As I was getting ready this morning an email popped up with my presale link to see U2 in the Sphere at the Venetian in Las Vegas. On a whim, I threw up a post on Facebook asking if anyone wanted to join me. Minutes later I had a response. In 2011, while staying in Shearwater for work in Bella Bella, I met a woman and her son travelling from Australia. Sonia, Matt and I hit it off right away. We have kept in touch through Facebook and Messenger over the years. As it happens, she is speaking at a conference in Reno the week before! The serendipitous moment was that it was midnight there and she was awake because she had heartburn and was scrolling when she saw my post. She audio messaged me and we purchased a fancy ticket and hotel package at the Venetian for the 7th and 8th of October. What a great way to spend Canadian Thanksgiving! AND! She has to be in Montana sometime after that. when she finds out the dates I will decide if I will drive down and we will roadtrip back north since I would drive down to Montana to fly out anyway. I worked my tail off, accomplishing much with a big smile on my face. Early evening she messaged me again after her night was over and asked if I wanted to see a Cirque de Soleil show. I was hesitant to do the big ticket price but then she told me she took care of us see ‘O’ and it was my birthday present!! This is getting to be a lot!
As I was leaving the office I got a call from my daughter that my granddaughter Emmy’s mom had gone into labour at only 34 weeks tomorrow and was flown out to Kelowna. That is scary. I am keeping in touch with her and her Mom as we pray that she can keep that girl in there longer. The baby’s dad is driving there to be with her. I am hoping to squeeze some time to help with Emmy and Gwen. They are also in the middle of closing on the purchase of a house so there is much going on.
Talk about a swing of emotion kind of a day. Pretty normal around here it seems.
The good news is that Mom is moving really well on her own with a walker. She doesn’t have to have anyone follow her around with a wheelchair any more. And dinner was delicious.
I got chores done like recycling, dishes, etc. Roger, Lukas and Addison showed up to to help me move the pergola to the front so I can use it as a carport for the Willys. I have to take it apart and wash the material but for now it is perfect. We all met at Bill and Deanne’s for a BBQ for Ashlée’s birthday. I had a lovely time, there was ice cream cake and fireworks. I came home and watched the current season of Succession.
Atlas
I am still reeling from yesterday. I hate that when I glance out my window as I do several times a day to check the weather, all I see is their house looming in the distance and the fence that I want to be prettier. She still gets in my ear and I hope that soon will pass. She has dampened the love of my space, but I shall overcome it soon I hope.
Today I was actually annoyed that I woke up at 6 when I have been waiting all week to sleep in. I made a coffee and watched the rest of The Mandalorian. I then made a plan to go take my friend for a ride in the jeep. So I showered and had a good lunch.
I was unloading my tires from the Willys intending to go wash it, have a visit with Mom and then go get Gordon when a woman stormed into my yard and commenced berating me for my fence panels that were leaned and braced. She, more than once threatened to turn them into firewood if I hadn’t built my fence by the end of the day. I tried to explain nicely that I couldn’t today but she kept yelling. She said she was tired of looking at my chicken coop (which I don’t have). I was so caught off guard I didn’t even bring myself to tell her not to talk to me like that. I just kept my voice calm and as she turned to leave after repeating her threat, I calmly told her to get over herself. I then proceeded to throw together my fence but as I suspected the tent trailer tongue was in the way and I couldn’t move it. I sat on my porch and cried. I then reached out to a friend outside of the city to see if her son was available to make some money. All my family were busy with other things. She promptly threw the hubby and kids in the truck and came to my rescue. After they left I put the fence together as best as I could with scraps and drywall screws lol. It’s not pretty but it’s up for now.
I wish I wasn’t triggered by anger. I can stand up for others no problem, but towards me… I go blank. And then I become very fragile. The problem is I think I reinforced to her that that is the way to get things done. She’d best not speak to me ever again as I won’t take it twice.
I finished and came in to find myself wanting to just curl up in a ball. Instead, I got changed and went to opening night at Encore. It is my daughter, Ashlée’s 36th birthday and she was there so I wanted to give her a hug. We had fun playing hoops and skeeball and Elk Hunter. I didn’t stay long as I didn’t want to imbibe much while both on antibiotics and driving the Willys. It was a beautiful evening and the new tires and suspension are fabulous. The only bad is that my left arm is aching again due to shoveling and building and playing and driving a strong arm steering vehicle.
Up early after a very long, good sleep and got myself ready to take the Willys to the tire shop. It was softly snowing when I went to leave but quickly passed, although it was cool and she didn’t want to run smooth. Again she causes a scene wherever she goes. I got driven to work and managed to get a great deal of MusicFest stuff done as well as files worked on. When it was ready to pick up Sean dropped me off. They put the new Trail tires on with fresh tubes and all. All for $1200. The difference in the ride is incredible. Together with the new leaf springs, it is night and day. The only thing is I still see oil leaks. I will have to take her to the car wash and use the sprayer to get her totally clean and see where the leak is coming from. The brakes also squeal since I picked her up, sigh. I came back and got a lot done in spite of being very tired again. Two slightly hung over days in a row leaves me feeling very 60.
My dentist called this morning and his office later to discuss the options for my broken off tooth. The starting place is to have an expensive scan that I will bring to the specialist to review best option. I have a feeling it is going to be the expensive implant. I definitely don’t want the bridge. I have a very strong jaw and there is an opinion that it will not last long.
At 5 there was a meeting of key people involved in putting on Kootenay Children’s Festival 2023 on May 12 and 13. I like the people involved and am going to work with Amy to get toys for the Fish Pond and food donated for the volunteer/performer green room. It was productive and the sun was shining when I left. I came home and made a tasty meal and am couch surfing.
Missy seems to think I should redo my puzzle every night.
Today was complicated. I started off way too tired but at my chiro appointment I realized I needed to go to the clinic and deal with my tattoo as it was oozing this morning and too tender to touch. I sat for over an hour at the Urgent Care centre and was prescribed an antibiotic cream and pills. I was honest that I was going to drink tonight and was given permission to start the pills tomorrow. I hope the damage I did wearing a boot on the weekend can be quickly healed.
I got a lot of work done and then came home to pick up Tracey and go to the Founder’s Club night at Encore. I probably didn’t need a second night in a row out but it was so much fun. So much fun that Ash drove me home in my car. Tracey had already walked home earlier as she didn’t want to bowl , I bowled with Roger, Mika and Ryan and it was a lot of fun.
I heard my tires are in and will be taking the Jeep no matter the weather tomorrow.
I woke up to Ashlée’s ring tone and then her lovely self singing happy birthday which was followed by a great chat. She got me motivated to not care that it snowed but to warm up the Willys and head to the office. I love the attention it gets, not going to kid you. I stopped at OK tire to source new radials for it and was impressed with Jakob following up. I committed to new Trail tires which are a crossover for street and off-road, and they should be here by early next week. That will be so much safer and a better ride than the military dried out tires on it at the moment. I will keep the original spare because it looks cool on the tailgate and will work short term in the event it is needed. I did love all the guys coming out of the shop to gush over it.
Once back at the office I got a lot done and was thrilled that my new hanging chair for my yard showed up.
It was a lovely surprise that my office was decorated and that they treated me to Tuxedo cake in the afternoon, one of my favourites.
CIndy took a pic when I arrive this morning.
I took the time to park outside Mom’s room as the rain was beginning and we had a phone visit. I will stop and see her soon for a good hug.
I was ridiculously overwhelmed with all the personal messages and Facebook posts.
At 5 I arrived at Encore for the friends and family soft opening. It was a lot of fun, and I wore the 60 button that Keri got me. There were so many good wishes and they even had Happy Birthday Marnee scrolling across the bowling screens. We ate and visited and bowled and had a great night. This is going to be a great spot for Cranbrook.
I was also spoiled. People know me well and I admit that the gifts I appreciate the most are the ones that speak to who I am.
On the way home I stopped at Esso and there was an RCMP member there filling up. I may have not wanted to risk a breathalyzer, but I asked him if “ at risk of being pulled over when I leave here, do my wipers and horn have to be working to be street legal?” he said it was not an issue as he would never pull over my vehicle. It is too cool and unless I am driving in a way that a pull over is necessary, not to worry. That was a fun moment.
It is my soul sisters birthday today and a funny twist is that I received a card from her and didn’t manage to get my act together to send her one. I love her dearly and miss her from my Salt Spring Island years. I am grateful we carry each other in our hearts.
I am still tired but got to the office and accomplished much today, grateful that I didn’t have to go out in the snow. Yes, that’s right, April snow brings May I must mow.
I spent some time today thinking about being in the last day of my 50’s. I feel like my chiropractor appointment pointed out all the old feels
So long 50s, on to the next decade.
I was grateful to start receiving cards and wishes. The first official FB one was from a woman named Jill who somehow connected over the love of her brother, long deceased. Gord was my serious crush in high school and it was at his funeral when we were 16, I think, that I saw his birthday and realized he was born the same day as I was. It was an instant introduction to my own mortality. I always remember him on my birthday and no matter how old I feel, I must be grateful that I have had this much more life than him. I remember you Gord Miller, rest in sweet peace.
After work I decided that what I wanted was Sushi and a friend to hang with. I messaged Tracey and she was up for the fun. I ordered sushi from Sakura and went to hang at Fenwick & Baker for a couple crown on the rocks while I waited. My server Tawny was superb and I enjoyed our talk, even thanked her Mom for the great job she did when she arrived.
Next stop was the liquor store and then we enjoyed bevies while watching Still Crazy (fabulous) and then NOPE (may be a classic B movie). It was the most lovely evening with a friend and a great way to end the day.
As this is my New Year’s Eve, I must evaluate and plan. I plan to spend more time with people that are in my life for no other reason than plain joy, to spend less time worrying about what anyone outside my precious circle thinks of me, and to spend my time like money, with care and consideration. Happy Birthday to me tomorrow, and thanks to the friends who preemptively spoiled me.
I had so much trouble getting to sleep last night! I did wake up with a smile though. It was such a special evening and I decided I needed to take them up on the offer to join them for breakfast. I went to the office as a white out blizzard was covering the city. It didn’t last long but it sure did ease the decision not to take the jeep.
Spring time in the Kootenays
I prepped my payroll and then drove to meet Doug and Linda at Hot Shots Café where we enjoyed good food and good conversation. I am sad to see them leave as they brought me so much joy. I will see Doug in July though and look forward to it.
The rest of the day was very full and I was winding down after staying up so late and eating at midnight! We had an early board meeting to discuss upcoming events and make plans. I was not in a good mood as I learned that the reason none of the Board members nor other local musicians were at the show last night as they had been invited out to ‘first fire’ at Jamie’s. I do feel completely snubbed and unsupported. It was hard to sit through the meeting. Not one of them even asked how it went. It is hard to feel dedicated to the team when the team tuned its back on me. I am even more grateful to the family, friends and strangers that did come out and that they were treated to a lovely evening. More things to mull and see if I need to weed out or if I am going to only stick out this initial obligation of my term.
I think I am beyond tired now but I did have a salad and am going to tuck in.
This whole day was anticipation of the concert at days end. I was so excited to see my friends arrive here in Cranbrook to play tonight, and I was not disappointed. Keith Larsen and Ethan Askey opened the evening and solidly shared their gifts. Doug Cox and Linda McRae were joined by Sam Hurrie who came down from Riondel to sit in and wow, they blew us all away. It was so much fun to have a group of friends play music in the lovely Key City Lobby which is like a living room event. They were very well received and I was happy with the numbers even if some will come out of my pocket. It was worth it just to see them all. We had some good laughs after I sat on Doug’s knee to make announcements at his mic and then had to explain later that I was his friend for over a decade. They announced it was my birthday coming up and everyone spontaneously burst into song which was just lovely. Afterwards we met at Doug’s room, had some drinks and then ordered pizza and the four of us just had a great visit together. Sam has played with Hendrix and had two of the Beatles watch his shows back in the day. It was a single degree of separation from so many gifted artist sitting with these three, such a blessing for me. I am so glad I took the risk to promote them here and I don’t even really care what the final numbers are, at least I was able to pay them and would do it again in a heartbeat. My only disappointment was that the Fisher Peak crew were not there. I will be mentioning it at tomorrow’s board meeting as even others performing and in the audience noticed their absence.
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.
triumphgal 