triumphgal

March 26, 2026

Judy picked me up at 10:30 and drove me to Invermere where o had a 1:30 appointment with Dr Weber. I basically interviewed her about her life and experiences. She was born in 1940 and is an energizer bunny. A year older than my Mom but so much more functional and fun.

We stopped at a fun restaurant for lunch, Smokehouse 93 and it was delicious.

Dr. Weber was born and raised in Saskatchewan, one of the flattest places on earth, yet developed a passion for gravity fed winter sports. After completing a degree in Physiology, he was accepted into medical school at the University of Saskatchewan. To pay for medical school (and the occasional ski trip) Dr Weber enlisted in the Canadian Forces. Once completing residency training at the University of Calgary he was posted to Canadian Forces Base Gagetown where he served as a General Duty Medical Officer, and eventually Base Surgeon. In 2009 Major Weber was deployed for 9 months to Afghanistan as the Officer in Command of the Canadians working at the NATO Trauma Hospital in Kandahar Airfield, where he was also one of 5 trauma team leaders. Once retiring from the Canadian Forces Dr. Weber worked full time emergency medicine in Fredericton, New Brunswick until his passion for the mountains finally drew him to the Columbia Valley full time. He has been living in the community with his family since 2015, and when he is not skiing at Panorama or in the backcountry, on the lake surfing or paddling, he can be found training or coaching in the local jiu jitsu, judo, and parkour clubs.

Perineural Injection Therapy (PIT or Lyftogt Technique) is a safe, minimally invasive treatment for chronic, neurogenic pain, involving shallow injections of low-concentration dextrose (sugar water) near inflamed superficial nerves. It reduces nerve inflammation, improves mobility, and can provide immediate pain relief for conditions like neuropathy, sciatica, and headaches.

Those are the sound bites online. In reality he was fascinating and while he was doing the injections I started a great conversation by simply asking if it was Major Doctor or Doctor Major. He then shared a lot about his experience. He said he would not re-enlist but it would always be by rank so he would be Major but his medical team would call him Doc. He told me a bit about Kandahar and said he has seen the most wounded and dead soldiers of any Dr in Canada during to being 9 months as a trauma surgeon there. What a horrible record to hold. I had a great deal of injections and have a follow up appointment at the beginning of May.

On the way back we stopped to pick up some quilted pillows made by Lucy for the auction at the Rotary gathering in Sandpoint in May. I will deliver this weekend when I go to Rossland.

When we got to my place I invited her in and she was mesmerized by my place. It made me happy to bring someone into my space and have it so well received. After she left I walked our entire park and dropped some paperwork in every mailbox of the 66 trailers to give notice of water main work on Monday and to ask for updated info.

I had just finished when Judy texted me that I had forgotten the pillows in her car. I drove to her place and we visited even longer over a couple fingers of Rye. It really was a very good day and I learned so much about an amazing woman

March 25, 2026

Two really great things today were waking up to the news that my ducks beat the Canucks 5 to 3 last night. The last time I heard the score it was 2-2 in the second and I knew they would win.

At 7:30 I had an appointment with Karissa to add some colour to my hair in a way that would blend nicely and not be a pain to grow out and I really love it.

I also spent time preparing the forms to go and put at every Strata lot in our park, asking for their information update and letting them know about the water shut off on Monday to repair one of the mains. It feels good to be getting things done.

March 24, 2026

I was up way too early, but I’m happy that for my fourth week in a row. I am doing my five day a week exercise in the morning with BetterMe App. I did go to the office and left and went back and left again. While there I worked on a couple tax returns, waiting for the peeps to finalize them. I also finished the Rotary newsletter and got it sent out and prepared forms and letters to go out to every member of our Strata as there will be some work done here on Monday and the water will be shut off temporarily possibly want all the information to know exactly who is living in each unit. The time out of office I picked up Rae-Anne and we went for the Burger month at hot shots for lunch. It was delicious. I also went and met MaryAnn at the radio station where we worked on making top hats and corks for the gala. I then went and had the mussels special at FMB before coming home to watch the boys and now I am very tired from being up so early and I’m going to bed.

March 23, 2026

I got a lot done at the office, met Mary Ann at the storage and loaded up gala decor and took it to meet Nadine at the empty space at the radio station where she works so we could work on sample table centres. It was about 3 hours together and it was fun and we got a lot done. I really enjoyed it and felt appreciated

I noticed that my rose is budding, yay!

March 22, 2026

I didn’t get to sleep until around two, but it was delightful to crawl into my freshly made bed. It’s a simple pleasure in life clean sheets pumped up pillows. I truly slept well. Woke up at seven something and went back to sleep till 1022.

My brain did start to kick in about all the things that had happened yesterday and Wyatt triggered me so much. I got a text from Rae-Anne asking if I wanted to go for a walk around 12:30. I suggested I would love to go for splitting one of the Burger month burgers and then a walk. She came around 12:15 and I was ready to go. It was a beautiful sunny day out, a little bit cool but kind of perfect for walking. She took my bottles and cans for Will and we put my recycle in the car, intending to take it as well. We did forget that part of it, but went and had a delicious burger at ABC restaurant and then went to Idlewild Park and walked the loop twice. It was very good for me to be able to talk out the whole thing and even remind myself of the people that do invite me to things and do enjoy my company and do include me and appreciate me. It meant a lot even to wake up this morning to a message of love and encouragement from my friend in the UK.

I was dropped off around two, grabbed the recycling and put it in my car and headed to the office to work on gala items ahead of our meeting tomorrow after work. I used the Cricut all by myself. It would have turned out perfect. If they hadn’t been a big wrinkle in the material I was trying to use so I will do it differently tomorrow. I enjoy creating things. I think I have an inner artist. I also worked on a few tax returns, even completing and filing one. I try to reach out to people in advance so then on the weekends and evenings when they are off work, they can send me the things that I need and I happen to get a bunch today. That helped get further in the process. I do appreciate that people trust me to take care of this important thing for them.

Since I got home, I’ve made a little bit of dinner played a little game on my iPad and watch several episodes of fallout which I am very addicted to. I will be sad when season two is over. apparently there will be a Season 3, so says Google. 

March 21, 2026

I do not like that I do care what people think. Not all people, some people, my circle. I realized fully tonight that many are user friendly. I am an avid volunteer and get pulled in when desperate. I rarely get invited to things, but really appreciate it when I am. It means a lot to me to know people think of me just for me. I guess that’s my love language, knowing that I am not out of sight, out of mind. I feel like I mostly am though. I volunteer a lot so I won’t just always be alone. I do enjoy 50/50 selling a lot, have a good rapport with the fans and most nights have sold the winning ticket. I did again tonight. I was mocked by my supervisor in front of the winner. I was then not included in the group gathering with champagne after the game so I just slunk away home. I don’t want it to hurt and I wish I had a personality that fits in better, but I will cry once again, put on a mask and let it go… until I can’t. Maybe it’s time for me to sell it all and be a nomad as I feel that is my true calling.

March 21, 2026

Rae and Gene showed up at 10 to shop at my glassware collection. He was so thrilled to have my fancy martini and wine glasses as well as a set of shot glasses and four crown royal cocktail glasses. When my day of working in personal taxes was done he invited me for a special cocktail that tasted like lemon meringue pie

At 4:15 live streamed on YouTube I watched Emmy at light and sound camp at Science World in Vancouver. Oh the irony that the sound and tech were sub par. She did well and loved being there.

I ended up staying for delicious fried rice and a fun visit with the kids. Managed to use my Landmark points to get a premium seat to join everyone at the late show of Project Hail Mary. It was so good! We were the first there

March 19, 2026

Rotary lunch was great as our assistant governor Al Dyck gave a presentation about what we do around the world. The meal was very good at the heritage butter, chicken and rice and naan and salad.

I worked on the couple of tax returns that sent me information and then the Rotary newsletter for the afternoon. After that, I headed to encore as it was Rotary rocks night at trivia. Unfortunately, one of our four teams did not win and it was proven that Colin’s team who he tells me should be playing for charity wasn’t really because they did not donate the money to our charity as we hoped they would, lol. We all did have a lot of fun though although I found myself overstimulated and agitated by the sound in there and Brett was awesome to join me at Fenwick and Baker where we sat in the peace and relative quiet and had a good visit. I am glad to be home and I’m looking forward to the weekend.

March 18, 2026

Work work work

Strata council meeting. I am President. Went very well. One of the others said we accomplished more in that hour than had been done all last year. That is satisfying.

Ran out of there to see Karissa for my 8 pm haircut. I always enjoy visiting with her

March 17, 2026

I got up and did my Pilates and was having my coffee when I got a call from a client that went on for quite a while so I just got myself ready and went to work. I did get a lot done before coming home around six having something to eat and now it’s only nine and I am falling asleep in my chair. So off to bed, I go. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

March 16, 2026

My nearly 85 year old mother has better vision than I do! The surprise for me is that my left eye astigmatism lessened for the first time. I asked my optometrist if reducing stress could have contributed to that and she thought it could. Perhaps this work life balance is paying off. I did order new glasses and made sure they are the same shape as my current ones so that I can use my toppers. It was actually much less than I have paid in the past for progressive lenses.

I worked until nearly 8 on tax returns and then made some healthy food and watched the Oscars. I have enjoyed it and found it most surprising that the category I have seen the most of was documentary. There were many posts on Facebook and I captured one the was a picture of two legends posted by another, all of whom I had the very good fortune to meet at MusicFest. Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush (an incorrigible flirt) and David Gogo. I sometimes wonder if musicians are aware of the lasting effect they can have on the little people they will have interacted with along the way.

I did book a couple things today, a hotel to overnight in Rossland on the 28th when I go to our District Assembly and I confirmed my registration in Sandpoint May 1-3 for the District Conference

March 15, 2026

So far…

I did fold my laundry too….

March 14, 2026

Yes, 6 years today since I began this project. I thought it would be only for the time of the pandemic, but that did not have a hard and fast end, it seemed. It became a habit, a good habit, one that got me through some tough times. Some days it is a grind and I wonder if it matters enough to keep going. And then I remember that one day (and even today) I won’t remember much, but will enjoy reading about turning 57 in the lockdown period and a life well lived since.

Today I got up after a good rest and did a few chores that I had been ignoring before heading to meet Jess and Monica at Kootenay Winecrafters where Elva had my bourbon barrel red ready to bottle. I just enjoyed myself and didn’t even take any pics. All three of those ladies are dear friends and I enjoy spending time with them.

Back at home I watched Slow Horses to the end of Season 5 and finished another Lego. It’s missing 5 pieces but I’ll keep a watch for them.

I then got ready and headed to The Stage Door to emcee for The Locals. It was a lovely evening. Dawson and Angus set a lovely vibe, Wally played some instrumental jigs for St Paddy’s Day, Jon put aside his stage manager hat to play a set and even had Maddi and Wally join him for a John Prine song.

Following the intermission Note-able Folk (Jim and Dave) shared some beautiful harmonies which got the audience singing along. The night wrapped up with a lovely set by Maddisun. She’s a good all around entertainer.

I am enjoying my theatre set peephole pictures.

My plan for the rest of the night is to register for Rotary Convention in Sandpoint in May and keep this lovely mood. Music is good for my soul.

March 13, 2026

I’m happy to say that for the second week in a row, I did my BetterMe workouts every day. Now, last couple days there have been a few challenges, but my muscles aren’t hurting as bad today. I do have to get creative around here because I don’t have an actual wall to do the wall exercises against so I do them against my front door.

I took a call from a client while I was still home having my coffee and decided to commit to getting her work done today. She only reaches out a couple times a year and it’s often time sensitive when she finally does. I admit this caused me a bit of stress as I had forgotten completely that I had all my payroll to do today as well.

I was grateful when Rayann reached out to go share a burger month burger at the Heid-out. It was 2 o’clock by the time I was finally able to get away and I am very glad I did. It completely destressed me sitting and chatting about all the things and enjoying our burger and flights of beer.

I dropped her at home and was back at the office around 4:30 and stayed until seven-ish. I got all the things done so I don’t have to worry about going in on the weekend. A highlight was getting a call from my kid brother Greg. We used to chat all the time. It was nice just to have a call for that purpose a quick chat to catch up and then he had to take another call or something. It made me happy.

On my way home from work, I stopped at prestige as I had gotten a text that their donation to the gala was ready to pick up at the front desk. They gave the one thing that I would love to do a night in the rail, car hotel room and a gift card for food at a nice restaurant there. The woman behind the desk asked my name and then said that I looked familiar. I said you may have worked with my grandson Gene and she got a great big smile and laughed and said yes you were here last year.

She is definitely in the right business

March 12, 2026

The snow was all gone this morning, barely a memory. I went into the office for a very short time to make some payments and then picked up the piece of linoleum donated from affordable floors for our gala decor and headed to the Rotary luncheon. The speakers today were Brenna and Stephanie about Cranbrook Burger month. It was a highly amusing presentation as Steph warned us to ‘buckle up’ and then made a comment at one point that when the pandemic hit and an opportunity came to keep her work at the fire hall she said, of course I want to work. I need to make money. My feet aren’t pretty enough. I’m not sure how many people in that room even knew what she was talking about but I let out a big guffaw that’s for sure.

After the meeting Nadine MaryAnn and I all went to the storage locker and rearrange things into the order that we had previously and ready things for taking to the gala. The space is quite amazing now.

Back at the office, I filed a complicated tax return for a nonresident before heading for a bite to eat at F&B to be met by a new bartender, Nick. He seems nice enough. He’s just very young and I think that one of the servers has the hots for him.

From there, I went to the elevator grand opening at Key City Theatre. I was a lovely little soirée and I had nice visits. I took a fun picture of Dennis Walker from the radio station, local photographer, Brian Clarkson, and newspaper photographer Trevor Crawley.

The ladies and I were first up the elevator after the dignitaries. And on the ride down by myself, the door is open to find me photo bombing a picture of the board in front of the doors. Everyone had a good laugh.

The Weber Brothers, whom I follow on Facebook, put out a post asking for pictures of mothers and sons. I posted two of my favourites and when I posted the first one I put the comment that he said I looked like a princess and they almost immediately responded He’s right! That was very sweet

March 11, 2026

Well, if variety is the spice of life, my life is very spicy. Today I was in and out of office, at a rotary board meeting, picked up gala items, bought a shelf of marketplace that lady brought in from Moyie (pretty good deal for only $15.), filed my first tax returns of the season, came out of work to big fluffy snow, and rebuilt an entire Star Wars Lego set. There are still a couple of pieces off to add to it when I come across them, but they were so tiny and I needed to move on.

I also can’t believe it’s been six years already since the pandemic was declared six years today

March 10, 2026

Last Thursday I lost an earring that Rae gave me for Christmas and today someone found it and returned it to me.

My burger for burger month was not great…

Will called that he was hired at Heidout and starts tomorrow. I had set that interview up for him and he impressed them. He did put me in a position though as he told me that if I mentioned him in my blog he had to make his mom cookies and if not she had to make them for him. I stopped at their house after picking up Moms pills and dropping them off. I ended up staying for dinner which was delicious. We had a good laugh and I decided they just both had to make cookies for me.

Once home I did a couple Lego sets and watched The Voice and RJ Decker. I am going to try to sleep now

March 9, 2026

I’ve been watching more of season one of Fallout and it has me so tense. I am not usually into horror. Well, except my Stephen King collection that is. This is so well done and I am not sure I should watch it before trying to sleep.

I experimented with the edible glitter and champagne. Looks good

March 8, 2026

I did get chores done and then sorted Lego into the new drawer set and worked on rebuilds. Some are still incomplete as I need missing bits but quite a few are now done

It was a nice way to spend a windy rainy Sunday while watching the rest of the season of Shrinking and then continuing on to Slow Horses.