triumphgal

Just another day in the life

10-26-25 Athens

October 27, 2025


It’s so weird. I don’t know how I even missed posting yesterday but again I have been very tired. It is exhausting to look down at my feet everywhere that I walk and ensure that I don’t twist or slip as well as all of the people that I’ve been in contact with.

Deb and Dave and I were out of the ship early and got picked up by our taxi driver Giovanni. He was with George’s taxi, which is highly rated and basically brought us two different bases all day long and then we had phoned him when we’re done and ready to pick up.

Firstly, he took us to the top of the hill to survey the surroundings. As far as we can see in all directions is Athens spread out.

He dropped us at the Acropolis and we listened to our Rick Steves app as we toured about. It was very good.

It truly is magnificent. We piled back in the car and headed out. They went that way and we went ours. We weren’t there early enough for Sunday, for the full changing of the guard but it was beautiful

The Agora, especially the museum was beautiful

The lunch drop off ff was at Egg of the Rooster. We had so much food that we could have shared one plate. It was sooooo good

The last stop was to be the archaeological museum but we were pretty burnt out so we decided to skip school and find a spot for a beverage instead

Back at the ship we hung out on the aft deck at the wave view bar where we were joined by Wendy’s posse without Wendy

The rest of the evening is a bit of a blur but it was fun

10-25-25 Ilker

October 25, 2025


Our guide, Ilker, was fabulous,  we very much enjoyed his knowledge and passion for the area he lives. I am extremely tired and we have an early morning so I’m afraid this update is going to be shorter than even usual. The we learned a great deal about the incredible ruins of emphasis., I bought two pairs of shoes just outside those doors, we had an amazing lunch that I couldn’t eat most of it because of the peppers, but I ended up in return buying a Turkish handmade rug. Oh, and I also made that boy an emperor when I brought him his own little marbel powder ionic column.

A bonus was that not once but twice today I was mistaken for being my late 40s or early 50s. I do not believe these were disingenuous and apparently it has something to do with my whole energy and I’m going to own that with glee.

I did fulfil a dream about a beautiful Turkish double knot rug.

It is a time change again as Greece switches to daylight savings however, at the moment I have no idea what time it is really and I hope that gaining an hour will make a difference

10-24-25 left behind in Greece!

October 24, 2025


Mamma Mia when I start to my day, I read the paper and I 1000%. I’m sure that it said at 9 o’clock go down and get your tickets for the shuttle however when I went down there at 9 o’clock I was already given number 25 and they hadn’t even called one yet. Everything was running slightly behind. This was about to be Come a big issue for me with the outside tour that I have booked. I went and talked to Thomas who’s been in charge of a lot of the games that I’ve been playing on site and he did give me a nice princess wine stopper, but more importantly, he wrote on the back of my ticket, his name and cost of the two and got me to take a selfie with this and then sent me down to the pathway to get on the next available Tender. Once I got to the side, there was basically no lineup in grabbing the cable car to the top but when I got there is when things got complicated because nobody seemed to know where my pick up spot was, and there are no street names in East towns on this island. Don’t ask me what they do about the post. I was standing on the street where they knew that buses could be and that would be a good sign when I got the message from via tour that my group had left without me so my tour is booked for 1030 and according to the people that were on board, they left at 10:20. I was standing there flabbergasted and unsure what I should do. They said the next stop was the archeological site if I could join them there stunned I walked across the street to a gentleman standing with a Mercedes fancy van taxi and I paid $40 to take the 20 to 30 minute ride out to Akrotiri.

The cabbie was very sweet and he spent a lot of time trying to convince me that everything was going to be OK including seeing don’t worry be happy and reminding me that it hadn’t rained and that I was here in Greece. I should don’t worry be happy.

Once I made it to acrotomy, I did pay the $20 injured fee and made a very quick 20 minute review around the site. I wish that I’ve had more time to spend there because it is remarkable and well preserved.

I finally connected with the bus and met two lovely ladies on the tour from Melbourne and Mary from Seattle. I don’t think they could’ve been much different nor different from me but we had this fun little relationship on women owning their power and going travelling without other.Our next stop in some pictures and then into a town whose name I’ve already forgotten it.

Our next top was for lunch and I chose a beautiful spot on the beach where I did take the time to relax and enjoy and incredible fresh crab salad and a glass of local white wine. The whole experience was surreal. I did manage to enjoy the surroundings, put my feet in the AMC and purchase an eye design which signifies boundaries for evil.

Next big stop was at a winery for a tasting where I promptly broke a glass and the wines were amazing, but not for me to bring home I learned that in Santorini, they grow the crêpes and basically read them so that they are protected from the wind and closer to the Earth for irrigation 

We had it towards Oia, bit the bus had what I think were transmission issues and we had to stop on the side of the road and wait for another bus to come and pick us up so that we wouldn’t miss the sunset

I strolled around and saw a rooftop bar. I went and sat up at the bar and was served Taliskar on ice by a beautiful Greek man. I watched the sunset although I admit that my pictures from earlier in the evening far away the ones I took then but the whole experience was beautiful.

It was then hustle back to the bus and get into Vera so we could catch our cable car. This was the one big lineup of the whole trip, but it was worth it. I had a fun ride down as a single. It was like being on a Disney lineup has pulled forward to jump in with five others, and they were lovely and fun.

When in Oia, I had a great experience with a Lo al as I purchased olive pics that I love. I also bought my first shot glass on the trip, but it is wrapped up so no picture. I did meet the people on the tram early in the morning who got my gift in the gift exchange and they were happy with it which was lovely.

Back on the ship, I quickly changed my clothes and connected with Ginger and her husband who Lord knows I can’t remember his name and I’m going to have to ask Dang. They were in the American diner, so I went to join them there and had some delicious fish and chips and good conversations and started messaging with Deb about plans for tomorrow in Kusadasi. I listen to music for a little bit in the Piazza and had a martini and now I am back in the room having checked in on work and my email and it’s time for bed. It has been a very full full day.

11-23-25 HB Dad

October 23, 2025


I am going to keep this very short because I am very tired and have a long day of excursion in Santorini tomorrow. Suffice it to say that learning of someone not being happy with me being on this cruise has led to discombobulated sleep and I need to make some adjustments. I don’t really want to talk about it because I worked hard today to let it go.

I had a nice breakfast with Wendy and a download and her sister-in-law Bev was incredibly supportive and suggested some important points

I then spent the day intermittently taking part in challenges and games as well as working in my room on client issues

I was a little bit stressed out to go to the meet and greet that was organized on Facebook, but I had brought a gift so I knew that I needed to. At first, I felt very alone and then Glynn came up to me. Happy that I was there and I went over to talk to Kathy. We had a kind of great bonding time and agreed that we would like to hang out more over this voyage and that we should go to dinner together after the captains celebration.And

I came back to the room and messaged with Rae-Anne , which was lovely as it was time

I was the lucky winner of the draw of See’s candies and more specifically, chocolate

So the Last thing I did was get dressed up for Captains celebration night

Really there was just so much going on today that I can’t begin to express how joyful it was and yet how peaceful

I really like Kathy and the I think that we could become fast friends, specially after touching briefly on politics and moving on.

Good night and I’m… done

Thank you to my UK editors , they saw that last nIght needed fixing and I was able to edit

10-22-25 Amalfi Coast & Pompeii -edited to remove the TV chatter from voice to text lol

October 22, 2025


I apologize right now, faithful readers… by the time I finish my day I am ridiculously exhausted and only hope to retain some of the details of the day

I got up and got ready and was grateful that I room serviced a pastry and some coffee, even though it was very watery

I had never exited the ship so I made sure I was early and it turned out that I was very early so I wondered the pier took some pictures, etc. before heading out to try to find my group booking

I finally wanted forward and eventually hooked up with a bunch of people looking for our tour and I was able to spot the tour guide, Francesco.

We made a few stops to enjoy the views and the headed into Sorrento where we were encouraged to eat and spend

I wish you could just hear the audio so that we would have learned the same.

I very much enjoyed capturing and Airdropping photos today

Next was on to Pompeiii. I am glad we only saw one body

Now it was time to take off from port. We were waiting for one person

I got back on ship on time to book a special dinner at the Crown Grill. I am sitting beside this lovely couple from Texas? we had a good conversation and great encouragement to come back for a princess cruise.

AI did buy beautiful tanzanite earrings that I know Jackie would love

10-21-25 embarkation day

October 21, 2025


Up early and ready quick. Had a quick coffee and snacks at the place next door and then jumped in a beautiful van/limo driven by Luka. It was raining and he was a great driver and eventually we were at the port. Although I was separated twice from Wyatt’s, I was onboard before most people. I found a spot on Deck 8 and got some urgent work done. The lovely Gracia was my person and kept the mimosas coming.

The room was finally ready after 1:30 but my suitcase didn’t show up for another 5 hours.

I met up with Wendy, met Bev and went for a walk around the ship. it is freaking spectacular.

I have already met so many fun people just by throwing out random compliments.

I also went to the single/solo travellers meeting. We played two truths and a lie and had fun getting to know each other

When the meet was done, I glanced over to see Dave and Deb. I ended up joint them for dinner in the Eclipse. It was very good. Last stop of the day was for a cocktail making meetup but I was the only one so the just made me a nice drink and I visited with the crew member from Peru.

I brought the drink up to my room and spent a food deal of time unpacking. I can say I that I have never fully unpacked before! It feels good

Once back in my room, I spent time unpacking and hanging my clothes and getting ready for tomorrow. I am very glad that I was able to find a new trip being that mine for the Amalfi Coast Sorrento in Pompeii was cancelled due to the lack of people I believe I will be happy with the one that I found, and it was a little bit cheaper and they refunded the other one in full.

I’m sure there’s things I’ve forgotten it was a spectacularly awesome day and I spent time making new friends and touching bases with the old ones. It was a perfect moment now I better get to sleep because I have to get up at six for my excursion. Off ship

10–20-25 when in Rome

October 20, 2025


I woke up way too early and decided I may as well get on with it so I ran a big payroll. 4 am, no big deal.

Once everyone was ready we headed down and met Norma our driver on the street who brought us to Vatican City, to the café we were to meet at for our tour. once the sunrise groups formed, and we put on our radio receivers having on our way. I don’t think I am playing the experience. We had an extraordinary guide once again and even laughed at her elbow up behaviour to us being batted in by others on the tour. I personally was grateful to see so many things, and ultimately walk-through the holy door. Lucky for us it is Jubilee year and the pilgrims have the first right of way, but then after that so to me.

We weren’t allowed to take pictures in the actual Sistine Chapel. It was gobsmacking

I enjoyed walking through the holy door which is open because of pilgrims. We enjoyed a nice bevie break before i headed off to the DaVinci Experience ,

Once I was done, I headed to meet D &D where they had connected with Norma to get the Cc and ID back.

I caught up with ‘em and we went off to buy Feb a new hairdryer. next, I had to quickly catch a cab the Piramide Metro station for our tour. I met some nice people, including Nancy from Toronto, and we went to see first the aquaducts, and then the underground catacombs followed by the Appian Way.

This was a really great tour. I drank too much but enjoyed meeting the couple from Denmark who were celebrating their 25th anniversary. I bought them dessert and we had a nice bond

I am sorry for the lack of details but I have been up for a VERY long time

10-19-25 The Pantheon & Pasta

October 19, 2025


I finally slept! it felt so nice to awake to the light. Dave & Deb had already gone exploring so I got ready and headed to meet them near The Pantheon. I dressed appropriately for the church setting and strolled my way to the Piazza as I listened to Rick Steve’s best of Rome. They mentioned a favourite spot near the Pantheon and they weren’t wrong. It was peaceful and the surrounding places spanned the centuries of architecture. Along the way I took some shots of little interesting things including the cat sanctuary

I found a cute little café and stunned the employees by ordering a double shot added to an Americano. That, along with a pistachio cannoli was my favourite breakfast so far

I heard from Dave and Deb and joined them for a Mimosa before getting in line for our entry

While waiting in line I spoke with some lovely ladies from England and then began listening to the Rick Steve’s presentation. A point that really stuck out to me was about the portico. Each column is 40’ tall, 15’ around and came from Egypt! As promised, the inside was spectacular

Dave mimicked the tour operators and led the was to find what promised to be an outstanding roof top bar. It was in the oldest hotel in Rome and what a lovely spot!!

We headed off intending to find a light lunch. We did, it was delicious and I should not have eaten that much!

Now we were running out of time so Dave headed off to drop our stuff at the apartment and meet us at the cooking class meeting spot. What a fabulous time was had! We made fettuccine and ravioli and gelato

I took lots of pictures and airdropped them so everyone had their own. I enjoyed meeting Sue from Minnesota. The food was amazing but I was toooo full!

We wandered back towards home, took wrong turns, got separated etc. I love big crowded cities at night. Deb and I bought makeup. I have never had such a fancy mascara. Earlier in the day I had bought a fancy calendar of the sites of Rome and a gift for Rae . I even wandered into a mass!

Once back we did a combined load of laundry and rack hung it to dry. Tomorrow will be an early day. We are going to the Sistine Chapel!

10-18-25 Dang – it’s a weird reprise

October 18, 2025


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.

Continue reading

10-18-25 Colosseum – edited update

October 18, 2025


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.

10-17-25 I Made it to Rome

October 17, 2025


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.

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.

10-16-25 Leaving Canada

October 16, 2025


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!

See you tomorrow!

10-15-25 one more sleep

October 15, 2025


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.

10-14-25 Anxiety Ridden

October 14, 2025


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.

Two more sleeps

10-13-25 Packing Day

October 13, 2025


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.

10-12-25 Happy Thanksgiving

October 12, 2025


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.

10-11-25 A Full Day!

October 11, 2025


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

10-10-25 6 More Sleeps

October 10, 2025


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.

We are have a plan to go to Kimberley tomorrow

10-09-25 too much food

October 9, 2025


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.