triumphgal

May 13, 2023

Up at 7, got myself ready and headed to pick up fruit and veg trays at Safeway and then ice at Arby’s before heading down to the park. There was a beehive of activity going on to get things ready for the Children’s Festival from 10-4. It was a hot but light breezy day and everyone seemed in good moods. I really enjoyed the day and it went relatively smooth. There was one incident where a 12-14 year old boy completely disrespected everyone and directly, me. I calmly made him comply with my requests for fixing what he had done and he was a little snot. It is hard to understand how kids have so little respect for others, especially their elders. There were also a myriad of special moments, including the hoop dancers from Invermere. These young to very young indigenous dancers showed such a level of commitment and determination to do each of their parts that it was inspirational. I am so happy to be involved at the committee level with this group, It was a very long day though and my left knee is throbbing. I am considering wearing my brace if it feels this way tomorrow.

I came home just before 6, showered up and Tracey and I went to Encore for a DIY comedy show. We sat with Bill and Deanne enjoying the company and a couple beer. The Emcee, Scott Porteus was facing a tough room as there were pool tables between the stage and the audience and the sound system wasn’t clear at first. He did well handling it with aplomb. There were three comedians, the first being Mike Payne. His comedy was a whole lot of blue which was a bit awkward as there were tweener aged kids finishing up bowling who left during his set, passing behind him as he was talking about eating out ass. I found the shock factor unnecessary. The second one was Herbert Henries (Scott’s Alterego) of Canada’s Got Talent fame. He does a Comedy Dangerist act that is quite charming and I enjoyed him on the show and in person. The Headliner was Frank Russo. He has an infectious smile and has polished his craft. I would see him again.

After the show, we chatted with the guys outside about the challenges of the show. They are off to Nakusp next and then Salmo and basically all around the Kootenays before hitting Kelowna and other major centres. I would be interested to hear how they fair in other small venues. We talked about the talk going on during their sets and I had to agree that it was annoying for us as an audience as well. I wonder if they would have had a better experience at a place like the Stage Door where people would be quiet and interact when asked. The energy would have been better. It was good for a first go at entertainment though at Encore. I suspect they will learn much from it, just as we did at the festival today. It was funny to see the children’s performers at the comedy show. They seemed to be guests of the brewmaster. I picked up my monthly two free Crowlers tonight and look forward to enjoying over the next while. I like the packaging as well.

Now I am very tired and glad I don’t have to set and alarm tomorrow.

May 12, 2023

I had a zoom meeting with a new client from out of town at 10 this morning, dealt with all my email and VIMF invites to new applicants and then I headed to Rotary Park to see what was happening with set up for the children’s festival. I arrived just as they were struggling to put together the big party tent for the Green Room and joked that the Foreman was here. I promptly whipped out my phone and found a diagram and told them the layout of all the poles. It went up in no time at all and everyone was grateful. Timing is everything. I will print the directions for next year. I left then to go see mom and read the paperwork they had left about the Power of Attorney and Health Directives, etc. while she was in physio. She had read it too and we ticked off the things she needed to ask the Notary to draw up. We had a nice visit and made a plan with the nurse that I will pick up Mom in my car to take her to the ENT at the hospital next Thursday and if it is too tough on her they will bring her back by ambulance. It will be a good test run as they think she will be able to go home on the 26th. They also think she will need a walker for the rest of her life now. She seems in good spirits and is eager to get back to her community at Joseph Creek.

I picked up more beverages from Selkirk which I dropped at home and then headed to the park again. The weather is perfect and I helped put together some cool wood trees with Velcro on them for messages and then just made myself useful wherever I was needed. It is a great team to work with. It was fun to sit in the chill out tent and blow up balloons with Monica and learn more about each other.

Tonight was Pretty for the People playing with the Amuse Troupe performing in between, There was a stilt walker and hula hoops and all kinds of fun that all the little kids just loved. After the band played their second set to a well packed crowd, the Troupe did a fire show and it was a lot of fun for everyone. The music was great and sounded fabulous through the new equipment that Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society loaned to them as a major sponsor. Matt was the Audio guy and he did a great job even with us panicking him by changing the speaker set up with half an hour to go before show time.

I like being the ‘see a need, fill it’ person. I was able to observe and assist where needed. I even got to make an announcement and welcome the band back. Everyone was in such a good mood and I can;t wait until tomorrow. I do have to get up early to pick up food at Safeway and ice at Arby’s by 8:30 and be down there to help set up the hospitality/green room for the 10-4 Festival.

May 11, 2023

I spent good chunks of the day reaching out to local establishments for donations to feed the volunteers and performers at the children’s festival this weekend. I was overwhelmed at the kind response by so many. I was able to gather Pepsi products from Selkirk Beverages, a gift card from Safeway to buy fruit trays, yogurt and mini muffins from my friend Ward, the Gordon Food Service guy, and promise of 5 pizzas from Canadian 2 for 1 on the day of. My co-gatherer, Amy, also had Domino’s Pizza promise 19 pizzas and Cobbs will treat us to scones and buns. Along with coffee and a water station, I feel our volunteers will be able to fuel up easily during the day. It really was nice to take the time to chat at each location and show appreciation directly. We will also thank them on our socials. Honestly, this is a lovely group of people doing something fun for children and families and even the weather is promising to cooperate!

In between, I also got some work done and all my necessary reports done for our next Board meeting which will be that much closer to Summer Sounds debuting on its new night of the week.

From 5-7 I pulled a shift at Arby’s. My last one was February 12th so I was a bit concerned I would be rusty. It was not too busy but I was necessary so I was glad I accepted the shift. It always makes me happy working the drive-thru window, taking payment and giving back sustenance and smiles. It was nice to work with two new guys as well, They seemed quite serious but I managed to make them laugh along the way.

I came home and heated up some gyozas which are light and delicious and then watched The Voice and Canada’s Got Talent. A little light entertainment was just what I needed.

I followed up for the third week in a row with the notary’s office about Mom’s power of attorney. The last two times they said they would have the person working on the file get back to me. This time she said she couldn’t tell me anything so I had Mom call them. They said they were swamped and would have someone get back to her. How ridiculous. She then called me later to say they had dropped off the paperwork during dinner and it was a book that she wanted me to come go through with her. I will do that tomorrow. Funny how they came out of the swamp so fast….

May 10, 2023

I had much interaction with people by phone and email today as I dealt with clients and volunteering responsibilities. It wears me down some days more than others. I feel bad for ‘the guy’ as I have nothing left in me and he is not especially good at recognizing that which is somewhat fair as he doesn’t know me well enough. I had to tell him that I need to push pause this week due to my commitments. Next week doesn’t look a whole lot better but I haven’t even made it to see my Mom the last two days. Tonight I am watching shows and playing Candy Crush and trying to put the world away for a moment.

May 9, 2023

I was highly amused when I got to work and read the fun board on the fridge. Nikki updates the puns regularly and this one was cute but I actually laughed out loud when I read the note at the bottom as ‘have a lonely day’. I am sure it was to say lovely but it was so appropriate.

I got caught up on email and then it was time to head to Baker Hill Dental for a CT. Modern dentistry is quite amazing. The intention is to make a plan for what to do with my broken off tooth.

When it was done they gave me the images on a flash drive and I took it to my dentist across town. As the first dentist was only a 6 minute walk from my office and it was a sunny day, I decided to walk. I decided to walk to my own dentist after and had a nice loop through town. After I dropped off the drive I was making my way back and realized I hadn’t put my jewelry back on so I stopped on the sidewalk, put my earrings in and attempted to put my nose ring back in. It was not going easily and I realized I looked like I was picking my nose. I stepped into the pawn shop and asked to look in a mirror to put it back in but suddenly it was gone. I didn’t find it anywhere so I stopped at Hemp 2000 and bought a new one and put it in while I was there. Back to the office and much work to do until I was just done and wrapped it up for another day.

I brought home my Amazon package and was not happy to see that the box of alcohol free Pinot Grigio had clearly been broken open when it was put in my parcel. I unpacked it and was happy to see they were all there but some were banged up or dented. I made a plan to go for a walk with the guy later and then made some dinner.

It appears that Missy likes the long grass but I will have to get mowing it soon before it becomes too difficult.

He showed up and we walked over to and around the far side of Elizabeth Lake. It was the perfect temperature and the birds were in abundance and loud. I have enjoyed some of my time spent with him but I worry that we are already running out of things to talk about. Keeping it casual is great for the short term but there definitely is a gap in our life experiences and interests. I am trying not to overthink it. Just enjoy it for now. And it was a nice day for a walk.

May 8, 2023

I climbed into a bath with a book this morning. This is something I have never done before work before. I knew the day could be vulnerable for me emotionally so I started off kind to myself. It was a tough start to begin with as I had realized far too late that I forgot my special pillow at the Airbnb in Calgary. It would cost too much to ship it and it is probably time for a new one… but I missed it terribly last night. Once I got myself together I packed all Mom’s treats together and headed to Green Home to drop them off. She was in Physio so I just set up everything for her to enjoy; 2 new spy novels, baby cucumbers, Baby Bell cheese, Green grapes and slippers. Off to the office I went.

The day was so full and so much needed intense concentration. I was especially not happy to get a call from one of my dear client friends that he is in hospital with pancreatitis and we were trying to do his payroll confirmations over the phone. I pray he recovers quickly as he is a fair and successful businessman, one whom I want to see succeed.

I worked on MusicFest things for an hour before heading to see Mom, knowing her dinner would be done. We had a great visit, even getting to see the NHL Draft lottery together. Sadly my Ducks came second so miss out on Bédard who everyone wants. I will have to watch in June for the actual draft to see how it all pans out.

Once I got home, I made a meal from HF and was about to sit down for it when the guy called. I wanted to visit with a good man tonight as is my tradition but I am not sure he got the depth of feeling I was having so I declined his invitation to come over. This was not a booty call night. It has been 19 years tonight since my Dad crashed his float plane and died. Not a year goes by that I don’t wish I could have had more time. The closer I get to his age at death, 64, the more I think I feel it. As I was making my dinner I received a forwarded message via Rae-Anne from Morgan Turner who I had completely forgotten took pics of me on my 60th at the Encore preview night. He happened to send them today, how perfect was that!?! Pics of me, in my Dad’s Willys, on the anniversary of his death… and I love them!!

Dinner was delicious and I love the new cutting board and accessory dishes I scored at Ikea

With my Hello Fresh came tea samples from the UK that profess to be the most popular. I shall leave it up to the besties to weigh in and will try it soon to know how I feel about it

It was nice to come home tonight to the beautiful flowers I bought at Costco and to have enjoyed some at the office.

I had no intention of talking to anyone tonight. I am peopled out and was planning to go to bed early but… here it is nearly midnight and I have been Facebook responding, messaging and FaceTiming. Seems the universe, or my guardian angel Dad, knew what I really needed. Love you all… good night.

May 7, 2023

I did not have a good sleep as the bed was hard and the air as hot. Got myself up and showered and when the girls were ready we all headed off to Nellie’s Break The Fast. It was in a new location and is one of two remaining of what once was a thriving bunch of 7 restaurants in the Calgary area. Back in 2002, Lee (my husband at the time), Jake, Ashlée and I were part of Trading Places, a novel reality show in Canada. We traded lives with the family who owned and ran the restaurants. They went to Salt Spring Island. I have all the show on my YouTube Channel. It is broken into chunks where the commercials were. Geckosgal is my channel. I was not surprised to see new owners as the previous ones had many health violations and due to many other circumstances, including Covid-19, they were either sold or shut down. The surprise was the same menu. When we arrived in Calgary, this menu was laying on the dining room table to give a hint about what I would be doing.

Breakfast was delicious and we had a nice chat with the current owner about our history with the business. From there we three walked around and discovered some interesting art. I would love to take part when it is open. I was posing under the crown doing a selfie, when a young lady walked by and said I looked gorgeous. That was a great moment in the day.

Next stop was Costco where KC was happy to let us shop with her on her Dad’s card. I picked up some beautiful plants, all my favourite things and a bunch of items for Mom. We had the nicest lady, Maureen, help us through the self serve and even though it was a very busy Sunday there, we had a good experience.

From there, we said goodbye to KC at Ikea and Ash and I meandered our way through. I picked up a lovely basket, another of my favourite bath mats and we both picked up some lovely plants.

By now I am beginning to get citied out and we still needed to go back to Chinook Mall as one of the two La Vie En Rose items I bought was not a good fit. We both chose a meal at the food court. Mine was Pad See Ew and I can safely say that our local Family Thai makes a far better version. I had my first experience at Marble Slab…. OMG

The washrooms there were cool with soap, water and air dispensers at every spot. So bougie!

Now it was time to get gas and head home. Ash knows of a cheap spot and I am so glad we went there! Over 45 cents a Litre cheaper than home!

We visited a lot and then Ash had a nap as I worked our way home. The rain kept pounding down intermittently and the only spot we stopped was to see the ‘part’ on the back of a bucket we saw on the way there. We took some pics and talked to the driver who said he was waiting until Midnight to bring it to the mine. It is 2/3rds of a rock bucket and the other third is already in place awaiting it.

The rest of the drive we chatted and shared life and advice and perspective with each other. I think this is the best time we have spent together since I went to Newfoundland to visit her. I am so glad we had this time to spend together and remember how much we love each other. It was a really great weekend!! But boy howdy, I am peopled out!!!

It was too late to see Mom on her birthday but I will take her a gift and care package tomorrow

May 7, 2023

Was up and at it in time to enjoy a couple coffee and casually be ready to load the car and go. I picked up Ashlée, and enjoyed the bagel and cream cheese she had ready for me. We got coffee at McDonald’s with some full free sticker cards and then hit the road. It has been nearly a year since we have travelled in the same vehicle together and it was lovely to chat and catch up. She even shared her Japanese Oreos with me!

She took a nap while I continued listening to A Beautiful Boy on Audible. We stopped at a gas/service station with and A&W just out of Calgary to use the facilities and get something to eat and then headed to the Chinook Mall. Once we got parked we found that our entrance was right at the temporary location of Victoria Secret and we both came out with a beautiful bounty of bras, and for me, panties. Next was La Vie En Rose where I purchased a very pretty night slip. I actually got two but will be taking one back as it just doesn’t feel as awesome of a fit. I wandered up to the Bay while Ash checked out the mall. After scouring the racks I had almost given up on finding a new jean jacket when I saw a rack with a sign reading, All Women’s Levi Products 25% off with HBC Rewards card. There was only one left that fit me properly and they had my card on file by my phone number so win-win. I love it!

We drove to the AirBnB I had booked to meet KC who was down from Edmonton and already settled in. It is so nice to see her again as it has been since last July. We got ourselves together and headed to the Rec Room for the concert. In line ahead of us was a lovely lady named Diane who had brought her 85 year old Father to the concert and was going to be taking him home to Newfoundland for a visit in September. When we got in the girls noticed he didn’t have a chair so I made it my mission to find him one and it was quickly supplied by the bar back when I asked and mentioned who it was for.

Morrisey’s Private Stock opened the show and there was a broken glass on the dance floor before the first song was over. Everyone was having a good time. It was tough to stand the whole night but thank goodness we staked the square post in the middle to lean against, that really helped.

Ashlée stood in line to get us crazy good corn dogs that I am sure were 1000 calories but delicious.

There was quite a long break between bands but Shanneyganock played straight on through and were great fun. It is a shame I did not like the acoustics or mix (not entirely sure which) as it was very difficult to understand them and it had nothing to do with their accents. They also looked a little tired. I think they are at that stage of the tour. Still so great though and the audience was enthusiastic. I texted Bob Pike who played with them when I saw them and met him in St. John’s. He replied right away about being a union light guy now for the movie industry. It’s a shame, would love to see him out this way.

It was such a fun night and to learn that Bud Davidge who was playing with them wrote the Mummers song and Friends and Family made it even more special. So glad we came.

I saw the guy who looked like he may be the guy and asked if he was the promoter. Turns out he is and we talked about discussing bringing them to Cranbrook. He gave me his card and I will reach out soon. I think they will sell out in the Kootenays.

The venue was amazing, I wanted to stay and play. There were so many cool games!

I am not sure the chairs were entirely happy though

We are now all back tucked in, with ringing in our ears. I was very disappointed in myself that I forgot my Loops in my other jacket as I knew it would be loud.

May 5, 2023

Today was going to be busy and I was up early so I made my Hello Fresh meal with intention to share with a coworker. I was glad she was happy to sit and eat with me and we both enjoyed it.

I went to a client’s to help her with a software transition that I was unfamiliar with but it ended up going well and she is a wonderful personality that I enjoy helping. On the way I was very unhappy though that my Pairs blew off due to them not fitting properly with my new lenses installed. When I was done I parked far from where they blew off and walked both sides of the highway up and down to no luck. One lovely human pulled over to be sure I was okay and ask if I needed a ride or help. I let her know how much I appreciated that.

I texted the guy to let him know that he made my day with his texts each morning and he came over to my place. We had a lovely evening and it took the stress off completely as we are both on the same page about what we want and don’t, leaving no expectations or disappointments out there. Gosh, it’s good to meet someone who straight up communicates the same way I do. We are cool with this being just what it is, at its own pace and without strings. Meeting a grown ass adult and exploring a relationship that fits into our own lives is refreshing.

I am packed and ready to head out tomorrow with Ashlée to meet KC and see Shanneyganock in Calgary. Can’t wait!!

May 4, 2023

Today was very productive working with a client’s auditors for their yearend. I was quite moved when they told me that I should charge $20 and hour more than I do for my level of expertise. I have always undervalued my work and need to reevaluate things going forward. I do know what I bring to the table but can’t just hike things that much. I will have to make a plan.

I don’t want to describe exactly how my evening went but suffice to say, my first date with a man went very well and I was grinning like a giddy teenager when he dropped me off. Pizza and a walk in the woods by the lake, great conversation, and good laughs does make me want to see where this goes. It has been a long time since I have let my guard down and been open to the idea of a person in my life. I want to take it slow and not be hurt. I am attracted to him and the fact that I am 14 years older than him only phases me a little bit, lol.

May 3, 2023

Ok, so it was a day that was full of Auditors and actions. The real important stuff was that I received a message from the guy this morning wishing me a good day. It is those simple pleasures that draw me nearer. I reached out after work and we made a plan for tomorrow evening. I feel like a teenager and a dowager in the same breath. I hope the first date will get me over that and settle me into the ‘we are grown assed adults” phase.

I was given a bottle of crown by Tracey and it had a paper around its neck that had a QR code to make a free label for a bottle. I chose to make one to fit the awesome lamp that my friend Shannon made me and it arrived today! Cool.

My Hello Fresh arrived a day late and completely not cold. The ice packs were melted and the meat was only barely above room temp. I messaged the company and they credited me for the box. I cooked the pork tonight to try to salvage it and it seems to have set well. I will see how the chicken goes tomorrow!

I had a great long talk with my friend Mark tonight and he is such a good sounding board from a Man’s perspective about any red flags I may have about tomorrow. It is always good to have a friend of the opposite sex who shares so many of your virtues and perspectives.

May 2, 2023

The Dr from where Mom is staying called me today to fill me in on all the details. It is confirmed that she has small c cancer. There is not radiation needed and we expect it can be removed easily but will be confirmed when we see the ENT on the 18th. Turns out her hip is broken from her fall Wednesday night but in the same best case scenario, the orthopedic surgeon says it is a minimal crack above her bionic hip and will heal itself. She is already weight bearing but will need therapy in house for an extra couple weeks. So, bad news, GOOD news.

I had a busy day at work and then jumped in the Willys to go do an errand at the far end of the strip. For those of you who do not know, the ‘strip’ is the divided highway through town. The day was perfect and I was scooting along in the fast lane, preparing to turn left. There was a pickup in front of me that I was pacing for speed, a few car lengths behind me in my lane another truck and beside it, a semi. Suddenly, the truck in front of me switched to the right lane and all I could see was a big Dodge Ram’s grill coming toward me. The poor woman driving was on the wrong side of the median. I checked my mirror, slammed on the brakes and raised both arms straight up over my head like goal posts to signal those behind me. Everyone managed to get stopped and she made her way across the traffic and turned left into the mall. I was slow to get going again and the semi came up beside me, tooted his horn and gave me a big thumbs up and wave out his window. I pulled into where my errand was and then when I got back in the jeep to leave, my brakes were frozen. I called my friend to ask what to do and he said he would try to send his son to help. In the meantime, a guy pulled up and was very excited about my ride. Andy was so enamored of my ride that he asked me if I was married. I think he was in that 40s range too which made me smile. He hung out with me for almost an hour while I let her cool down and then I started her up again and all was well. I think there may have been an airlock in the master cylinder. All in all, I thank my motorcycle training to always be aware of my surroundings, the ability to remain calm in a crisis and not to stall her out. I also gave my Dad’s little stuffed dog that travels with me a squeeze of gratitude for all of us being safe in that situation. I feel sorry for that poor lady who made the mistake. She must have been terrified. I should have thought to follow her and make sure she was okay but honestly, I was probably in shock myself.

May 1, 2023

I made myself get up an hour earlier. Today was the day I committed to not smoking and to getting back on the treadmill. I had let my own health slip while dealing with the stress of Mom’s. That is not to blame her or even the universe. I make my own choices. I just choose my battles and to protect my mental health I let a few things drop through the cracks. I have been still weighing myself every day and recording most of what I eat and drink. I am still over 40 gone and want to continue to feel I am on a good trajectory.

Speaking of cracks, it turns out Mom does have a crack in the bone above the ball of her bionic hip. Apparently the Dr is supposed to come talk to her tomorrow and I asked if they can FaceTime with me so I can get a clear understanding. She can weight bear now she says, so that is an improvement.

Today was a bitch at work, I apparently couldn’t figure out the correct way to set up something in the background of the payroll software and I pushed play before seeing the big error. All of the employees were sent notice of the incorrect payroll and I was in the middle of someone else’s when they mistake was realized. It took me a while to make it right but I did and then ran three more payroll. I super concentrated on them to make sure there were no issues. The funny thing is part of the reason it went wrong was I am finding myself quick to anger. There is no slow burn, other’s annoyances make me want to run screaming away and say Fuck it All. I won’t of course but I need to get a handle on what it is that sends me that way. Maybe I need to pay a professional… wait, I just remembered that council comes with my benefits. I may just take advantage of it.

There was a lovely moment in the day when I got a text from the guy. I am so stressed to not read into anything so decided to not text him first. It made me smile when he asked how my day went. I did tell him that he made me smile and it was a pleasant short conversation as I was still at the office and didn’t feel up to getting together this evening. It is nice to feel the nervousness of making a new friend. I am open to seeing where it goes. I did suddenly realize that I don’t even know what he looks like except that he has nice eyes, as I have only seen him in a mask. I may have to ask him for a picture, making it very clear I do not accept the other kind, lol.

Gosh my Willys brings me joy! I have so much fun driving it and am smiling most of the time. Many people wave and smile. It feels good to respond. I never wanted to be one of those collector car owners who stare straight ahead and are too cool for school.

April 30, 2023

I had a decent sleep and tried to arrange help to clear out my yard and get ready for summer but it was felt the smoke from the prescribed burns was too strong. So, I made a manicure appointment instead. I went an hour early so I could shop for proper fitting shorts. I seem stuck between the booty and old lady walking shorts this season. I was super unimpressed with the service I did not receive at several stores and finally just picked up a couple cute sundresses on sale and headed for my appointment. I had a lovely visit while having my nails done and made a temporary plan to go on adventures together. He has been in town from Ontario for a year now and finds it hard to make friends. Sounds like some future fun for sure. I wandered down the mall and stopped in at Telus to see about updating my phone. They have a buyback program now which is basically leasing a phone for two years with free upgrades. I now gave an iPhone 14 Pro and will sell my 12 Pro. It unfortunately took 2 hours to make it happen as the new phone had to be updated first. The sales agent was very lovely and we had good talks and laughs. I now know way more about her than I should but when you make a connect, you make a connection. I laughed when I realized all the employees were hanging around me and I went across the aisle to Shoppers and bought some chips to share as I was getting hangry. While I was in the mall I also bought 315 toys for the Fish Pond at Kootenay Children’s Festival for less than $.77 each at Showcase as their deal at the moment was buy 3 of anything in the store and get 1 free. I bought a bunch of mystery fidget toys. We already had a bunch but this will top up the need. Upon leaving the mall, I headed to drop the toys off at Monica and Galens and ended up having a most lovely visit. Their home is exactly what I would love to have with a stunning view of the mountains from the balcony off their bedroom and a cozy private porch off the back. It was so nice to just visit, not talk business etc, but get to know each other better. They have (had) an interesting life and are just super kind loving people. Once I got home I made a good dinner and then settled down to make sure my new phone is set up properly. I do love it’s rich purple colour and my pretty new case and pop socket.

April 29, 2023

I had a lovely day. First stop was the Talaria shoe store grand opening of their Cranbrook expansion where I was treated to a mimosa and came out with a cookie and new kicks.

Next was off to see Mom and get her Health Portal set up on her phone. We had to call in and get assistance to verify the email and it is all good now. She still has no results from her X-ray on Friday which is disheartening but we had a nice visit.

From there I went to Shoppers to pick up some expensive products to protect my skin as I already got too much sun yesterday while riding around in the jeep. Must protect as I have not always been good at that and want to prevent further damage. The saleswoman was lovely and helpful and sent me home with some divine perks as well.

On the way from there I stopped at OK Tire and they torqued my wheels, cleaned the writing off the sidewalls and even added a shiny spray to them. Great follow up service!

I came home and took apart the canopy so I could wash it. Although it didn’t come out perfect, it’s a huge improvement and will keep the jeep protected. I only had to put it back together twice as I wasn’t paying attention enough in the hot sun. At the peak I saw that it was 27 again. What a big change!

I was looking for my remote and found the note Emmy had written and stuck on her Dad on April Fools Day. Not bad for she hadn’t even turned 6 yet that day.

I showered and dressed nice, jumped in the car and headed to Kimberley. I met Greg and Sandra there at Charcoal restaurant and we had a great visit and a delicious meal. I had the Indian style butter prawns. We all went to Centre 64 to see Jim Byrnes play. It is a lovely intimate setting and he along with Eric Reed (Tiller’s Folly and many more) and Simon Kendall (Doug and the Slugs) thoroughly entertained us all. After the show I went down front and Jim said hey I know you and we had a hug. I have been blessed several times at MusicFest over the years to be his person when he is on site, driving him around in my golf cart, etc. Last year we spent a lot of time together, chatting and it was good to see him play when I had time to enjoy it.

I was struck by the beauty of this piece in the lobby of the theatre. Wish I had looked to see who the artist was to give proper credit.

The only bad part of the day was coming home to surprise the neighbourhood big orange cat in my house eating all Missy’s food…..

April 28, 2023

I worked my tushka off to make sure all people who replied and supplied were filed today. All my corporate filings got done and my personal… except mine, lol. To be fair there are three more days and I will have mine done. I got done in time to surprise Emmy by picking her up at her old day care in the Willys. We put her booster seat in place and strapped her in after she showed me that she drew a friend and printed her name and was suntanning with her.

We went to the car wash and got the main dirt and grime off the jeep before going to Arby’s to pick up to go food. We decided to take it for a visit with GG. Once there I realized Mom would love a meal from there and I gave her mine. We had such a good visit. I am worried about her though as there have been no results from yesterday’s x-rays nor a Dr visit. I so appreciate nurse Terry who has been advocating for us and communicating with me. Mom is in a lot of pain and can’t weight bear. I feel so bad for her when she was only two weeks out from going home. She is starting to get depressed as well. I will make more of a point to visit her regularly again, now that tax season is over.

I dropped off Emmy and then came home for a shower before heading to The studio/stage door for opening night of The Shoplifters by Morris Panych. I was disappointed to end up with a seat behind a tall sitting person that somewhat messed with my view but I was impressed with the set and the show. The audience went crazy when there was a kiss at one point as it was the director’s husband and best friend, lol.

After the show I stopped at Encore for one beverage to find it full! So great to see it being so successful. James, our janitor at Groundfloor was there and we made plans to play pool and bowl in the future. I said, it’s a date! but not in a creepy way and we had a good laugh.

I was wearing my Lonesome Ace hat today and at one point I took it off and Emmy said, “oh, that’s why you wear it, you are all white under it” Out of the mouths of babes…

I am amazed that it took until April 28th for me to switch my system from heat to cool but boy did I have to when I got home today! I feel like we skipped Spring altogether.

I was sad tonight though, that a woman I considered a friend didn’t even acknowledge that we were in the same room. One doesn’t always know when a friendship ends but the loss is still real.

April 28, 2023

Or was he misinformed? I was reminded today of something that was drilled into me as a teenager. I would say that I hated a picture of me because I looked fat or unflattering. He would say,”the camera doesn’t lie”. OMG, especially in this era, it certainly does. I don’’t use filters, but I certainly know when the perfect angle works for a selfie. I know when friends use filters to ‘smooth’ the age markings. THE CAMERA LIES! I wish we still lived in an unfiltered world, where people just said, “well, that’s not flattering” and moved on. I look in the mirror these days and see a fat person. I am over 40 pounds less fat than I was, have shrunk out of so many clothes, and yet… I see a person I still don’t want to be. On a good day, I dress, and dance and feel all my power. On a bad day, I want to climb back in to bed and know why no one wants me.

Tonight was a blast at Winter Ale. Jack Spring (16) and Matthew Kumpula (15) opened the night and I was so proud of them for being all they could be. I gave them ‘The Voice’ speech beforehand, encouraging them to make eye contact and connect with the audience and they did it in spades. They have been playing together since they were 10 and are developing a great presence together. I was questioning whether I should be there tonight, but was very glad I was . They opened for Lonesome Ace Stringband who were awesome! And I must say, just really nice guys. I enjoyed my time talking to John Showman, Chris Coole, and Max Malone. Are these not the greatest names for performers?!

It was a perfect day for driving the Willys, warm enough in the morning and at the end of the night. Didn’t even need gloves, although my buffalo plaid ones work perfectly as signal lights.

Mom had to be taken by ambulance for x-rays today. We await the results. sigh.

April 26, 2023

The morning began with putting on my lovely new Llama earrings and seeing a fresh bloom in my garden.

I hopped in the jeep to go see R-A at Encore and drop off a few things. The pool tables had arrived and the sound system was at the ready. They were busy canning beer. There is a mobile guy that comes round to do it, and it was cool to watch through the brewery window.

While I was there I received a call that Mom had fallen out of bed. I made my way there and found her with her leg up and a huge welt on her shin. She had her leg up and an icepack and seemed in good spirits. She opened her mail and I paid her bills. We had a short visit before I had to get to the office and left word for the nurse to phone me when they changed shifts. It is a shame as she is only a couple weeks away from getting home. I hope this doesn’t set her back.We talked again about the Notary and she seemed to think it wasn’t necessary as she is good now. There is still a gap in understanding that POA is not for now, it is insurance, just in case.

I had a very productive and busy day on many files, down to one big one now and a few personal taxes to file including my own. I am still waiting for info for the others. Natalia, the lovely woman from the Ukraine who did some training with me in the Fall showed up around 4:30 with her daughter Maria. They had wonderful things for my birthday. I can’t even believe how thoughtful they were. Teenaged Maria painted the sunflower picture! And oh boy did I enjoy a piece of that cake after dinner. I was so happy for them to hear that they are going home for a vacation to see her husband. Maria very much misses her dad and it will be hard for them to leave again.

Dinner was healthy (ish) and tasty and the wind has calmed down

There was a letter sticking out of the mailbox when I got home. Seems someone wants to buy my place. I asked my neighbour who is in an old trailer and she said she didn’t get one. I am not interested in selling but it is a bold method. I also suspect he may not know how much it was appraised for…. That’s a lot of cash.

April 25, 2023

I had a very tossed and turned 4.5 hours in bed before I just got up and sat on the couch drinking coffee and binging Love is Blind. I chose it because I felt if I fell asleep again I wouldn’t care. I did not fall asleep as I was suffering from all the terrible side effects of antibiotics after eating healthy for so long. (I was afraid to fart) I made it to the office early and left almost 12 hours later. It was a full and intense day, as many in April are. It is the life of a bookkeeper, so many demands in such a small space of time. Did the government plan to choose a month with only 30 days? They clearly chose the moment to go on strike (my birthday). I have a lot of loose ends and that is what disturbs my sleep. I have rarely dropped the ball but in my sleep I am defragging the days and processing to the point that I awake in a sweat.

Danika is doing better and will need to stay in Kelowna for outpatient care for two weeks, I am too busy in the day to take the girls even though I want to, my Hello Fresh didn’t arrive today so it was pirogies in the air fryer, and I am super emotionally fragile. BUT! My day started and ended with picking up my mail. This morning I had a beautiful handwritten thank you card. It was not one I necessarily deserved but if my love for the receiver counts, it was in abundance. When I got home, so many hours later, I had a parcel in the box from my Besties. They sent me gorgeous earrings and I can’t wait to wear them tomorrow. They are so thoughtful. I wish to see their faces live sometime soon. I am afraid I usurped our trip to the East coast this summer with my Vegas trip as I have much to deal with financially but I know that when you are soul mate friends, you figure it out. It’s the way I feel about Sonia, that I am meeting Vegas. We really spent little time together but I felt a bond and can’t wait to see her again!

Some days there is the simple pleasure of leaving the office at 8:38 pm and seeing the glow over the mountains and then checking the weather to know it will be Willys weather coming up!!