On my step-mother, Donna’s birthday I was blessed to get the Willys on the road. She had made sure it was mine after Dad died in 2004. I had sent it up to Ashlée when I left Salt Spring Island and for the last 5+ years it has been waiting to be made roadworthy and driven again. Since Fall of 2021 it has been out at my friend’s in Kookanusa getting work done and today was the day to get it back. My friend Diane bought me lunch at Delightful and then drove me out there. We had a nice visit and catch up. Lance and Stacey drove their Razor ahead of me to guide me 29.5 miles and then turned around for home as I continued in to town. It was a wonderful backroad adventure and I was glad to have the support of them along being that it hasn’t been on the road for so long. It handles so much better with the new leaf springs. Even the incredible bumps didn’t jar my spine. I had to go slower because the military tires on it are dried out and at best stiff. I will look into getting radials for it next week. It was so good for my soul to meander through the wilderness, driving my Dad’s jeep on his widow’s birthday. The weather was perfect and the dust was low. The whole family met at Firehall for dinner with Jonas’ family. It was nice to hang out with them and Lukas was thrilled that I drove him in the jeep to his friend’s sleepover. It’s fun to drive it around, people honk and wave. Two little girls with training wheeled bikes were stopped on a corner at a 4 way stop. I asked if they wanted to cross and they looked up to become instantly entranced. They both said how much they loved the jeep and one said she wished her Mom had one.
On my step-mother, Donna’s birthday I was blessed to get the Willys on the road. She had made sure it was mine after Dad died in 2004. I had sent it up to Ashlée when I left Salt Spring Island and for the last 5+ years it has been waiting to be made roadworthy and driven again. Since Fall of 2021 it has been out at my friend’s in Kookanusa getting work done and today was the day to get it back. My friend Diane bought me lunch at Delightful and then drove me out there. We had a nice visit and catch up. Lance and Stacey drove their Razor ahead of me to guide me 29.5 miles and then turned around for home as I continued in to town. It was a wonderful backroad adventure and I was glad to have the support of them along being that it hasn’t been on the road for so long. It handles so much better with the new leaf springs. Even the incredible bumps didn’t jar my spine. I had to go slower because the military tires on it are dried out and at best stiff. I will look into getting radials for it next week. It was so good for my soul to meander through the wilderness, driving my Dad’s jeep on his widow’s birthday. The weather was perfect and the dust was low. The whole family met at Firehall for dinner with Jonas’ family. It was nice to hang out with them and Lukas was thrilled that I drove him in the jeep to his friend’s sleepover. It’s fun to drive it around, people honk and wave. Two little girls with training wheeled bikes were stopped on a corner at a 4 way stop. I asked if they wanted to cross and they looked up to become instantly entranced. They both said how much they loved the jeep and one said she wished her Mom had one.
I thought, that is odd I can hear Rae-Anne calling me in my dream and then realized she was calling me and it was her ring tone breaking through my dream. Just before my alarm was about to go off she put the call out to come help clean at Encore as today was their health inspection. Bill and Deanne and I met everyone there to take sections to clean. I took the stage and the adult bowling shoe sections. We all pulled together and got a lot done. I had a Chiro appointment after and it was very beneficial. He took care of the pain I was having and I was able to go back to the office and get a great deal done. I came home at 5 and made a huge batch of hashbrowns to take for dinner as it is Jonas’s birthday and his parents and sister are here from Germany. He turned 16 and was well celebrated. I had to leave before the cake as it was poker night. For the first time I didn’t have to buy in again and even won enough bounties to come home with an extra fiver in my pocket after playing for 4 hours. There were 4 people left after I went out on a tough hand. I was getting too tired though so it was time to go for it. I got home to find Missy outside waiting for me and the orange cat in the house having left her food bowls cleaned out. I will have to keep the cat door locked now when I am not home. I am sorry for Missy as that will be a change for her. I sure have been enjoying the alcohol free drinks I ordered. They are very tasty and safe for me to drink and drive.
There comes a point in a day, a week, a month, even a year in time when enough is enough. Compartmentalizing your own pain, that of those you love and even that of those you don’t becomes so overwhelming that you can just stop feeling. Life becomes one foot in front of the other, one second at a time, one confused mess of feels.
I did the taxes for my friend who died last September, got a call from someone dear to me in tears from the way another disrespected her, and then sat with Mom as the Dr told her she has Cancer. And that was just today.
I can mourn the loss of my friend, listen and console the loved one, stand beside Mom as we put it aside and await the specialists. What I can’t seem to do at the moment is feel anything but exhausted. And yet I can’t sleep. I want someone to hold me and tell me I am doing the right things, that all will be ok, to remind me I am strong and capable and this too shall pass. I Just want some joy without responsibility.
Most of today was other people’s news. I worked hard. I met the notary at Mom’s room, left so they could talk after Mom made a somewhat snide remark that could have implied I was forcing her to give me power of attorney. I had a good talk with the lovely human that is the notary and she said this is common, not to stress but let it sink in. I had a good cry with Mom afterward when I explained how hard the first few weeks were, trying to advocate for her and get all the bills paid, etc without any actual authority other than her saying, ‘call my daughter’. It is good that I am a middle sized fish in a small city, having lived here long enough to have a good network and am trusted. I shall leave it in her hands now and tomorrow I will see her again as I have arranged a Dr to call at 2 and tell us about the biopsy and where to go from here.
My upper left quadrant of my back is in such bad shape that I can only barely drive safely as I can’t turn my head all the way to the left. I tried to hug mom and could only do it one handed. I see the chiropractor again Friday afternoon and it can’t come soon enough. I am going to take a couple pain killers and head to bed now. I am tired…
Oh, I did make a good thing today and Missy seems well pleased. She shredded her scratching post this winter so I bought her a new fort. She was already seen to explore it and play with a dangly thing.
I was at the chiropractor for 8:45. Kevin is working on the issues causing my sloshy brain/balance issue when I turn my head a certain way. It takes a lot out of me but I will be seeing him regularly for a while and doing the exercises he gives me.
Next was a stop at the dentist office to schedule a visit to see what options there are for my broken off tooth.
At 10 I was at The Tattooed Unicorn where my friend Kimberly waited with my design. Just over two hours later I left with my new favourite tattoo on my inner right leg just above my ankle. I was completely enamored of SpongeBob SquarePants when it hit the air and wanted to tie Patrick in with a diver silhouette to represent me. I was certified at age 14 as a NAUI diver which was basically Navy Seal training back in the 70s. My Dad was a master diver and made sure we were well experienced and ready to take the course with Gord Boivin. It has been a while now since my last dive but under the sea has always been my happy place.
I returned to the office to run payroll and remittances before heading to the dentist. It seems the best option is an implant but that will likely be the most expensive as well. Second best would be to repair the post if possible and get a new crown. This would likely last for 5 years or so. Lastly would be to remove the crown next to it, modify the tooth on the other side and glue in a bridge. That would involve blessing under the bridged tooth every day. This is my least favourite option as flossing is like nails on blackboard to me. They are reaching out to my benefit provider to get the three quotes so that I can make a fully informed decision.
After that I stopped to see Mom and speak to the head nurse there as I tried to call the Dr that is supposed to be in charge of her case and they had no record of her at all. I need to discuss the results of her biopsy and know the options before I give her the information. They referred to her as an orphaned patient. Not cool, but I do feel the woman I spoke with is on top of it now.
I picked up my deliveries to the office and came home to relax. That was a lot to put on my system in one day. I have a sore spot on my back and am resting on a heating pad currently. Bed will come soon.
I also got a message from someone who lives in the Park today that the big orange cat belongs to his new roommate. He was very apologetic and said they will try to keep it in, get it fixed (!) and that I can spray it with water to scare it away any time I need to. This does sound complicated but I need to do something to keep Missy safe and able to come and go as she pleases.
I had a pretty great day. Worked from home, ran a payroll from the office, picked up the three youngest grandsons to deliver clothes to mom, took said boys to see Super Mario World movie, returned to the home for pictures with their Grandma Judy and Great Granny Barb, dropped them off and returned home to finish another puzzle and watch The Woman King.
I enjoyed all the bits of it. Hanging with the boys was fun and they were well behaved. They were all so sweet to their Grandma’s. Judy was surprised and happy to see them both times that we stopped. She doesn’t remember for long but was happy. It disconcerted Lukas a bit.
The only ‘could be worse’ parts of the day were when I switched out my monitors and managed to drop one. It came apart in three pieces, screen, frame and mainframe. I sighed and popped it all back together and it works like a charm, phew! During the movie I was eating a licorice and thought something didn’t feel right. Sure enough, one of my upper crowns broke off at the gum line. I will have to go get that dealt with soon. Thankfully it was the one with the root canal so not painful, just annoying.
I am glad I took the time to enjoy life today. Boots to the ground for the rest of the month it shall be.
This morning began with a FaceTime with a friend. It was good to catch up before puttering at puzzles for part of my day. I then got busy preparing tax returns as recorded SNL episodes played in the background. I made good headway and just need more information to file a few. It was enjoyable to do from home. I heard my cat hissing outside and managed to get a picture of the most annoying of the two cats that hang around and fight. I posted it on the Cranbrook facebook page hoping someone would recognize their pet and come get it. What happened was so typically sad though as the trolls began mocking and making idiotic comments. I did not respond but one of the others in the neighbourhood commented how fierce these cats are and that was that. I wonder why I try some times. I do want the cats gone though as Missy was nearly in a fight trying to scare one away from her door. I have finished one and most of another puzzle and am now relaxing on the couch watching Black Adam.
I was up and made my coffee and settled ready for our ABC Zoom call. It as so nice to catch up on what everyone has been up to, to hear their voices and see their faces. I felt better when we were done. I then got myself showered and headed to Superstore to pick up some groceries and baby carrots. Next stop was the Dollarstore to pick up hollow plastic eggs. I stuffed them with the carrots and put name labels on them all. There were 25 of us all together who met at Bill and Deanne’s for the annual treat hide and hunt. We started with an amazing treat of Jeff’s homemade donuts. The maps were handed out along with a bag of someone’s treats to go hide and put an x on the map. Once we had all done that we collected our own bags and maps back and set to searching. It is always chaos and fun, especially if we find especially good hiding spots. We all got spoiled, the carrot filled eggs were a good source of amusement and most also quickly eaten and then it was in for a spectacular dinner. We all brought parts of the meal that included, ham, veal, scalloped potatoes, cheesy bread, melted brie and bread, and Caesar salad. Ashlée made us all laugh when she brought out dessert that she had ordered at Dairy Queen.
Emmy was so cute, saying, “look Nana, I got my hair cut and coloured and with your cut we look the same !” Bless her heart. All the kids played together so well today, they were a pleasure to have around.
I did finish two puzzles last night and today and have a third nearly done as well. They are smaller but satisfying.
It was a good day to refill my tank with good friends and family. I stopped at the office on the way home and picked up a bunch of paperwork so I can work from home tomorrow. After being around every one, I am not going to see Mom tomorrow. I had a text with her and don’t want to take a chance. That’s a lot of kid germs!
This evening I have watched The Price of Glee. What a documentary! So much ugliness behind the scenes.
I was weirdly emotional this morning. This made me spend the day getting chores done, readying my treats for tomorrows Easter fun with the family and friends group of 23, and then take to my bed to catch up on the Mandalorian before getting dressed and puzzling until it was time to go to the hockey game.
Tracy and I both agreed it was a great game all the way through. We are down 3-1 in the finals so the next three games were all do or die. We won tonight and now they are off to Wenatchee for game 6. The 50/50 got up to over 10K tonight but I sadly didn’t win. I am now starting Season 3 of Ted Lasso and am going to aim for a good sleep before the very full day tomorrow.
Today was super productive and relatively calm. I took time to go for lunch with a client who I am quickly coming to call friend. I met her at Family Thai and we spent over an hour discussing her business and life and she really appreciates my guidance and opinion on things. There is a deep satisfaction in that and I can’t truly explain how much it means to me. She respects me and wants to spend more time lunching and talking. She is about to take her business to the next level and I am excited to be a part of it. Back at the office I focused on getting the ‘ugly’ things off my list so I can get on with this busy month more easily.
I did take time to send material out for the show I am promoting to my friend at the radio station and the marketing person for my main sponsor. A few more tickets have sold so I am hopeful for a good house.
I went to Mom’s complex around 6 to move her car back to her permanent parking spot. Thankfully it is within sight of her apartment. I grabbed her mail and went to visit her. The nurses had good news that physio is off for the next four days but have encouraged her to use her walker often as long as someone is following along with a wheelchair just in case. That is a big improvement. I did ask for the results of her biopsy and it is concerning but I am going to put the thoughts into a little locked box in my brain until I can talk to the Dr next week. It was weird to not even have to put on a mask at the home today as the mandates were removed provincially. A big leap from every 48 hour testing. Apparently you don’t even have to be vaccinated to visit there any more.
I came home knowing I should reach out with a Mom report, check on my sick friends, etc but what I really needed was a no people period of time. I watched my shows and did a whole puzzle and just relaxed. I have plans to do more of the same tomorrow as there are going to be 23 of us for Easter Hunt and dinner on Saturday. I have much to prep! I am glad Emmy can come and spend time with her cousins though.
Today my youngest grandchild turned 6! How did that happen so fast? She was the first born in my first year after moving to Cranbrook so will always be a marker of time for me. She is a big personality, talented little girl who will go far if she channels all her gifts.
So much stress and work today but I did take time to have a glass of Prosecco with all the lovely people that work in the Ground Floor Coworking space in honour of it being open for 5 years now. A great success.
I went and moved Mom’s car to the back lot as they are sweeping. I love the time of year when the gravel gets taken away and the dust begins to settle. After that I went to Key City for the evening to host and emcee the next in the Winter Ale series. The opening act came down sick today and we were fortunate to have a local band, Slow Joe Crow step in to fill the void. They did great and were well received. The headliners, The Heavy Lighters from Nelson were a whole lot of fun with their energetic Bluegrass style. The band leader is Paul Hinrichs who runs Kaslo Jazz Festival and it was nice to make connections about our mutual friends.
So, yes, the snow did stick for the morning. I was glad to give it a quick sweep and not have to shovel. It was gone by morning’s end. It did make me not to want to leave in a big hurry as I had woken up early so I enjoyed my coffee a finished another
I treated myself to Taco Tuesday and was wishing I had a big sandbox to play in with the vehicle parked outside
I was very grateful for my chiropractor appointment today although it is clear I haven’t been since October 2018! Kevin Roberge did a lot of tests on my and did some work towards getting rid of my neck issues that are contributing to my Max Headroom moments and upper body issues. I am glad to be back and look forward to next weeks appointment.
Stopped to see Mom after that and she seems to be doing a lot better. Donna brought her a blanket and more books, she was dressed in the clothes I brought and the stripper pole was gone. For some reason the proximity to the bed really disturbed her. She wheels herself down to meals and tours around the facility so I am sure even that level of freedom is wonderful after nearly a month.
Came home and did another puzzle while watching the voice. It’s kind of nice to do some easier ones. I had done these three previously but I thought I would work my way from the small ones to the largest. It is relaxing and makes me not check my phone for email.
The funniest part of the day was that I had a friend request from Michael Weatherly whom I love watching on TV but am shocked any scammer would think I could be fooled that easily. It’s complicated… lol
I was up early and off to the office before it even opened. Much to get done and a stomach to quell as I had made a big appointment for 4 pm. I did hear from mom that she had a better night and had her first physio today.
I did manage to get what I had to do and more done before taking off to the big event. Nought much more mattered today than the desire to make a change. I can’t sell my home, or change my job at this time in life; there’s no one to dump…. So hair it is! I had reached out to Ireland to see if she had the skill set as a relatively new hairdresser to make the change I desired. She made sure that the top person in the salon was at her side and she actually trained her while she cut my hair. I am glad Ireland and I are friends enough to think that was a great idea and that I am brave enough to go for it. I had asked Jake and Will to pick their fabourite of a few pictures and they were similar so that is what I showed them. I was not sure about the shortness at first as it sprung even shorter when my curls kicked in, but now it is growing on me and I do feel lighter and know I will shed less.
I stopped at Encore and talked to Addison about making my missing puzzle pieces so I can see if Roger can paint them and then I will varnish my puzzle into a floor mat and get it off my table.
I enjoyed hanging out alone this evening, cracking open the big box of puzzles and starting with one of the two smallest. It was easy and fun.
Imagine my horror when I heard oddness of sound vibes outside to see snow on the ground. Come on! I didn’t even put my snow shovel away yet, as that is the usual clue to start snowing again. Hopefully it will be gone by morning.
The kids had me up earlier than I would have liked but I love them and was happy to have them here spending time together. Jake and I watched Still Crazy which is one of my favourite movies and I was happy to find it has stood the test of time since it came out in 1998. It was odd to see guys who seemed a lot older than they were supposed to be at that point though. Jake and the kids headed to Rae’s and I got ready, went to mom’s apartment and gathered clothes in a suitcase for her and stopped at Green Home. Had a nice chat with Judy, Roger’s Mom and then found Mom who had not had the best night. It seems that when she rang her bell for the 4th time in the night she was met with “what do you want now?” She was cold and uncomfortable as the bed is very old school compared to the one she had at the hospital. Other things occurred and I had a good talk with the RN and staff on today and let them know that if my Mom was crying in the night she was humiliated and uncomfortable, that something had to change. They were very understanding and I hope tomorrow has a different report. From there I went to Rae and Rogers and we had a visit until Emmy was picked up and then went to Family Thai for my early birthday dinner so that we could have it with Jake. It was wonderful and it was so nice to see Mam again as it has been a while. The meal was delicious and the girls (and Roger) gifted me with my own amazing Brunswick Bowling Shoes which I can’t wait to use at Encore. Earlier, Will asked if he could give me his present which he had found 6 weeks ago and bought with his own money. I love my mug and it fits in my car cupholder. We all went back to there house after dinner and played Gloom and Fluxx which was fun. I was wearing out and came home but it was a lovely birthday most especially by spending time with all my kids and grandkids in the same day
Jake’s phone is trippy. I hope Apple comes out with a version. Even he misses his Apple phone.
Emmy was so excited yesterday to play April Fools on her Dad and cousins that she had a list of things she could do. I woke up and set my bed like I was in it and went into the closet to get her Dad to tell her to come wake me. We had a good laugh when I startled her from the closet. She made a Kick Me sign and stuck it on her Dad. We made cupcakes to celebrate her birthday with her cousins and for me to take for my friend Galen’s birthday at poker tonight. After that Bill, Deanne, and the two international students came and helped move a sideboard to Mom’s that was her aunts and will hold the things she needs to access easily as her overhead cupboards are high. I then went to the hospital to see if she had been transferred yet and was told no but after I paid for parking and went up to the third floor it seems she already had been. I went to the Green Home to find I have to have a Covid test within 48 hours of visiting so they did one and I was finally able to see her in her new space. She has a private room and bath with a nice window to look out at and a nice sized flatscreen TV. She was sitting in a wheelchair when I got there, watching curling. She needed a little cheering up and it was nice that when they came around with snacks we were able to have a coffee and cookie together as we laughed that she got a room with a stripper pole. I have a list of clothes to pick up for her and bring tomorrow as she can wear normal ones now which is nice for her to start feeling on the mend. She will have physio 5 days a week and I was there to help complete the paperwork and history for her with the nurse. I feel she will get the care she needs there and it will be good for her. Next it was to the Guedes house for a visit and to celebrate Emmy turning 6 on Wednesday. I left and went for a much needed pedicure before returning for a lovely ham dinner with the family. Sawyer came to stay over with Emmy at my place. I helped get them settled and then headed to my poker game. I just left, having been the 7th one left at the table. It was a nice night and Galen liked his cupcakes and I sent some home with him for his wife and daughter. I am very tired and hope to catch up a little tonight as it will be a busy week coming up.
I was up early and finishing cleaning and readying for my company today. I went to the office and got a crap ton done before meeting Rae-Anne for my free burger month beer at Fire Hall. The DinoSour is very good. I was thrilled to turn and see Danika with Emmy and Gwen at my office door to drop off papers for their taxes. I got a huge hug from Emmy and then Gwen kept grinning and blowing me kisses. They went to visit my Mom and when Jake hit town he also went to visit her before picking up Emmy and coming for dinner and to stay for the weekend. One of these times I will have to have Gwen stay too. A bonus granddaughter with so much joy is a good thing. Jake showed up in his new Tesla. I will get a pic of the inside tomorrow as it is crazy. I made dinner and then left them to visit as I headed to the first game of the playoffs between the Bucks and the Wenatchee Wild. We won, 3-1 and it was a very energetic game.
Birthday gifts
The singer of the anthem was only 7 and blew me away for his bravery and solid voice
One year ago I was prepping for surgery in the morning. I was terrified. It was that fear that changed me. The good news the next day, that it was not Cancer, made me reevaluate all that my life involves. I have purged many things as far as people and work but I still have to work harder at clearing out the things literally. Last night I built my home desk and today I reorganized the den in anticipation of Jake and Emmy coming tomorrow. I have stacked totes ready to go through that have moved with me over the years. I think I am emotionally ready to go down the memory lane that I will find in them. With all that is going on with Mom, I don’t want to leave the mess for my kids.
Today I had a good deal more energy and took the time to go start Mom’s car, pack some extra clothes for her and bring her her mail. I had calls all morning from the Interior Health transition liaison and the Physiotherapist who has been attending Mom. It seems she is going to be moved to Green Home for rehab as she still falls backwards. They may have her for 6-8 weeks until she can move properly on her own. She seems happy with that and looks forward to getting out of the ward she is in.
The side of her face is quite swollen and bruised from where they did the biopsy but I was assured that is normal. I skunked her at crib and then she beat me one game. She is definitely getting better.
I did make a nummy dinner and puzzled a bit between chores.
Technology has allowed me to be a paperless bookkeeper. No longer am I a slave to one desk, a printer, a supply of pencils, and someone else’s schedule. Just today, my new desk for home showed up, ready to be built so that I may go into the office or stay in my jammies and get stuff done. I am self-employed, so there is that going for me. The ability to be anywhere and take calls, answer email and texts, and provide service to clients has expanded my world in a most pleasant and successful way. I have also learned to turn it all off or ignore it when I need or want to. Saying yes has become easier and so has saying no. Next year will be my 30th having my own business and it just keeps getting better and better!
