we have gluten free/vegan people visiting that we prepare GF /V food. I love to cook and do most of food prep in our home. That said, if you like cooking, I would be happy to share the experience with you.
Dishes are done by hand as we use my great grandmother's and do not have a dishwasher. A microwave is available but seldom used as I am no a fan. (I may melt butter for popcorn in it)
What else ...
We are a retired couple who lead a fairly busy life. Gerry teaches Tai Chi at our studio 3 times per week and I teach Yoga 2 - 3 times weekly. I volunteer for a few organisations in town and spend time creating pieces of garden art at the Community Arts Centre of which I am a member.
Our neighbourhood is in an older, quiet area. Many neighbours are active retirees. We all appreciate a more quiet environment.

Our house is is absolutely NON SMOKING OR VAPING of any kind, please. We enjoy wine and beer on occasion but tend not to drink hard liquor. (Been there, done that).
We tend to go to be early (10:00 latest) and are early risers, I am most often up and walking by 6:00 am.
We do not have a television so if you wish to watch, you should have a device to do so.
We like our house to be neat and tidy and expect people who live with us to do their share to keep the house clean.
I am a fairly sensory individual and do not tolerate perfumes and other strong scents. Loud noise or incessant talking can be very challenging as well. We are social individuals but truly appreciate quiet time.

If you like film, our local theatre, The Towne, has a wonderful selection of films that are not generally Hollywood.
There are several venues in town where you can see a concert or support local musicians.
We have a performing arts centre that brings in wonderful shows.
There is a recreation centre with a swimming pool not too far from our house.
We have many places for outdoor adventures and I hike regularly with friends, if you so desire, you are welcome to join us.
There are local buses to take you places and you may be welcome to use a bike. (open for discussion)
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have an unlimited WiFi connection that is fairly fast. I'm pretty sure that we can support Digital Nomads.
Space for parking camper vans
We are certainly open to this possibility, we have space in our back carport for a limited height but there is plenty of space on the road in front of our house. Ours is a quiet street... Let's talk
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week