Help with computer skills and learn about stained glass and jewellery making in Cowichan Bay, Canada

Details

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  Description

  I am an avid gardener as well as a glass artist and find it difficult to have time for all the things that need doing around here as my working ability diminishes with age.
  I design, make and enjoy stained glass, jewellery and sometimes pottery and have an unusual garden with lots of tropical and semi tropical species. I love exploring the beaches and forests around here and collect interesting bits to inspire my designs.
  I am looking for help with household tasks, and garden projects, as well as someone who can teach me how to use my new computer( I am computer-illiterate). We are also planning to give the RV exterior a really good cleaning this summer
  In return, I will be able to teach you how to create stained glass, creating and maintaining a garden, making jewellery and designs from found objects, beads, shells etc. and to help with learning English, if needed.
  You would be housed in the 24 ‘ RV, which is parked on the premises and is fully equipped with everything you will need to be comfortable.
  My husband and I are in the process of downsizing, so we are also looking for help with cleaning out some of the storage closets and taking photos and putting them online for sale.
  We do projects at a very leger pace with lots of trips to the beach, the woods etc. Since we’re retired, we no longer get up at the crack of dawn and don’t have deadlines to meet, but we do make a plan for each week as far as tasks in house and garden is concerned and generally try to stick to that.
  We’re looking for a mature person with good communication skills who has a sense of humour and is computer literate, has a drivers licence and is tidy.
  Length of stay: June to August/September
  We live and breathe in Cowichan Bay, which is a small, oceanside community on Vancouver Island, very picturesque and great for hiking, biking, golfing and inter-island travel. The estuary in the bay is home to many species of birds, including herons, eagles, trumpeter swans etc. and there’s plenty of other wildlife(deer, bears, wolves,coyotes) as well, so lots of opportunities for great photographs. Whales do occasionally venture into the Bay, but it’s better to hop on one of the whale-watching boats that leave from the Marina in Cow Bay on a regular basis.
  Vancouver Island offers a relaxed way of life and the natural beauty of the place is breathtaking- that’s why we live here and we’d love for you to come and experience this magic place this summer!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Gardening

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Learn English fluency, become familiar with different plant species and a different way of life. Learn to make jewellery, stained glass, garden art. Photograph wildlife in a natural setting. Explore the island(s) and our island way of life. Learn what’s involved in running a vineyard(visit a vineyard for a day), go whale-watching

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  I really welcome help with my computer skills(very poor). Help with housecleaning(I have arthritis in my hands and am going to have surgery on my right hand soon)and gardening( weeding, pruning, planting, watering). It is an established garden with lots of tropicals such as bananas, palms, bamboo etc. and really quite beautiful in summer.
  We are also planning to give the RV exterior a thorough cleaning this summer and will need help with that, as well.
  There will be some heavy lifting involved(plant pots, garden furniture, stones in the garden)

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  24 foot Motorhome. Has bathroom, kitchenette and double bed. We’ll provide food but workers may prepare their own meals.

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  What else ...

  Lots to do in your time off: hiking, biking, golf, explore shoreline. There is a decent bus service to Duncan, Victoria or Nanaimo. Workawayers are welcome to use the garden and can have their own bbq set up.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4 hours pr day, 5 days a week