Our 1st (short) Workaway

27.9. It's raining and it won't stop today. We pack our things and drive straight to Cody and Tamuron, who live on a hill ridge above Ashland.

Both greet us in front of their home, along with a young red tiger cat who wandered in a day ago. Cody is 43 years old and works as a DJ for classical music at the local radio station. Since he only works on Saturdays and Sundays, he basically has a 5-day weekend. ;) His son Tamuron is with him from Monday to Thursday. Cody has lived in Germany and Canada, received classical singing training there, and is very well-read and open-minded.

He shows us his house, which he inherited from his father 2 years ago. The entire property consists of the main house, a large garage, a vegetable and cannabis garden, and its own water source with a lot of space.

We move into the lower basement floor with our own bathroom and plenty of space - oh, we're so fortunate!

Afterwards, over a shared porridge breakfast, we discuss how we can be helpful on the property in the next few days.

The atmosphere is very relaxed and mutual trust is immediately palpable.

Cody's father was a music enthusiast and has accumulated a cultural treasure trove of instruments, art, knick-knacks, books, and much more. A wonderful '70s vibe, combined with foreign cultures, a love for detail, which sometimes ends up in an eclectic mix, resonates throughout the house. The main house has an 'acoustic' music room, and the garage has a band room in addition to the workbenches. Cody would like us to take care of the garage, dust everything off, and tidy up a bit. Furthermore, we should cook a meal for him once, which sounds fair and good for us!

Normally, as a Workawayer, you work about 5 hours per day. Since it's raining today, we'll fill our time account with 7 hours and tackle half of the garage.

Of course, we can't resist doing more than just dusting. Before we left home in July, we had to do so much cleaning and used this phase to let go of a lot of baggage. So, we clear out one corner all the way down to the floor, vacuum, mop, and put everything back, but arranged with some logic (meaning, 'all drill bits together,' etc.)

In the evening, Cody cooks for us. We shower and enjoy the peace and quiet. The little red tiger cat sleeps with us and cuddles up close to our stomach or neck, purring like an outboard motor and licking us almost raw with its rough tongue - not exactly restful, but sooo cute.

28.9. We are supposed to go shopping in Ashland. We'll also have breakfast and check our emails there. Since I've been feeling the intense pain of my herniated disc again for three weeks, which puts pressure on a nerve in my shoulder - causing constant pain and nerve disruptions - we take the opportunity for me to visit a walk-in clinic downtown. After the examination, I don't receive a cortisone shot, but I do get the 'same' medication in pill form - I start the treatment on the same day!

We're not back until after noon. Cody wants to go mushroom hunting. Some may appear because of the rain. We all get into his Jeep and go on a chanterelle hunt. Unfortunately, without success, and after about 1 hour, we return home.

Afterwards, Roman and I focus on the garage again and set up the band corner. There are sooo many amazing guitars, basses, and original Fender tube amplifiers - we can't stop marveling! The book collection is incredible too: everything from Eastern philosophy to Shakespeare is there. One could probably spend several years here just reading good books... In the end, the one half of the garage looks spotless. We're proud of our work and happy that Cody is satisfied.

We have an impromptu music session in the attic together. We find each other and experience beautiful musical moments.

Today, we cook for the two of them: sweet potato mash with coriander lime vinaigrette and a meat stew with cinnamon. It goes over well with the little and big eaters. (The tiger cat also loves the potato mash - but tonight he'll sleep outside ;))

29.9. For breakfast, we have apple omelettes. Since we've done such good work, Cody thinks we could enjoy the nice weather together today and suggests a hike on Mount Ashland. From up there, we have a wonderful view in all directions. Cody explains the area, the mountains, and the plants (he knows an incredible amount and is well-versed in the local flora). On the way back, Tam falls asleep on my hand like a pillow.

We tackle the next part of the garage: saws and wood storage. We help him lift 2 old refrigerators onto the pickup truck for disposal.

Later, there's another jam session and a small dinner.

30.9. Actually, we thought we were done with the garage. But Cody is so excited that he thinks we should go on. With only half-hearted motivation, we tackle the 3rd corner: bikes, fishing gear galore, climbing gear, kickboxing equipment, and ancient cross-country skis... His father had everything! After 3 hours, this corner looks acceptable too, and everything has its place. Mission accomplished!

We do our laundry and work on our diary in the sun. It's a beautiful afternoon and we enjoy our free time. Today, a good friend of Cody and his father will come to visit: Matthew. Just as Cody is driving to Ashland to drop off Tam with his mother, the doorbell rings and Matt is standing at the door. He's quite surprised when two complete strangers open the door and invite him in. But the initial uncertainty quickly dissipates and we chat comfortably on the terrace until Cody returns.

Roman and I busy ourselves in the kitchen again, giving the two of them time to talk. Dinner is plentiful, and with our bellies round, the four of us drag ourselves into the garage to finally test out the band room!

We take turns on all the instruments and jam to our heart's content.

In our last night here, the little cat follows us onto the bed again. He has learned so much in the past few days and sleeps peacefully between us. It's wonderfully peaceful.