triumphgal

Just another day in the life

05-05-26 Buck Win!

May 5, 2026


I managed to get a good seal of work done and had a call from Moms occupational therapist about her future and he agreed she should be on extended care list before supportive care is not enough. I did go have a visit with her after work and she is very…. Old. From there I headed to the arena as I had committed to selling 50/50 tonight for round three of the playoffs against defending champs, Brooks Bandits from Alberta.

It was continuous sales from 6- slightly after puck drop in third period. The total to share was $10055!

While I was selling I had to take any poppy to reply to messages from strata council about the trailer two doors down from me that has water spraying out. Our handyman had tried to turn it off at the curb stop today but it clearly had not worked. Our secretary suggested she could ask her brother who is a plumber what we needed to do. He agreed right away to send one of his guys in the morning to check it out….. and shortly after…. Won the 50/50!!! Instant karma!!

05-04-26 May the Fourth

May 4, 2026


I woke up to this fabulous pic of my friend Nigel

I called Mom and arranged Rae to bring her a charger and her Sudoku. I had to head to Invermere for my next neurology appointment.

I was surprised to receive a call from Clayton, the concierge at the place mom lives in independent living. He calmly mentioned that she had not come down for dinner last night and was now missing. I calmly informed him that I was upset that no one was aware that she’d been taken out by ambulance 15 hours earlier.

My appointment went well although this time it was much more painful. We are looking at options going forward and he is referring me to Physio

I made it back to the office by 2 and got a payroll and some payments for clients done before heading to visit with Mom. By this time I had gotten her lab results and she has a high Creatinine level and an infection which they are treating. She is having physio twice a day. I did speak to her about getting her on a list to find a spot in extended care as close to us as possible. It was so hard for me to speak calmly and lovingly but firmly communicate the necessity. She did agree. After I left I dropped her walker for service and then sat in my car and called my brother and his wife to update them and ask for support so that I am not the bad guy when she hated having to move. It hurt my heart. They support completely and Kym did thank me for taking the load here. I told them I couldn’t do it without cousin Donna taking care of her shopping regularly.

I came home, had some soup and put my foot up. Now I’m off to bed, it’s been a lot in the last 6 weeks.

05-03-26 Adieu Dear Beth

May 3, 2026


Morning was smooth, packing, breakfast, in memoriam video and goodbye hugs.

Lid for time capsule- Sandpoint spelled wrong!
Nancy won the auction of Lucy’s pillows

I made a stop at Walmart for a few things and when I went to pay I couldn’t find my CC! I paid with a different one and headed back to the hotel thinking I had left it in the sleeve with my key card. It was not there so I searched again and it was in my wallet. Argh I had wasted so much time.

I was pretty tired driving. I even pulled over and got a package of mentos out of my shopping to kick in a sugar rush.

Made it home just before three, thinking Beth’s funeral was at 3:30. I double checked and found it was actually at three so I got changed in a big hurry and headed to the Alliance church.

I made it to hear Caitlyn singing just before the eulogy by Dylan, one of the sons It was beautiful

I realized that I had forgotten my phone at home but decided I didn’t need it. I went to the celebration of life at the Royal Alexandra Hall.

I got home around 6:30 to find that mom had called. I called and she was in bad shape. Her door was locked and it took her a very long time to let me in. I had to put one arm in and help her to get turned around and sit on her walker so I could push her out of the way and open the door. I had called an ambulance. Her neighbour Gary had pushed his fall button to get someone to come with a key but no one came while I was waiting. That is disturbing

Up at the hospital they ran tests and did a chest X-ray. Finally just around d 10 a Dr came to say she hadn’t found anything wrong. She agreed that her swollen feet were extreme and they would admit her for a couple days. I begged my leave and chatted with Rae on the way home to ask her to check in tomorrow as I have to go to Invermere for treatment in the morning.

05-02-26 Sunny Saturday

May 2, 2026


Up early and off for breakfast. It was tough to not go see the car show or the farmers market setting up on this gorgeous day! after some small group discussions our past president, Joe, was the speaker and unfortunately the room was too bright for his mostly video presentation. He did well though.

We walked over to the Panida Theatre for our business meeting and some presentations of awards. I was thrilled to go up and accept on behalf of someone who will be presented on Thursday at our meeting. We then all climbed in school buses to be driven up to a beautiful community forest where the Peace Pole was revealed. It is very interesting as it looks like two hands shaking or someone giving a hand up. I was blessed to visit with Marilyn on the bus. She is just darling and told me when I come through town to stop and get the family discount of 30% plus the 20% for Canadians!

After, we couldn’t find our Bay Trail group so Penny and I just walked down to the Red Bridge Mall and had a great time checking it out. I want to start a Build spot! We even stopped for a mimosa in a cool Hawaiian spot and chatted with other visitors before getting caught in a wee cloudburst on the way home.

After a short break, it was time to get dressed and head for the main dinner. It was a nice stroll away in a converted Catholic Church. The food was very good, as was the company. I found myself invited to sit with the Dockins and who should sit across from me but dear Marilyn! I introduced Debi to her and they had a mutual very dear deceased friend. There were awards and stories and I learned that Dad jokes are endemic. I was so happy that Ndago from our satellite club in Uganda was able to join us by zoom with a couple other members. It was 6 am there.

I did wonder how it went at the border… what’s under the tarp sir? Oh just an iron lung!

We all walked back to the hotel and I decided not to go looking for trouble but call it an early night. I enjoyed chatting with Leanne about Rotary, and our trip. It was nice to get all the compliments on the dress that I bought at Marilyn’s store.

05-01-26 Sandpoint Idaho

May 2, 2026


How do I begin to explain the connection. I headed to Sandpoint and enjoyed the journey

I listened to Women Talking on my Audible. There was a certain point when I crossed the border that it became too real and I had to change stories.

I am going to complete all of this tomorrow because there has been too much whiskey lol

Good grief.. I’m back

Daughters of Dave Dalby. Susan and Marilyn. Marilyn was first Miss Schweitzer, Miss Sandpoint, and has owned Eves Leaves for 47 years

Originally a federal building with post office on main floor and then in late 60s became the library until late 90s. Susan was in high school and the students did a fire brigade to move the books one by one. When the library moved again the same thing was done to where it is today. Restored to a brewery by brothers Micky and Duffy Mahone. Original Catwalk with vents to look down on workers!

Stopped at Eves to buy an outfit that I saw in the window. I will be wearing it Saturday night. Next stop was Panida (said like Canada) Theatre for grand opening and keynote by our President, Rick Jensen. I loved the bell choir!!

President Rick

Got checked in. Sharing a room with Leanne. It is nice and super convenient to everything.

After dinner many of us had signed up for the pub crawl. The third one was the most fun & karaoke night

We chatted up and mingled with all the regulars in that very small space. I was given an American one to sign and staple up. Virgil sang for us and Roger impressed me with his bow tying skills. Made some friends and memories. That bar now knows how fun Rotarians are.

04-30-26 See ya next year tax season

April 30, 2026


Rotary lunch began with Kenzie, our sponsored youth ambassador, giving the best ice breaker speech ever. She will go far, and I really like her parents, Stu and Lindsay as well.

The main speaker gave a very well presented and informative talk about dementia. Cheryl Savage was very engaging on the subject

Brett and I kicked it as the only duo tonight. Show me your T4s came in second by only 1.5 points! We had fun and ended the night at F&B watching the Ducks kick the Oilers out of the playoffs.

It was a good end to a very busy April.

04-29-26 somebody Loves me

April 29, 2026


I got a call first thing from Safeway floral. Had to go ask for a donation for Children’s Fest on the 9th and order trays so grabbed the gift while I was there. I was very spoiled by Mary Lynn.

Today I found myself very anxious. I don’t know why as I got all the things done that I needed to including making my first cheque for a strata contractor payment .

I did get home at a decent time and have just relaxed watching season 2 of Running Point. Ow it’s Survivor, then bed.

04-28-26 Go Bucks Go!

April 28, 2026


Today was a lot of different things including work, volunteerism and fun. I took time out of my day to go drop off all the tea cups and other items from the gala at the hospital auxiliary thrift store. It was great to see tony who I usually volunteer with at Key City. It’s hard to believe that a guy that is in his 90s is still volunteering in so many different places. I worked late enough that I wouldn’t be at the bar too early for dinner and games. Tonight both the Cranbrook Bucks and the Anaheim Fucks were playing in important games. It was a lot of fun being at the bar and hanging out with Rotary and Bar friends to see the Cranbrook Bucks win this level of the series and are moving on to the next and Anaheim lost to Edmonton, but they are still up 3 to 2 in the series.

04-26-26 back to regular programming

April 26, 2026


I was so tired when my alarm went off but I made it to the hall by 9 and there were many hands to get the place cleared out. Mary Ann took care of the rental stuff and I managed organizing all the thrift store and storage stuff. The crew were amazing and we were done before noon

I napped for a few hours before doing some chores.

Lallah called to get me to draw the 59/50 number for the game as the internet was down there. We sold over $11k! And the winner was Jason Wheeldon, the emcee from last night. The Bucks won forcing game 7 in the series against Salmon Arm.

And the Ducks just beat Oilers in OT with a reviewed goal! what a weekend!

04-25-26 Gala Night!

April 26, 2026


9-1:30 or so working on finishing touches, assisting Leanne with auction items, etc

Home to shower and ready then off to see Melissa who did my lashes

At the hall by 4 to be sure all the light were turned on on the tables and then began champagne service from 5-6 or so with my ‘potion’ of edible glitter.

After that I was in guest mode mostly enjoying the peeps at my table. Ed and his family, Mike and Heather, Mark and Jo were very good company.

The 4 course dinner was exquisite and I loved popping bin yo get pics of Will over the course of the day. I bought a few auction items and dances too much. Next to Sandy in the cloakroom, I was the last Rotarian out having shut off lights etc.

Aside from the live auction taking too long, the evening went swimmingly and it was fun to dance to the Testers.

My ankle hurts and I have to be up in six or so hours. Good night!!

04-24-26 the eve of

April 24, 2026


I am tired and my whole right leg hurts. It was a very good day of getting things ready for the gala, working with great people to pull off great things. it was especially fun working with g with Stacey from Sandman to get all the centrepieces done.

Sioux made it page 63 just for me

When I stopped at the office to pick up something Ashley gave me Rocky!

She texted me later in the day asking if I k ew Danny Reordan se there was a parcel with no name on it. As a matter of fact I do and I stopped at the end of the day to find a very thoughtful surprise!!

They are still in wax paper and come completed. Very cool.

I was ready to fall asleep shortly after I got home but I would have been awake again at midnight so I am going to take some nerve pain pills and go to bed now.

04-23-26 Big Snow Day

April 23, 2026


Winter came back with a vengeance. Power and internet was down in pockets.

It was initial set up for gala day. Back and forth moving things, creating on the fly and coordinating volunteers. Busy from 9 am to 6 or so. I am so proud of Mary Ann and I and how beautiful it is all coming together.

I received an incredible picture of the coliseum at night from Rae and Roger. I sent them this pic to say they didn’t need to go all the way here as this is in the Colombo Lodge.

Back at home enjoying a glass before hitting the hay.

04-22-26 Game Night!

April 22, 2026


I woke and enjoyed a memory of giving birth to my daughter Ashlée 39 years ago. how is that even possible? We are both far too young to be experiencing that milestone.

I had a pretty great day at work getting a lot of things done

I headed to Fenwick and Baker after work ready to enjoy the ducks versus Oilers game only to realize it didn’t begin until eight our time. I did have great chats with Norm at the bar who was a salesman for pet food travelling through and was very proud of his grandson who is probably going to be an NHL player.

I headed over to the arena to watch the Bucks game as we are in the second round of the playoffs and ended up having great visits up at Dave’s Canadian tire booth and then the two of us walked over to the bridges booth and had great visits. I am thrilled to be encouraging Tami, the owner of The Sammy to become a Rotarian. She said she will come to lunch next week and this makes me very happy. All in all it was a very great night and the Bucks won in OT.

04-21-26 ironic beauty

April 21, 2026


I took a call from a T1 client and could have pushed it off but felt her urgency about a return she had sone in the past for her mom that was reassessed. I decided to deal with it right then and less than an hour later her husband showed up with a beautiful bottle of wine. So thoughtful

After a very productive day of work and creating a cool box light for the champagne service, I headed to see Melissa at Creative Soles and she took 15-20 minutes to apply my false eyelashes. After the first couple bunches she just kept saying ‘they are so pretty’ I couldn’t wait to see and I am not disappointed. Seems Nikki was right, I was going to do these ironically and would look o the mirror and say woooo. I did

It turned out to be a spectacular day all around!

04-20-26 Oregano Day

April 20, 2026


Brilliant marketing

A tribute to my birthday greeters

They created while I worked

It was a gorgeous warm spring day and also the first meeting of the Rotary District Public Image committee. Lynn, Tom, Haley and I had a good Zoom for an hour. I have committed to leading a session at the Fall district assembly

04-19-26 Beddian Birthday

April 19, 2026


A Beddian birthday occurs when your age matches the last two digits of your birth year(e.g., turning 63 in 2026 if born in 1963). Named after NYC firefighter Bobby Beddia, this once-in-a-lifetime, even-year event means your age and birth year suffix are identical. 

Key Facts About Beddian Birthdays

  • Origin: The term honors NYC firefighter Bobby Beddia, who noted the coincidence of turning 53 in 2006 (having been born in 1953).
  • The Math: It only happens in even years. If born in 1960, you turn 60 in 2020, 61 in 2021 (no), 62 in 2022 (no), etc. Because the sum of your birth year and age must equal the current year 1963+63=2026), this only aligns on even years.

The very first message of the day came from my high school mate Darryl and I have watched and listened to it many times today.

Over the course of the day I had many amazing messages and wishes via email, messenger, texts, calls and in person. The outpouring of love was overwhelming. I put on my pretty dress and Dr Bonnie Henry Fluevogs and headed to the office to meet Sioux and Mary Ann. While they worked on the book for the entry way I finished and filed a GST quarter. I had posted in our family chat asking if anyone wanted to join me at Fenwick and Baker for brunch. At one, Bill and Deanne, Will and Sawyer, Kael and Ronan, and Gene all showed up! It was lovely and the food was delicious and the Perreault’s picked up the tab which was also just lovely.

I brought Sawyer home with me to plant a bunch of bulbs. He did a great job and we got the yard more ready for the season . waiting on my porch was a bag of birthday swag from Diana. She is a gift savant!! I had seen those towels and refrained from buying but love them so much!

I went back to the office where the ladies were still busy and finished another file.

At 6 I was picked up by Judy and we went to Heidout for a wonderful visit. We were treated to dessert as her birthday is tomorrow. I got a candle and she got the sparkler. It was fun and the beermisu was delicious

It was a very good day!!!

04-18-26 productivity

April 18, 2026


I woke up well before my alarm this morning so I got myself ready had some nice messages back-and-forth with Mary Lynn as it is her 65th birthday it’s hard for us to process the age we have reached. We have always called each other Aries sisters and I miss her very much. I feel some sadness in her life and aloneness, and I wish that I was closer.

I made it to the office and got a tax return completed and An averaging agreement done. While doing my ABC Zoom on my phone because suddenly the camera attached to my computer is not working. This is a problem. I’ll have to make sure I replace it before Wednesday when I have a teams meet with the auditor for one of my clients. It was nice to have a short but sweet visit with the friends that could make it for the zoom.

And then it was full tilt go as a lot of people arrived to help out with killing the gala decor ready. Mary Ann and I were there first prepping and then John Z and And Sioux arrived with the parts of the book for the door. Then Maureen and Bridget arrived to help to finish off the trinkets and the cover for the Queen’s throne. Judy Lallah, Nancy, and Nadine worked on the mushrooms. Mary and Sam put together the visuals for the pages of the front of the book. Rick and I worked on the frame for the mirror around the door. And then everyone just jumped in and helped working on the book including Lauren and another lady whose name I don’t know. It was a huge team effort and so much got done. That feels awesome. It really is like putting on a play. Everything comes together at the last minute.

Thank goodness for being able to use the Ground Floor. We were able to leave the parts of the book in the maker space and Sue and MaryAnn will go work on it tomorrow. I told them that I wasn’t setting an alarm as it was my birthday and I’ve been working too many days in a row, but that I would definitely come at the end and help put everything away where it needs to be and that if I was available earlier to help, I would come then

I made it home in time for the 6 PM happy hour Rotary zoom. It was Debby and Scott from Hawaii, Dave from Sandpoint, Lorne from Nelson, Muraleen and Lynn from south of the border, Ndagado and Emma from Africa. We had some great conversations and sharing about what the wild factor in Rotary is for us. I’m enjoying this little hour out of my week to learn more about my fellow Rotarians.

And now it’s not even 9 o’clock and I’m completely exhausted and ready to go to bed which is fine except for that I will be awake at four or five in the morning. I may still try and make myself go back to sleep if I wake up at that time.

This is after all my New Year’s Eve. I’m glad to go into my 64th year on the planet ,age 63, with fresh pedicure, manicure, hair and brows. Most important I’m taking with me the joyful memories of the past year, uplifted by the love I felt especially in the last couple days from my peer group and looking forward to what this next year on the planet brings me.

03-17-26 birthday weekend kickoff

April 17, 2026


The day had many ups and one major down.

My first fun was when I grabbed a pair of socks out of my drawer and it matched my calendar, so I went with it

I was blown away when I got to the office and saw the TV in the lobby of the Ground Floor with a personalized message created by Ashley the Ground Floor community manager. I couldn’t believe how many details of my life she has learned and managed to incorporate into that message. It left me very veklempt

Later in the afternoon, I was surprised with a delicious chocolate and raspberry cake by the ladies of CFEK.

I bounced back-and-forth all day between paid and unpaid things and managed to get some help from Shannon making some items for tomorrow’s gala session using the laser cutter. Turns out it works really great on Corplast. Shannon is really a lovely human who is so supportive to me as well and I’m glad that they hired her for the Ground Floor. I had taken over the books for her when I was doing them for Earth’s Own Naturals. And she is very open to supporting doing books in anyway that is necessary as well. I did make the tags for the big bottles we are making. I think they turned out pretty awesome if I don’t say so myself

It was another long day and it was around 8 o’clock when I finally made some pasta and enjoyed what I must say is my favourite jarred sauce I have ever had. It is truly delicious.

My new fave show is Resident Alien.

I should stop watching and go to bed though as I promised I’d be at the Ground Floor before 10