OK, I’m so tired that this is the third time I’m doing this because I keep nodding off and hitting the daily close instead of publish button so I am very sorry but I’m just about to post a whole raft of pictures after telling you that we started off the day with an incredible tour through devour tours. Fabrizio is a published person who knows everything m, he was incredible. His voice was great and we had earbuds and we walked around and listened to him telling us for three hours about the Colosseum, Palantine Hill, and the Forum”.
Next, we walk together towards Trevi fountain and found a small restaurant and had some food and blueberry mimosas before working our way up to the fountain that was very crowded
At this point, I think the people were getting to us so we decide to split up and I kept walking to find a new bag because my zipper had broken and get to the Lego store to have my passport signed
As it turns out, it is right near the place that we will be going tomorrow, but that’s fine. I got what I wanted and then we made our way back to where the grandmother is and grandpa would be.
I made it home with a shit ton of steps and got changed before taking a short nappy. Deb and Dave arrived home and they got ready and then we wandered down through just the fair until we found a lovely sidewalk restaurant and enjoying incredibly good service and exquisite food and wine.
I am so frustrated for you right now because I had this post all ready to go and then I knocked my phone off the bed and dropped it and deleted the draft so I apologize in advance, but I don’t want to miss putting up any of my pictures because I want them to be there forever. If and when I have opportunity, I will fill in more of the blanks but suffice to say we started the day by taking a cab to meet with Fabrizio, who took us on an amazing three hour tour of the Colosseum, Palentine Hill, and the Forum. We had ear pieces and receivers so that we could listen to the very informative narration. After that we went for a nice lunch in an alley which one is want to do. This was followed by a quick peek at the Trevi Fountain which was very busy and then we split ways. I continued walking up to the Lego store so I could get a stamp in my Lego passport and I bought a Vespa for my Sackboy to ride because I haven’t brought him out very often this trip and I’m feeling guilty. I also broke the zipper on my bag which I had used since my trip to Peru in 2013 so I found a street vendor with a lovely green one that I wanted for €45. I transferred all my stuff into it and then went down the next alley and tossed away my old bag in a garbage can. Then it was just walk about half an hour back to our air bnb. It was a beautiful walk. I crossed the river Tiber and enjoyed the people and the scenery along the way. I did manage to mess up by rolling two or three times on the cobblestone but neither ankle suffered from such things. I stopped at a cute little clothing market, a pop-up, we would call at home and I purchased a cute linen white skirt for our white night on the ship and then came back to the room to strip from all of my hot body clothes and built my Vespa for my Sackboy then I was trying to have a nap, but I don’t remember if I actually did it before the door opened and Dave and Deb were back. I said yes that we head for something to eat soon as I have been neglecting myself.. once I got ready we walked down the main road here that we are on and found a spot that looked relatively reasonable and delicious. it turned out that we had the best servers around, the food was soooo good and we had a good talk. It got a bit emotional for me as I brought up a conversation that I had shut down earlier. Dave apologized and I bought us a fancy bottle of delicious wine to bring back and share.
The conversation did go downhill pretty fast. I got super upset when I was told that Polio didn’t exist until the vaccine. Pretty sure we didn’t even agree to disagree but friendship remains intact.
Honestly, I still can’t believe that I was in the Colosseum and that if I had an opportunity to tell more, I would. I spite of it all, my ankle and hip feels good. I am very grateful for my orthotics. I did stop at a Pharmacy and pick up some ankle wrap just in case.
Vestal Virgins tended Eternal FlameWhere Julius Caesar was cremated
This last 24 hours is pretty much a blur. The flight went well, the food was quite tasty and my seat mates were lovely. I apologize if once again this is more photo dump than story but I am so very tired. Nancy and Rick from Winnipeg were lovely seat mates and I enjoyed flying into the sun rise with her. I did sleep off and on and watched a couple movies. Just before landing 4 different FAs came and thanked me for their treats. I am glad they felt seen.
It was a bit of a journey to get to terminal 3 for my suitcase. It also seemed hard to let Norma know where I was for pickup. She is somehow related to the woman who owns the Airbnb we are staying at in Trastevere. She is a crazy driver, although the traffic would say that that is necessary . I used my translator app to have a pleasant conversation and I must do ok with the accent as she smiles, responds and echoes words if I need pronunciation help.
Never back to our home for 4 more nights, I was very happy with it and Dave assisted with getting my bags up. We went back to have beverages with Deb on the ‘patio’ across the street. Our stay really is in a glorious part of town.
From Dave
I showered and took a Power Nap before we headed off to the piazza to meet Silvia, our guide for the walking food and wine tour of the area. She is a true Roman and very informative. We had two couples from Houston, a couple ladies from LA, two from Calgary
The three of us decided to find some bevies to bring back to the suite. We are all pretty tired. We laughed watching a little HGTV and sports on Italian TV.
Tomorrow is an early one so I really do need sleep as I have basically only napped in the last 32 hours.
I was up at 6:30 to finish readying and Rae picked me up at 8:30 to drop me at the airport. I had to pay $100 for my overweight suitcase but still better than two. My carry on size one has my CPAPs and computer gear. Flight was late leaving but I had a 6 hour layover in Calgary so no problem. I stopped for a good meal and Cranberry Mimosa in Vin
I have charged, read and napped and now we are boarding for Rome. I brought treats for the crew as I am very grateful they are not on strike!
I got a lot done today, and I actually have managed to maintain my calm for the most part
I was very happy that the guys came and moved my carport back in place first thing in the morning so I had time to get to the office early. Just as I arrived I received a text asking if I could come an hour early for my nail appointment, which worked out perfect because then I had more time in between it and my brow waxing appointment to get all my payroll done and some payables that came up last minute from a client
I got everything done and took the time to be sure I had all the printouts of my excursion tickets, etc., and everything in my book ready to go. I logged off just before 4
The drive to Kimberley was beautiful and I made it just in time for my vaccination appointment where I got my latest Covid and flu shot in my left arm. I then texted Laurie to see if she was busy or wanted to meet up for dinner. She suggested we go to biscuit which I have wanted to go to try. We had a lovely visit over a glass of wine and shared red Caesar salad and scallops over pasta. It is very bougie and lovely with small servings of tasty food. The owner, Ryan is great.
I made it back to Cranbrook in time to watch the Cranbrook Community theatre media performance of 39 Steps. It was well done just not my taste at all in stage entertainment. I was impressed with several of the site gags and the sound and lights were bang on. I’m sure it is going to be very very well received when they open on Friday.
Went home I gathered a few things but a few things to charge, etc. and have set my alarm for early as Rae will pick me up around 8:30. I already checked in online today so it shouldn’t be too complicated.
Today felt like I hopped from one anxiety attack to the next, but I managed to finish all of the files that I had to get done for September and a great deal of date entry for October for the client who is selling. It was also a couple of payroll day. A bright spot and it was when the mail arrived with my project to do when I get home.
I left work around four to go pick up mine and Mom’s pills. Hers were not ready so I had to wait for a bit and could only have a short visit with her. I did spend time this afternoon though making a beautiful itinerary sheet, which I gave a copy of to her and for the bulletin board at the office because the ladies want to play where in the world is Carmen Sandiego.
I had a short and sweet visit with mom and left my brother Greg’s number with the management in case of emergency. It will be easier for him to mobilize the troops from one hour time difference than for me.
I stopped at my friend Diana‘s to pick up the euros that I bought from her as she has just come back from a cruise. She gave me lots of good hints and I was happy to have the cash in hand.
By the time I reached my appointment at 5 o’clock I was very wound up with anxiety and warned Melissa. After a 1.5 hour pedicure, my anxiety was gone and I have been calm ever since.
At 7:30 I had an appointment with Karissa for a haircut. I do enjoy chatting with her. She knows all the history because she went to school with and graduated with Rae-Anne. My hair feels so much better.
I have come home and cuddled up in my bed, watching The Voice with Missy at my feet. She has been very glued to me and that is either because she sent my anxiety or because she knows I’m leaving. It must be hard for her when she doesn’t know when I’m coming back. I am grateful to Tracey for being such a good cat sitter though.
I spent the day doing all the chores in anticipation of being gone. Three loads of laundry done, including all my bedding to have it nice for when I’m back.
It had snowed again and my poor trees haven’t dropped their leaves and some of my plants are still blooming
I packed my suitcase and am sure I have too much but it’s a long time. I’ve even set out my travel day clothes. I will just have to add my toiletries and CPAP on Thursday morning.
Jake showed up with my car in time for me to take him to the airport. It was nice chat time and I am glad to k ow he and Yumi are back together and serious about a future together.
I stopped and dropped off my small Mario World backpack for Rae to bring down for me.
Came home to a lovely maple leaf on my walkway
Paid the last of the Disney reservation and made a plan to buy Diana’s 390 Euros for $635 Canadian tomorrow. Gross
Addison and Will came by and picked up my 58” TV so he can take it home and see about replacing the power board. I’d rather see it fixed and used than leave it at recycle.
Spent the time finishing sorting as I watched SNL. It isn’t always good , but I do love the Weekend News Update. There was a surprise Joke off as Seth, Tina and Amy joined Colin and Michael
This evening I have been watching Monster, The Ed Gein Story. Not sure I should have.
I’m struggling with my mood today and it is unfortunately exacerbated by my mother‘s stress about me leaving for so long. I spent my time puzzling and watching my shows and baking pumpkin pies from scratch and fruit danish, kind of pies.
The desserts look like they had been made in my grade 8 home economics class, but it turns out they tasted great and were a hit.
It started snowing in the morning, but didn’t stick, thankfully.
I picked up mom and brought her to the family dinner and then Ashlée brought her back home for me because mom’s anxiety was too overwhelming for me. I promised her I would come see her on Tuesday before I leave.
Sawyer was so cute. He made a point of putting on the T-shirt that I bought him in Ecuador, which he was embarrassed to receive at the time. When he saw Emmy go put on her llama shirt to show me he put on his and let me know that he had worn it three times now and no one bullied him about it.
Jake drove me home so that he could take my car in order to bring Emmy home in the morning. I plan to finish packing and organizing tomorrow to take that off my plate. I have so many appointments in the next couple days and work to get done before I go.
I got a sad text from Mark that his cancer has spread worse case 3 to 6 months best case couple years if the immunotherapy works. I am sad.
One of the things about going to bed early as you wake up really early so I was ready to go meet the kids when Emmy would arrive from Elkford. We all jumped in two cars and headed to Kimberley for a jaunt around the Platzl. I picked up a bunch of Moody Bee lip, balms for gifts and tips on my trip. Also stopped and booked my Covid and flu shot for Wednesday at my client who is a pharmacist. I picked up some enhanced beverages from Earth’s Own Naturals for when I return and we all just had a lovely time. It was special to see my friend Kyle’s dog Phalen immortalized in the space.
I came home and got ready to go to Kathy Odenkirk’s 90th birthday partyat the Royal Alexandra Hall. It was the first place that she and her husband danced when it was in Winnipeg. What a beautiful thing to have her party in that space now that it is in Cranbrook. There were so many people who I have met in various social circles and I met some new ones at my table. The food from the hideout was amazing. The atmosphere was gorgeous and I’m really glad I went. They even serve dessert before dinner because there’s no wasting time. Enjoy dessert.
I left at a decent time because Roger had said it was scotch and cigar night, but I think he had forgotten that it was also Braden King night at Encore so I headed there and got to join their booth and enjoy a good deal of the show before I got tired and decided I should come home.
He took random suggestions from the audience and played a Justin Bieber song, which was enjoyed by all
I woke up early and got ready because I didn’t know when the pavers were coming. I heard a big truck outside, thinking it was them, but it turns out my neighbour Tracey is getting the roof redone so it was the crane truck dropping off the shingles.
While I was out there, I took some before pictures
I had a lot of hopping back-and-forth between clients work today and was getting very stressed out by the fact that I hadn’t gotten a text that they were there to start my paving. Finally, just after three I clocked out and headed home to find they were already partway through. I was given great promises that it would be better than ever and they would come and put my carport back in place before I leave.
I decided to head to Fenwick and Baker and have a Friday Bevie with my acquaintances there and had a good laugh with Brian and Bob
Bejea (Beejah) asked if it was at all possible to please visit little mermaid in her hidden grotto and get a video of her saying hello. I will do my best.
I popped home to make sure all was good and then headed to Rae’s where Jake had arrived and those of us that were still in town all had a delicious ham dinner.
Ray had some needle work that my Nana had done one set of them from 1969 and the other, I think was 1977.
I do love my Nana’s name, Juanita. Her sister that I loved was Flora. It makes me curious what their mother‘s background was as I only know about their father who was German.
I was very happy to get home to find my medallion had arrived, and it fits in the holder that I ordered off Amazon, which fits on my watchband. So glad it got FedEx sent so that we don’t have to wait in line as much at the boarding of the cruise.
I can’t believe how tired I am as it is not even 9 o’clock, and I am tucked into bed.
This day involved attending a Rotary lunch where Milo gave half his bio. His introduction explaining the area that he came from that was the former Yugoslavia was very informative. In his young life living there the country changed names four times! He was mandatory enlisted in the army during the war in Kosovo and went on to eventually work on cruise ships. What an interesting trajectory.
After work, I headed to Joseph Creek Village for Mom’s Thanksgiving dinner there. We sat with her friend Elsie and her granddaughter Maya and boyfriend Lennox. Bill and Ashlée joined us as well. The meal was better than most that you can get in restaurants in Cranbrook. It was overwhelmingly good and I worked hard it only taking a small plate. But those desserts, Mmmmmm.
I left there just in time to meet Brett at Encore for trivia night where we played as Two’s a Crowd and came in fourth, in spite of feeling like we had done terrible. I really do enjoy my friendship with him and we laughed as we left and I told him that he was cheaper than therapy.
The morning started by observing a dangerous driving accusation
I fit work in between obligations and connections. First was the Rotary Board meeting followed by a short visit with Rosie at Heidout. It was nice to catch up.
At 4:30 I headed to André’s Electronics for the Chamber After Hours. It was a great turn out and the Traeger BBQ guy served up some delicious food. I had some nice visits with other members and talked to Basam about getting a TV when I return at a deal.
Stopped at Rae’s after and had a short visit with her and Dee.
Home to watch Surface and puzzle. I am not motivated to do much else currently
Today was full of a lot of deals and I’m not entirely sure why unless it is just the list of the constant list of getting ready to leave the country for so long. It doesn’t help that my friend is back in hospital and they don’t know if his cancer is back or spread or what is causing its problems but he had an MRI and I’m just being patient waiting to hear the result.
I was grateful when Rae called me today to tell me that our reservation was very strange because her night ahead of me getting there is in a different resort and cost way much more money. I investigated it and ended up speaking with the boss of my travel agent locally as she was out of town. Christine was fabulous and ultimately for only a couple hundred dollars more. I found us the 25% off Canadian deal at the Coronado Springs resort which has a much more adult oriented vibe than The All-Star budget resort so we cancelled our original bookings and booked there straight through Disney.
In for a penny, in for a pound this whole trip lol. Oh well, I am making memories.
I had gotten home and put on my jammies and was watching Platonic and puzzling when Rae called me to come join them for a sandwich and a walk at the lake. A lot of me wanted to say no, but I put my clothes back on and headed over and ended up having a nice walk and chat with her. We haven’t had a chance to catch up about much lately so it was good.
We were up relatively early but there had been a time change so tbat gave an extra hour. I met up with Dave and Deb and we found our George’s Taxi driver, Giovanni. He was full of good energy and had a lovely Mercedes for the journey. He brought us to a hilltop for pictures a s we were stunned that Athens goes in all directions as far as the eye can see.
the Acropolis was the first drop spot and… wow
The next stop was for the changing of the guard that happens each Sunday. I aimed my phone over my head and hoped for the best. It turned out great!
Our next drop spot was the Agora. I am so grateful for Rick Steve’s app!
Next stop was lunch and it was overwhelming. We could have shared one portion!
We next were dropped at the museum but felt we had had enough so we settled at a bar and Dave ordered Porn Stars for us which were delicious and fun.these are a bit if the big.
I’ve had the most lovely evening With everyone, it’s like my friend groups all collided, and a good time was had by all. I really do wish I could retain more of the information to share with you, but I am grateful for Gianni today who got us to the places that we wanted to be and returned us back
I actually was awake early so I went into the office after getting some errands done, picked up my next 60 days of pills for 500 and something dollars ouch!
I enjoyed today. It went at a nice pace and I got enough done to be comfortable but jeepers. it’s cooling off fast.
I am very glad that I figured out my thermostat yesterday because definitely need the heat on in here today.
I did stop at Bill and Deanne’s as she texted methat she had some Gladiola bulbs for me to put away for a next spring. They were my Nana‘s favourite flower and I hope that I can encourage them to grow next summer.
I slept with it and woke up to no alarm, but very late rather than go back to sleep I got up and got done with the day. I decided today was do laundry and pack day. I did get a good chunk of things packed, decisions made and I tried on everything before I put it in the suitcase. And, pretty much everything in there at the moment except for my pair of fluevogs can be left behind.
I was very frustrated by whatever happened to my main TV in the living room last night when it just suddenly turned off while I was watching Netflix so I looked it up on the Samsung site and did all the soft hard reset etc. they suggested but it has no power going to whatsoever so I called the helpline and spoke with a nice man who gave me a phone number of a local repair place although m y warranty has run out as I have had it since 2017 sigh. I wonder if eight years is a good length of time for a flatscreen. I asked Google, which says 5-10 years. I will have to ask if it’s worth fixing
I took a nice CBD bath and watched some Netflix while I was in it on my iPad. I reached out to the family at one point to see if Will or Lukas could help me in the yard. Lukas was at work so Rae brought Will over when she was done work. I was busy doing the sorting for a 1500 piece puzzle that Marg Jensen gave me and watching The Lost Bus. What a show!!
I worked on the puzzle as I watched Acapulco. The good thing about watching things on my iPad is I have Apple TV app on it and can catch up on a bunch of my shows.
This is the pennant I have to swap. Unfortunately the Rotary meeting in Rome is the evening before I get there as I would really like to do that. I did put a call out on the cruise Facebook page, but I haven’t heard anything. 
I was up at 5:30 and picked up by seven by Rick and Joe to go to the Rotary district fall assembly in Rossland. The drive was lovely in the backseat of bricks Lexus, which was super deluxe, and the view was spectacular with the fall colours in the Kooteney’s. It was an enjoyable trip both ways with the guys. Many stories were told by each of us. turns out that Joe worked up in Atlin for some time in the 70s.
It was nice to be able to talk about the place and the adventures we’ve had there
The assembly itself was actually a lot of fun. I know more and more people each time I go to a gathering, and I have come to really like some of the people in our district. It is just hard to see them often as we are a cross border district and many other people that I really have fun with live in the US. I learned a lot at the breakout sessions that I was in. And I was very happy to have Kees solve the issue of why I wasn’t able to do the bulletin newsletter through our website. It turns out it was because Bill Bennett intended to give me level four access, but had only managed to do level three. I now have access to be able to do it all right through our software, which is a blessing.
It was really great to see David and Marlisa Keyes and Steve Roberge. Unfortunately, his wife, Denise did not make it this time. We got chatting about the fact that I wanted to bring pendants with me or flags to trade if I end up going to a Rotary meeting in another country and it turned out that David had some in his room and Marlisa brought me down four or five of them. When I got home, I did research when the meetings were in Rome, Italy as they have an English speaking meeting unfortunately it is the evening before I arrive. I did reach out on Facebook to the cruise group to see if there will be a fellow Rotarians that we could meet up when we’re on the ship though.
My house was fairly cool when I got home and I could not get my nest learning thermostat to recognize the heat option. I could only turn off cold. I reset it I factory restored I did all the things and then it occurred to me that there might be a loose wire and sure enough it was a quick fix after that and for the first time since last winter, I have the heat on so it doesn’t get too cold in here overnight. It was a nice day but I worn out so I’m going to bed now. Sweet dreams all.
My day began by meeting a client at the Hyundai dealership where I was dropping my car for servicing. We went back to my office and worked on her file in anticipation of a sale.
It amused me when I got dropped back off that someone at the dealership had belted in my Groot
After a long afternoon of work I took time to book the last of my excursions and even got tickets to the Picasso museum in two different cities
Once hone I saw my gate hadn’t latched properly and deer had clearly come in for a snack
Today was a little bit anxiety producing as I was asked to introduce Ward and Paul from Fisher Peak performing Artist who were presenting at Rotary lunch. A fellow Rotarian, who knew the whole story. Of my falling out with the two of them was kind enough to be sure to show up for the meeting, and came to sit beside me. I can honestly say that I channelled the best human I could be, and it freed me from their trauma.
After a very productive afternoon of work, I popped over to visit with my friends at Fenwick & baker and then headed to Encore for trivia night where Brett had promised to show up.
We were Butch and Sundance and we came in fifth. Before the last round we were tied with four other people for second place. It was a very tight competition. It was so nice to hang out with Brett again and chat. I look forward to next week when he hopes to bring Jill.
I do cherish this friendship as we are able to just be ourselves and commiserate over the similarities of our experiences and celebrate the small victories.
triumphgal 