Ian Lindsay & Associates: Ian Lindsay of Lindsay and Associates has played an active role in the local community since 1979. He has been with RE/MAX, Vancouver Island's most advanced real estate business network since 1996, marketing and selling residential, rural, strata, Recreational investment and project development real estate. Ian has received several awards Recognizing his exceptional community commitment locally as well as awards for outstanding performance and achievement from both RE/MAX International and the Vancouver Island real estate board. You'll find true real estate professionals at IanLindsay.ca. 

The Ballad of Peter & Gracie: Peter and his dog raced here and through fields so wid. With dreams in their pockets and stars as their guide. Every day's an adventure under the open sky In their world of stories, time just flies by. 

Peter McCully: Peter and Gracie's Van Cleaning Adventure. The Saturday morning sun streamed through Peter's bedroom window, making the dust dance in the golden light. His collection of toy cars lined the windowsill, gleaming as he carefully arranged them by color.

Seven year old Peter loved organizing his cars while his best friend, Gracie, watched from her special spot on his blue race car bedspread. The fluffy white American Eskimo dog's tail swept back and forth across the covers. As she watched her young owner's morning routine, that's when they heard the familiar rumble of Dad's blue van pulling into the driveway.

Peter and Gracie rushed to the window, their eyes widened at the sight below. The once shiny van was barely recognizable under layers of dried mud, road salt, and dust from weeks of driving on dirty spring roads. It looked more like a giant brown blob than the trusted family vehicle that had taken them on so many adventures.

Oh, wow, Peter whispered to Gracie, whose pointed ears perked up at his voice. Dad's van looks like it drove through a hundred mud puddles. He turned to his furry companion, scratching her behind the ears just the way she liked, and said, What do you think, girl? Should we surprise Dad by cleaning it?

Gracie's tail wagged even faster, and she let out an enthusiastic woof that echoed through the bedroom. She spun in a circle, her white fur fluffing up with excitement. I'll take that as a yes, Peter laughed, giving her one more pat before heading to the door. He carefully placed his favorite red sports car back on the windowsill, and raced downstairs, his sock covered feet sliding on the hardwood floors.

Gracie trotted behind him, her nails making a gentle clicking sound, as she followed her best friend. They found Dad in his favorite leather armchair, reading the morning newspaper, and sipping from his world's best dad coffee mug, the one Peter had given him for Christmas. The morning sunlight filtered through the living room windows and made the silver in Dad's hair sparkle.

Dad, Peter began, bouncing on his toes, barely containing his excitement. Can Gracie and I wash your van? Pretty please? It looks like a mud monster out there. And before Dad could answer, Gracie joined in the persuasion effort, placing her front paws on his knee and tilting her head to one side. Her brown eyes grew wide and pleading, the same look she used when she begged for treats after dinner.

Dad chuckled and folded his newspaper, placing it on the side table next to his coffee. Well now, with two sets of pleading eyes like that, how could I possibly say no? He leaned forward, his expression turning slightly more serious. But remember, washing the van is a big responsibility. You need to be thorough, even the wheels and under the windows.

We will, Peter promised, already mentally planning their cleaning strategy. We'll make it sparkle like new. Like the day we brought it home from the dealership, Dad said with a smile. Just be careful with the hose, okay? We don't want another great water fight incident like we had last summer. Peter giggled, remembering how a simple car wash had turned into an impromptu water battle when he accidentally sprayed Emma, his older sister, with the hose.

Gracie had joined in the chaos, jumping through the water streams, and barking joyfully, until the entire family was soaked. We'll be super careful, Peter assured his father, crossing his heart with his finger. Come on Gracie, let's go get our cleaning supplies. The pair headed to the garage where Peter began gathering the car washing equipment.

He pulled out the big red bucket, the one with the small crack near the handle, from the time he dropped it while chasing a butterfly. Next came the special car soap that Dad always used, the one that made rainbow bubbles in the sunlight. Peter loved how it smelled like cherries and summer afternoons. He lined up all their tools on the garage floor, three different size sponges, a stack of old towels that Mom had put aside as car washing only.

And the special extendable brush that Dad bought specifically so Peter could reach the van's roof safely. Gracie inspected each item carefully, her nose twitching as she sniffed the supplies. What do you think, girl? Are we missing anything? Peter said, putting his hands on his hips and surveying the collection.

Gracie responded by picking up the yellow sponge, her favorite, in her mouth, tail wagging proudly. Good thinking, Gracie. You can be my official assistant. Peter declared, filling the bucket with warm water from the garage sink. He added just the right amount of soap, watching as the water turned sudsy and pink.

The morning air was perfect for car washing, warm, but not too hot, with puffy white clouds dotting the bright blue sky above. Peter started by spraying the whole van with a garden hose. Watching in satisfaction as streams of muddy water ran down the sides of the van. The water made interesting patterns as it cut through the dirt, like tiny rivers carving paths through the dusty desert.

Gracie couldn't resist jumping and snapping at the water spray. Her white fur already starting to dampen. Silly girl, Peter giggled, trying to aim the hose away from the little dog. You're supposed to help wash the van, not turn it into a soggy doggie. But Gracie just barked happily and continued her water catching game, making Peter laugh even harder.

Despite her playful start, Gracie proved to be an excellent assistant. She followed Peter around the van, proudly carrying her yellow sponge, and occasionally rubbing it against the lower parts that she could reach. Her white fur gradually became spotted with soap suds, making her look more like a Dalmatian than an American Eskimo dog.

As they worked their way around the van, Peter shared memories of their family adventures with Gracie. Remember that time we drove to Grandma's house last summer, he asked, scrubbing at a particularly stubborn mud spot? You got so excited when you saw her farm that you did the happy dance right there in that seat.

Gracie's tail wagged at the memory and she pressed her sponge more enthusiastically against the door. And remember that camping trip to Tofino, Peter said? Using the extendable brush to reach the roof? That's when Emma dropped her sandwich. And you swooped in like a furry superhero to save it. Gracie made a small whining sound as if disappointed there weren't any sandwiches to save today.

They worked together in perfect harmony. Peter tackling the higher spots. While Gracie handled the lower sections. He was extra careful around the windows, using gentle circular motions like dad had taught him. The special wheel brush made quick work of the dirty hubcaps, revealing their chrome shining underneath all the dirt.

Look Gracie, Peter exclaimed, pointing to the reflection in the newly cleaned passenger door. We can see ourselves now. Gracie tilted her head at her reflection and then gave it a friendly bark, making Peter collapse into giggles again. After rinsing off all the soap with the hose, and one more quick water catching game from Gracie, they stood back to admire their work.

The van gleamed in the late morning sunlight, its blue paint finally visible again. But Peter knew the job wasn't finished yet. Now for the really fun part. The inside, he announced, sliding open the van's side door. Gracie hopped right in, her slightly damp fur leaving tiny wet spots on the seat that Peter quickly wiped up with a towel.

Dad had shown Peter exactly how to use the vacuum cleaner for this special job. Remember to check all the corners, he said. while demonstrating how to attach the long hose and different accessories. That's where things like to hide. Peter started with the front seats, carefully running the vacuum over every crack and crevice.

The machine made satisfying whooshing sounds as it sucked up dirt and crumbs. Gracie watched with fascination, her head tilting from side to side as she tried to understand this noisy cleaning monster. Suddenly, the vacuum made an unexpected clunking sound like it had caught something bigger than dirt.

Peter quickly turned it off and looked into the hose. Well, what do you think that was, Gracie? Gracie's curiosity got the better of her and she stuck her nose right up the vacuum hose, sniffing intently. Her tail started wagging as Peter carefully reached in and pulled out something small and shiny. His favorite Hot Wheels car.

A 57 Chevy that had somehow vanished three months ago during their trip to see Uncle Steve. Look what we found, girl! Peter exclaimed, holding up the car triumphantly. I looked everywhere for this one. Remember when we got it at the car show? Gracie barked in recognition remembering the exciting day filled with real cars that look just like Peter's toys.

Energized by their first discovery, Peter attacked the rest of the van with renewed enthusiasm. He carefully vacuumed every nook and cranny, paying special attention to the spaces between and under the seats. Their treasure hunt was just beginning. Under the middle row of Gracie's old tennis balls. Still squeaky.

But covered in dust. The moment Peter squeezed it and made its familiar sound, Gracie's ears perked up, and she pounced on it like it was a brand new toy. She pranced around the van with her rediscovered treasure, making Peter laugh at her puppy like excitement. Between the seats, they discovered even more lost items.

Emma's favorite butterfly hair clip, the one that she was so sad about losing. Three colored pencils from Peter's school art set, and a half empty pack of fruit snacks that had somehow escaped notice during snack time. They went straight into the trash. But most of the exciting finds came when Peter spotted something metallic glinting under the last row of seats.

He had to stretch his arm as far as it would go, his tongue sticking out in concentration, as his fingers searched for the mysterious object. Finally, he felt something cool and metal and managed to grab it. It's Dad's lucky keychain! Peter held up the silver compass that Dad had received during his time in the Navy.

The special compass had gone missing during their last camping trip and Dad had been quietly sad about it ever since. Gracie gave an excited bark, sharing in Peter's joy at finding such an important treasure. As they finished vacuuming, Peter arranged all their discoveries on the dashboard like a museum display.

The Hot Wheels car The tennis ball, which Gracie kept trying to take back, Emma's hair clip, the colored pencils, and Dad's precious compass keychain. The van wasn't just clean now, it had given up all its hidden secrets. The sound of the back door opening made both Peter and Gracie turn their heads. Dad stepped out onto the driveway, and his jaw dropped as he took a sight of his transformed van.

The afternoon sun made it sparkle, like it had just rolled off the showroom floor. I can't believe my eyes, Dad said. Walking slowly around the van. Is this really my vehicle? It looks better than when we first bought it. His smile grew even wider as he noticed Peter's proud arrangement of the treasures on the dashboard.

Peter couldn't contain his excitement any longer. Look what we found, Dad! He showed his father each discovery. Explaining where they'd found them, saving the best for last. When he held out the compass keychain, Dad's eyes get a little misty. My lucky compass, Dad said softly, taking it carefully from Peter's hand.

I thought I'd never see that again. He scooped up Peter in a big bear hug and then bent down to give Gracie an extra special scratch behind her ears. You two make the best cleaning crew in the whole world. Can we wash the van again next time it gets dirty? Peter asked hopefully, still wrapped in his father's arms.

You bet, Dad replied with a grin, but first I think this calls for a celebration. How about we take this sparkling clean van out for some ice cream? Gracie's ears shot up at the word ice cream, and she raced to the van sliding door ready to hop in. She knew from experience that the ice cream shop had special doggy treats that tasted like peanut butter and happiness.

The drive to the Dairy Queen was even better in their freshly cleaned van. Peter could see clearly out all the windows now, and the whole vehicle seemed to drive happier, as if it was grateful for its spa day. Gracie sat in her special spot in the back seat next to Peter, her tennis ball still in her mouth, her white fur now fully dry and extra fluffy from all the activity.

At the Dairy Queen, Dad ordered Peter's favorite. A double scoop of strawberry with rainbow sprinkles and a special doggie ice cream treat for Gracie. They sat at their favorite blue picnic table under the striped umbrella, enjoying their well earned rewards. Peter couldn't help but to notice how the van seemed to shine extra bright in the afternoon sun.

Like it was showing off its new clean look to everyone in the parking lot. You know what, Dad? Peter said between licks of his ice cream, watching as a drop of strawberry tried to escape down the side of his cone, I think cleaning the van was almost as fun. As going on an adventure's in it. Dad smiled and ruffled Peter's hair.

That's because you and Gracie make everything an adventure. Even chores become special when you do them together. Gracie, who had polished off her treat in record time, looked up at them with a small smudge of doggy ice cream on her snout and gave a happy bark of agreement. Peter giggled and gently wiped her face with a napkin.

She might be the fluffiest cleaning assistant ever, but she was definitely the best one, too. On the drive home, Peter started dreaming up plans for their next van cleaning day. Maybe they'd find more lost treasures, or maybe they'd just make new memories. Either way, he knew that with Gracie by his side, even the most ordinary tasks Could become extraordinary adventures.

The Ballad of Peter & Gracie: Peter and his dog raced here and through fields so wid. With dreams in their pockets and stars as their guide. Every day's an adventure under the open sky In their world of stories, time just flies by. 

Ian Lindsay & Associates: Ian Lindsay of Lindsay and Associates has played an active role in the local community since 1979. He has been with RE/MAX, Vancouver Island's most advanced real estate business network since 1996, marketing and selling residential, rural, strata, Recreational investment and project development real estate. Ian has received several awards Recognizing his exceptional community commitment locally as well as awards for outstanding performance and achievement from both RE/MAX International and the Vancouver Island real estate board. You'll find true real estate professionals at IanLindsay.ca.