Today was mine to just chill. I had a plan to sleep, binge and chore as necessary. I accomplished all of the list. Slept too long as now I am having trouble getting to sleep. Binged all of Barry, which I highly recommend. Got my laundry done, cleaned out all of the VIMF binders and cleaned them and relabeled for July. I had thought to transplant my raspberries and mow the lawn but at 7 pm it was 31 degrees centigrade… not yard work temperature. I am so grateful I have to make payments as they are for my furnace and AC. I would not have survived in my place today without the AC. I finished a puzzle last night and started a new one this evening. It is a Christmas one but it was the only one I have that I hadn’t done so far. Within an hour of the birth, I received pictures from Danika of the baby. My 3rd granddaughter (2nd bonus one) was born this evening at nearly 10 pounds! Theodora, such joy to see she made it here so strong and ready to take on the world. I t was good to take a break today, and to hear from Mom, who is doing well. She is doing her physio and I hope she will be out soon.
I had a good long and necessary sleep before sitting and puzzling and giving Mom a call. She sounded a thousand percent better. What a relief. I told her that I didn’t like the puzzle of putting her back together again but was glad to hear her. Once I was ready to go, I stopped at her apartment and got mor of her necessities, gave Leslie a hug to let her know it would be ok and then headed to the hospital. Donna arrived as I did and we had a good visit with Mom. After that I went to my office and got a payroll and some payments done as well as took care of any email from yesterday. I then came home and made a delicious dinner before heading to my poker night. It was only 10 of us there so we played at one table and three of the top players were out before me at least. I enjoyed the evening and am sad there is only one more night and then the finals. It was a beautiful evening to be driving the jeep. All things that were good for my soul.
I was grateful that Rae picked me up and brought me to my car so that I was at Safeway by 8:30 to get Mom’s prescriptions in anticipation of taking her home to her apartment by 10. First negative was that the pharmacy didn’t open until 9 so I wandered and picked up some items for the day, salad, fruit etc. And a Gatorade as I was feeling the scotch effect of the night before. Second negative was that when the pharmacy opened at 9, her prescriptions weren’t ready yet so I went and bought a coffee and a scratch ticket and sat with the gambling guys in the corner They were pretty funny to hang with, a bunch of old men Keno players who were pleased that ‘the young lady’ had joined them. I finally got the drugs and headed to Green Home to pick up Mom. Her cousin Donna and Brother Lawrence were to meet us at Joseph Creek, her independent living home. As soon as I walked in the woman at the door asked me if Barb was still there as she hadn’t come down for breakfast. This worried me and then I went to her room and saw her. She was fragile, pale almost ashen, and had the lost look in her eyes back. I told the nurse that I wasn’t convinced she should be leaving but apparently she had to as she had been released. I also found out she had fallen last night bending to do up her shoe and hurt her elbow. I watched her struggle to stand and move forward with her walker. Everything in me was afraid. She could barely get herself in my car when she had practically hopped in when I took her to her appointment on May 18th. On the drive to her place I tried to find out what was going on but she just said she hadn’t been sleeping the last four nights and woke up at 4 this morning. I knew in my gut that wasn’t the whole story. Her cognitive skills were off and she lacked sparkle and wit. We got to Joseph Creek and I dropped her and all her stuff at the door and went to park the car while Donna and Lawrence escorted her in. When I entered the building she was laying on the tile floor and the admin lady had a horrified look on her face. It seems she had approached Mom and given her a hug but when she let go, didn’t ensure Mom as steady and she fell backwards. Donna tried to catch her but couldn’t. I nearly lost my shit but stayed calm, told them to call an ambulance and insisted she go to the hospital for X-Rays. I them walked out to the sidewalk and tried to call Greg and Rae-Anne. Neither of them answered and I just stood there and cried for a bit. Ultimately, the ambulance came and Donna and I met them at the hospital. The paramedics were so kind and calm and cheerful. I was very grateful to them. The entire day was spent testing and testing and testing. This time her crack is around the peg that goes into the femur. Still no surgery necessary but she is in some pain. The bigger worry was the cognitive disconnect and weakness that is causing her to fall twice in 12 hours. Turned out to be a stupid UTI again. I watched her blood pressure drop consistently all day and that is a sure indicator as well as the lack of appetite, drowsiness, dizziness and thought issues. When we finally got her up to a room just before 7 pm, she asked me where in Surrey she was, a place she moved away from last October. She is now staying in hospital again until this passes and she is safe to go home. Hopefully she will be safe to go home as she can’t even be in assisted living unless she can get herself out of her apartment quickly in the event of an emergency as they only have one staff member on at night, I was told. The option would be long term care, either in the building attached to hers or back at Green Home. My heart hurts at the thought of that for her but my heart and mind and soul feel a lot drained dealing with all of her things for the last 2.5 months. I did have a wee breakdown in the arms of her friend Morline at Joseph Creek. It was like the best Grandma hug ever. I stayed at the hospital until 8 when I was able to talk to her night nurse that had just come on shift and ensure that I am to be called if anything comes up or she is stressed. Once home I had the leftovers that I stopped at the office to pick up and just started watching Barry.. something mindless and distracting. I did have a lovely gift in my mail, those UK Besties really are so thoughtful. I am sure I am the only one around who has such a special souvenir.
When Greg was able to call me back he was at the airport making his way to Kodiak, Alaska as Weston Fields had died last week. He was a good friend to my Dad. I was blessed to have met him and enjoyed great conversations with him. He also was a person of great academic stature who got down on the carpet and gave horsey rides to my two young kids at the time. He has left a great mark and deep hole in the world. I wish I had found out other than by accident but I guess Greg may not have thought past his own sadness and was busy making plans to get there to be a pall bearer. He will be out of reach until he is back on Sunday.
Much happened today but the bottom line is that I took care of all the Mom things in anticipation of her returning home tomorrow except the toilet bars as I couldn’t for love or trying, get the seat nuts undone to install the bars so hope they have a handyman that can do it tomorrow.
I stopped at the liquor store and as soon as I walked in a label caught my eye and my micro-brew clients have their beer there! I love the Maple Porter,
I picked up a curious bottle of scotch to have drinks with Roger as it would have been his Dad, Ryon’s 71st today. We celebrate our Dad,s with a dram or three
It was a time of good conversation and memories. I was thrilled when Lukas came home looking sharp in his cadet uniform. He looks so much older than his 13 years
Rae kindly drove me home and promises to pick me up in the morning to recover my car. And now, I shall drink water, take a Tylenol and head to bed. Scotched out, it was a great evening. (Probably should have eaten sooner)
This morning I was cleaning out my fridge and noticed an open bottle that I needed to check the best before date on. I bought it last year and these syrups usually don’t last long. Imagine my surprise that the date matched ‘Old-Fashioned’ label. Not sure if I should use it, or if I should have in the first place, lol
Was the day to take my car to the dealership for its service. I provided the signed proof I had that my services were included in the purchase and it is now on my file. The salesman tried to give me false promises at the time but I got my proof, signed by him. When I picked it up I took pictures of the three scratches from parking lots, all on the passenger side. It does piss me off but nought I can do now.
These are the two newest ones
I stopped at Home Depot and picked up the missing bolt for my pergola and Top Crop to support their fundraiser for 3 Bear cubs by buying peonies. Back to the office to work until 8, finishing files and sending out billing. Unfortunately, I received an email that depressed me instantly. I did almost $1000 work this month for a regular client and rather than ok payment she questioned 27.50 of it. I already don’t charge enough, take their texts and calls 24/7 and stop what I’m doing to assist. The under appreciated bookkeeper wonders if I need the stress of this file. I will see how I feel about it tomorrow. To ice the cake, I decided to treat myself to rib night at Encore. They were sold out so I just came home, fixed my pergola, and planted my flowers….
And now I am enjoying my scavenger dinner and watching AGT.
The second to last day of the month is always the most complicated for me as I struggle to triage the remaining things on my list. Let’s just say that I worked my butt off and got it done. There are a few things people want from me and payroll that must happen but for the most part the month is done!
I couldn’t have been more grateful when Galen reached out to talk about upcoming events and we met at Fenwick & Baker for a snack and a bevie. We talked about so many things. In his capacity as artistic director at Key City Theatre, I had been looking for opportunity to speak to him about bringing Shanneyganock to Cranbrook. We tossed around the idea of having an annual East Coast style Kitchen Party and I am so excited. He said I could emcee when we bring them to town. I also let him know about the band that opened for them, from Calgary and we may want to bring them in for an event in the fall, Morrissey’s Private Stock. It feels great to collaborate on some great fun for the community.
Three fun things as well today: headed out this morning to find Harry was ready to go shopping. I had left my bag outside inadvertently and apparently there was some wind in the night. I have been working on my puzzle from Diana and it is not as easy as it looks if you don’t look at the picture or sort the colours. It was Nigels birthday and I am so happy he likes his mug I sent. We both love the show and on the other side is a tag of a tea bag that says Garbage Water, lol. Gosh I love and miss my peeps in the UK
Month end intensity broken by a run out to Fort Steele area to purchase some well established raspberry bushes for along my new fence line. Roger just told me yesterday that they would make the best hedge for me as I love raspberries and they are quick growing. The farm where I picked them up was breathtaking and the seller was very nice and informative about the care and feeding of them. I brought them home and placed them in an indirect sunlight area as she suggested. I then went back to the office and worked far too many hours, leaving finally just before 9. I got back to find that the deer had already been at them!!!! I still don’t know how they are getting in but when I find out that will be solved immediately.
I am exhausted by my job, but it is the life I have created… so I press on. I do think I create some of the stress myself by not leaving anything to generalities. I enter all the details, within reason and push to get everything done as early as possible. It was hard again to work on and finalize the quarter for my friend, who died, His widow has been awesome to deal with and gets me everything I ask for. I know this is a whole new world for her as he took care of everything.
It was a very lat but quite delicious dinner. I didn’t feel like using the zucchini and just enjoyed the meatballs and edamame in Hoison sauce.
The weather has not been jeep friendly. Rainbows and butterflies and forked lighting with pounding rain have been the norm.
I had only a plan to get fuel for my lawnmower and check out Mom’s apartment today. I ended up meeting the family at Encore when they were done church, ordered the last Goat Pizza complete with Peaches, Blackberries and goat cheese, which is leaving the menu, sadly, and then bowled for an hour with Lukas, William, Sawyer, Rae and Roger.
I bowled my worst game ever, I think, but had fun. I took Will home with me to get the bulk of the yard work done before the weather was supposed to crap out. He is a pleasant little man and easy to work with, without whining. Got the weeding done and found an iris that I didn’t even remember planting. Lol
I dropped off Will, went to Mom’s apartment and then had a craving for a martini so I picked up one of my favourite Gins knowing that I have special olives and the rest at home. It was especially delicious thanks to the bitters from Danika and Malcolm.
I sat for a good long visit with Tracey having deep and intimate conversations. It is so healthy for me to have a good girlfriend to share with and I feel like we just took it to next level tonight. We shared things that have been kept close to the chest and I appreciate the safety in that. Just as I left her place next door the sky began to open up full force and I made it in the house just as the rain pounded down. I am glad Will and I got the yard done today!!
I don’t know if Martini Sunday was the best plan but seriously, I enjoyed the two of them and have no regrets… yet 😉
The kids were awake well before 6. I learned later that Emmy woke up Sawyer who just wanted to sleep some more, bless his heart. I finally got up after a snuggle with them and made French Toast. eggs, vanilla coconut milk, and the mixture of hot chocolate from stockings past with Dutch bread made for a delicious breakfast. The kids ate 3 pieces each! We then got ready including scrubbed nails, hair do and painted nails before we went to Green Home to visit Grandma Judy and GG. They were both surprised and we had a nice time.
I brought home mom’s plants and a few other things which I will take to her apartment when I get it ready this week. I have to go to Red Cross and pick up gear to make things easier for her. I was happy to see her moving quickly and confidently with her walker. it is a huge improvement.
Next we went to the Guedes house so the kids could play in the yard. While we were there I confirmed by text with Roger that they did not want the CombiCamp back. I placed a message in the Facebook group for owners that it was as is, where is, for free. We then walked down to the Saturday market and while the kids played in the water park and on the playground I wandered the market and purchased a few things. It was the first one of the season and there was much to see. Rae-Anne met me there and took over as I had to go to the office for a zoom meeting of coordinators for VIMF. I bought the kids cotton candy and headed off on foot.
I love her shirtWho wouldn’t be interested in beer and artLet this be me some dayBountyBest addition to my heart collection
After the meeting I realized someone had already reached out about the tent trailer. I was suspicious at first that it was a scam but he provided all the info and sent a friend from Kimberley to pick it up. It turns out that that is what he does, takes the broken ones and restores them. I look forward to seeing how it turns out. I received a text from his friend Mark that he was leaving to come get it and headed out to my car but remembered it was at Rae-Annes. I walked fast up the hill to get it and then met them at my place. They were super nice folks and even brought it out from the back to tow away. I offered and then drove behind them as the wiring wasn’t working for the brake lights. They were only taking it to the industrial part of town to store, not all the way to Kimberley. I look forward to seeing the restoration on Blindman Overland Facebook page. Really, it is the best outcome as I did not want to see it go for scrap.
I returned to the office and finished off a big file to make the early week easier. While I was following the trailer I received a call urgently needing help at Key City tonight for the Kootenay Dance Academy show. I didn’t really want to to be honest but in all the years that I have been volunteering, this is the first time I actually got a call asking for help, so I said yes. I came home and had a short visit with Tracey on her deck before eating and getting ready to go to the theatre. I was scheduled to work a door which meant until after 10 at night but one of the women scheduled on bar had let her Serve it Right licence expire which meant we swapped and I was able to leave after the intermission and restocking. I did enjoy the company and boy did we sell a lot!
I came home and finished my puzzle… finally! And then I made replacement pieces for my huge puzzle which just need to be coloured so I can glue it as a mat and finally fold down my table as it is in the way.
First thing this morning I got a text from Danika asking if I would like to have Emmy tonight, so I rearranged my day and made it happen. I asked Sawyer to join as well. They play well together at 6 & 8. I had a client come for an assist on her books in the morning and then rushed off to meet another for a ‘pick my brain’ lunch at Family Thai. I didn’t make it back to the office until nearly 2 and had so much to do. I left at 5 to pick up Sawyer and we came home to find a deer in my yard. I hav no clue how it got there but it was easily chased out. Danika, Emmy and Gwen showed up just after we did and hung out for a pasta dinner. After Danika and Gwen left, Sawyer and Emmy played Wii Games and then asked to go outside. They play well together and are old enough not to worry about now. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize it was already 8 pm and by the time I got them in a happy mood and in the house it was too late. Emmy was happy and got ready for bed but the second she sat on the bed, she began to cry for her Mom and wanted to be picked up RIGHT NOW! I was able to distract her with a call to her Dad and then counting things in the room and a calm voice. I did have to move Sawyer to my room listening to Pirate Stories while I asked Emmy all kinds of questions about baby animals, her new house, school, etc and a promise of French Toast with chocolate and cinnamon in the morning. Suddenly she just said, I am ready to sleep now, and that was that. I moved Sawyer back from my bed and he slipped into the trundle and promptly fell asleep. I hope everyone who has to deal with sleepy kids tomorrow isn’t mad at me. I really had a lovely evening with them both. Perhaps they will sleep a little bit tomorrow.
A funny moment that had Emmy in hysterics was when I voice to text sent a message to her Dad to see if we could call. The message said Timmy wanted to call. When we did call she lowered her voice and pretended to be Timmy. It was so funny to see her acting like his son Timmy. She is quite the character this one.
I gathered my mail to find a beautiful card announcing and inviting to celebrate the upcoming graduation of my son-in-law’s Sister’s eldest daughter. Her day is more momentous as it is her high school and college graduation! Unfortunately it is mid-June in Olympia Washington and I have to head out 3 weeks later for musicfest. I so appreciate being included and receiving the card with gorgeous pictures and her story. I will show the front but there is personal info on the back. So happy for her bright future!
The highlights of my day were popping off to Key City Theatre to give perspective and some direction to my friend who is doing a one woman show coming up early June. I was grateful to find ways to guide her with director skills and not trample on the free spirit that she is. I am honoured to be asked to assist and look forward to being emcee for her show. I returned from that to have a meeting with Helen from the Chamber of Commerce to welcome me to the group and explain the perks. We had such a lovely visit. After that it was buckle down and hard focus on two files. The internet is slow, making the software time out and causing me grief so I was there far later than I hoped to be. Finally got home to make dinner which I am grateful was light as I wasn’t done eating until 9 or so. I spent time reading the Clue script as I am considering auditioning for this season for CCT. It is the third show of the season so may be poor timing but I still don’t know if there would be anything available at all in the two other shows. I may audition for the sake of it and staying connected with the community. I shall not set myself up for disappointment as I did last year though.
Malcolm dropped off my gift from Jake today. I am very impressed! Can’t wait to try it out.
The best part of today was shutting down my computer, after a full 8 billable hours of intense screen time, to have smokies with Roger, Rae-Anne and most of the boys before heading to Encore with Rae to enjoy a couple beverages and some good talk. It has been a while since we have caught up and it was good for my soul. My forehead is still tender where I banged the car door into it yesterday and I wonder if that is part of why I had trouble getting to sleep last night and staying awake and focused today. Damn concussion syndrome takes me down easily these days. It was also hard to work on the corporate books for my friend who died in March. His widow brought me most of what I need and is trying to get the rest. I had feels.
There was a good moment or three, a tough moment or two and a lot of work accomplished today. Best of all was a quick visit with my daughter, and a call to follow up later. I had to share with her in the call an important moment about someone we both know. I had my feelings about the other person validated by someone who’s opinion matters to me. Suffice to say, I am grateful they are no longer in my circle (and I am not talking about the guy). I got my Hello Fresh today and cooked a nice stew when I got home. Then I settled in to watch a 90 day Fiancé Tell All. No wonder I don’t trust relationships forged online but I do admire some of the couples and their solid relationships.
I slept long, did some more chores, went to do a payroll at the office, and then spent 2.5 hours at a client getting his receivables sorted out. After that I met grandson number 2, Lukas at the movie theatre to see Guardians of the Galaxy 3. We enjoyed it and after I dropped him off I went to fill up with gas before coming home to relax, make a plate of prawn, feta and avocado nachos and hopefully go to bed again soon.
I slept in, I cleaned my house and did errands for hours as it had been a long time since I deep cleaned. Nothing like having someone over to spur one into motion. The guy came over with pizza at 7 and I had picked up a 4 pack at Encore. We enjoyed that and watched Black Adam at his request. I did enjoy it the second time around. Shame to have read today about the fallout from that show. I have always been a fan of The Rock and it’s sad he seems to have burned his bridges.
I did come to the conclusion tonight that we have too little in common to actually be friends with benefits as those two words are not working out. There was a very weird moment for me when Missy let him pet her. No one else has been allowed to. Too bad, but the lack of depth of conversation combined with him being a one minute man just doesn’t make him worth having in my life. I knew that for sure when I was glad he left at only 10 o’clock. Funny, but when I was his age, I only dated guys in their early 30s. Seems there may have been a reason. At least, if I never hook up again, I will know for sure when the last time was and why.
At least my place is lovely and ready for me to take on the next week. Too much information? Be glad I left out all the details, lol
I puttered at some chores and watched shows after having a sleep in. I wavered back and forth with social anxiety about an invitation to a party a half hour away in Meadowbrook. It is an annual event but this was my first invitation. The invite was actually for last night, to come and camp for the weekend and have lobster and prime rib. I finally took my recycling out, picked up makings for a big Caesar salad, packed my cooler and headed there. I am so glad I did. It was a lovely smaller group as last night was 80+ and I was able to have a few very nice longer conversations with folks I have known casually for a few years and with others I haven’t met before. There were lobster left over from last night and I decided to pay and enjoy one. Tom Bungay, an east coaster, who brought in the lobster along with his wife Verna, cleaned it for me and showed me all the inner workings. It was filling but I still think, overrated, as my favourite is Dungeness Crab. I am glad to have had that experience though and the music playing was wonderful. So many old and new friends doing what they love for our enjoyment. Next year I plan to camp for the weekend and just relax.
Today felt really off. I went to the office and got some things done and then popped off to the salon for waxing and then back to the office to work on a file with deadlines before heading to get my nails done. I was lucky to get both those appointments last minute and loved being taken care of by Ireland first and then the two brothers at the nail salon. Minh helped pick out what he knew I would like and then Lee did them. I love that they match my jeep more or less and go with my ring
I had to go back to the office and work on getting a bunch of wage subsidy paperwork done for a client and was nearly done when I was sent pictures of Rae and the boys at the fair in town. I had forgotten all about it so I finished up and headed there. I am so glad I did as I got to ride the Ferris Wheel with Will and Sawyer. Neither of them likes heights but they trust going with me and I love that ride. I bought mini donuts to bring to my poker game while I was there.
Last stop of the evening was my poker league. It was at Galen’s and outdoors which was lovely. I was doing pretty well but was last one out before the two tables merged. I went all in on a straight and Jesse threw down his cards saying he only had two pair. Unfortunately for me he threw them face up and the others noticed he actually had a full house. That was a very big up and down. Sigh. Oh well, I am home relaxing and enjoying a Crown and the ups and downs of the day are over now. I look forward to a good sleep which I have been having since I got my new pillow.
Today was a a whole lot of dodging back and forth, running around from item to item on my list but it was so full of good that I am very happy. I met with mom and her release team in the morning to make a plan for her to get out on June 2nd, I went and got her walker from her apartment so she can get used to using it. Back to the office after picking up my new glasses, putting in my prescription, and hitting up staples and pet valu. I got a couple hours work in before picking up Mom for her first time out since March 10th. She got in my car more easily than the last few times in March and I took her to the hospital to meet the ENT. Dr. Mordon was very sweet and he said her lump is benign and no surgery is necessary. Even if it is not benign it is a slow grower and at her age there is no risk. Should she have any symptoms, we will worry about it but now that is all behind her. YAY! She was tired out after our adventure but I believe is looking forward to getting home safely and not afraid of the car ride any longer. From there I went to a client’s and was there for over 5 hours. By 8, I was done. I told him I would finish up soon but I just had to leave. I love driving around in the jeep as the lilacs all over town smell heavenly.
My day was spent entirely earnings free but I cleared a great deal off my plate for both FPPAS and VIMF. There were phone calls and connections and much accomplished. I had a zoom call with an agent from VolunteerLocal, a software that I purchased for $200 US to schedule my crew with, that will allow them to log in and approve the times they are scheduled and get text messages to let them know they are due to their positions. I hope it works as it should save me time in the long run, once it is set up. At 4:30 I headed to Fenwick and Baker for the Chamber of Commerce restaurant take-over. It was a lot of fun to sit with Kirsten, and Layla and learn more about each other. While I was there I got a text that Gene’s rugby team had blown away the competition at their rugby final and are on to provincials. We all met at Encore to celebrate. They will play in Abbotsford at month’s end. It was fun to hang out with the grands and play skeeball and basketball.
I have been stalling about having an honest talk with ‘the guy’ so when he messaged to get together tonight I said yes and we sat out in the yard and had a good honest talk. It is hard to tell someone that they don’t add enough to your day to warrant being part of it. I was honest and straight forward, and he was receptive and apologetic. We have a date planned for Sunday night. We shall see.
triumphgal 