Happy New Year

We are now in Austin and it is in the mid sixties. We are just going to lie by the pool in our bathing suits.

Drove from Houston yesterday, stopping for BBQ on the way. Last night we went to a club to hear Malford Mulligan play. What a great group.

Tomorrow we drive to Brownsville and walk to Mexico for the next 2 days.

My foot has been really swollen but it better today. There is no humidity here. My knees don't like the back seat in the car but I think I am navigating tomorrow & get the front.

Merry Christmas from Houston

I am now in Houston visiting family. It was 73 today and drizzly. The sun will be here tomorrow and it is warming up to the 80s. When I first came we were sitting by the pool in our shorts.

Tonight we are sleeping at my cousin's son's house to wake up with his 2 little kids in the morning. We will go home after lunch and have a quiet Christmas. 16 will be coming to Patience's for Christmas dinner (turkey and pork) on Boxing Day. I have already made my Killer Cranberry Sauce.

We have another family dinner (different family) on the 28th and then leave for Austin on the 30th. We will spend New Year's there and the boys will be out partying.

We drive to Brownsville on New Year's Day and will have 2 days walking across the border to Mexican towns. Back to Houston on the 4th and home on the 6th. Maybe the snow will be gone and we can get to Seattle. Don't know yet how we get home from there.

My right foot is really swelling. Not sure if it is the walking or all the sitting - everything is so far away!

Pru's present was taking me to The Messiah - very impressive!

Long Day

There is still ice on the side roads so I kept to cabs today. I'll get the snow tires mounted in January. Thought I'd have to leave early in case the cab arrived late because of the cold but one came before I even left the apartment. It was too early for my physio appointment so I had him take me to Oakridge. After coffee & a scone I walked around the mall.

Went to my VanCity for cash and then to physio. Good work on my sore neck. Then down to CIBC to convert cash to U.S. Wish I had done it months ago! Called a cab and waited about 10 minutes. Went to have my hair cut and then walked across the street to Liberty Bakery on Main Street for black bean soup. Bought some treats for the afternoon and tomorrow's breakfast and then took a cab home.

Called a cab to take me to the new London Drugs at Broadway & Cambie. Again it came before I could even get out of my apartment. Apparently they hang out at the hotel at Oak & Marine. Argued with the driver about where LD was. He got angry when I told him he was wrong. Finally convinced him to let me out at Ash & Broadway. He still thought I had to go west, not to the new store to the east!

Met Louise in the Cactus Club for our monthly dinner. Walked to Heather to buy lattes and then up to the Cancer Agency for our support group. We had all brought goodies (mine was shortbread - yes, I made it!). I think the weather kept the group small.

Cab ride home ($17) should be my last ones! I had mailed the receipts for grocery delivery and physio to my lawyer but had to wait for the last receipt to mail the taxi bundle to ICBC. Will try to do that on the way tomorrow.

I am just about packed for my trip. Pru, Jesse & Lucas will come for me in the morning. One of John's caregivers is driving us to Sea-Tac in his van. Then 3 weeks with cousin Patience in Houston. I think she still has dial-up so I don't know how often I will be able to blog.

Christmas snow

Today was quite beautiful with 10 cm of snow falling overnight but I had no intention of driving. Chris and Pru came to collect me for lunch at John's. Got a box of Purdy's and a signed Lynden T-shirt. So do I wear it or hang it on the wall?

One more day to go. I think it is too icy to drive without snow tires so I will revert to taxis tomorrow.

Driving Again

It has been exactly 9 weeks since my crash. I gingerly started up my shiny car and drove through that intersection to get on the Oak St. bridge. Bought some clothes at Northern Reflections and then had lunch at Tim Horton's.

Spent some time with Matt and Andy. Gave the girls The Night Before Christmas to get them in the mood. Visited Mae for a couple of hours and then we walked over to Ocean 6 Seventeen at Stamp's Landing. I had scrumpcious pumpkin soup and halibut and chips. We walked to my car and I drove Mae back home as it was getting really cold. I was glad that I had worn my ski jacket.

Now it is snowing so I don't know what I am going to do tomorrow and Monday. I don't have snow tires on and don't want to take any chances.

Snow?

I saw flakes for about 5 minutes this morning. The big wind and snow storm didn't come anywhere near me!

Pru drove me to hear The Universal Gospel Choir at the Norman Rothstein Theatre. The Music Director, Kathryn Nicholson, was the music therapist at the Cancer Agency so I saw a couple of old friends from there.
It wasn't even raining, let alone snowing, when we came out. Should be fine to try driving for the 1st time in 9 weeks tomorrow. Then off to Texas on Tuesday!

Snow!

It is snowing in Houston and supposed to snow here Friday! I am supposed to be able to drive Saturday but certainly won't if it is snowing or icy. I won't be able to get my snow tires on until January. It is Murphy's law that I have been patient for 9 weeks of not driving to have this happen now.

Took a cab to physio this afternoon. Steacy checked my stair abilities and massaged the foot for a bit. Then went to work on my sore neck. Maybe I should take her away with me.

Wandered around Oakridge for some excercise. Mailed everything for Christmas. Decided to have an early dinner in the Food Fair so I wouldn't have to cook. A cab was sitting at the door so I got home quickly - probably my last cab ride.

International Human Rights Day

I finished today's tasks. All my Christmas letters are written and the cards ready for the mail as are Mike's birthday and Christmas presents. All the presents are wrapped except for those going on the plane. I have loaded some waypoints into my GPS units and the batteries are charging.

Neck a bit sore tonight.

Christmas cards

Spent the day writing my Christmas letter. I was too ill last year to send them so I really want to get them out before going to Houston.

Did a bunch of Christmas tasks and the day just disappeared.

It is supposed to snow Friday night - just in time for my first drive on Saturday!

New School Board

Up early - physio was 8:30. Good massage on back and neck. My foot an ankle are well aligned.

Met Pru at White Spot for breakfast. Basically finished my Christmas shopping. Just a few things left that I'll look for in Texas. Cab home.

Joan picked my up for the VESTA Status of Women meeting. Barb and I then went out for dinner (White Spot again). We attended the final meeting of the old Board of Education and the inauguration of the new one. Patti Bacchus was elected as the new chair. She is an active parent who topped the polls. What a change from the last couple of chairs! Gregor Robinson, the new mayor, showed up. He even brought a bunch of the new council members. I can't remember ever seeing a mayor inside the VSB building!!!!

Stayed to visit a bit and eat. Moira was there and drove me home.

I didn't sleep much last night and really feel it now. My neck was quite sore but better after physio. It is hurting a bit tonight. My ankle is fine.

Shortbread

I actually made shortbread this year. It took all day as I always quadruple my recipe.

Sorted out my presents and I am actually more than 1/2 done. Forgot what I bought months ago.

My neck is much better than it was a week ago.

Prop 8

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Montreal's École Polytechnique

Today was the 19th anniversary of the massacre at Montreal's École Polytechnique. Jane picked me up at we went to the Marker of Change in Thornton Park. Les was still there but the other women had been and gone. We walked around the memorial checking each stone bench. There were flowers and candles at each.

Met the others at The Whip Restaurant and Gallery for lunch - California Eggs Benedict with Red onion, Tomato, & Avacado and tea. Excellent food.

Jane dropped me at Oakridge. I walked around the mall and bought some presents. Met Barbara while loading up my cart at Safeway. My plan was to have the groceries delivered but she insisted that she and her husband would drive me home. They even carried the bags up.

Goodbye OJ

Justice comes late for OJ and maybe that makes it sweeter.

Slept in this morning. Walked to local paper box to get the Sun for the TV Guide. Once again it didn't work. Went on to the corner store to buy one.

Postie delivered package right to my door - what service!

Physio

ICBC called to see if I had more bills. The police report does say that it was a "band bus" that hit me but not which one.

Mel came to clean today and did the laundry. She then drove me to physio. Steacy worked on my ankle and neck. Felt good.

Walked to VanCity to deposit ICBC cheque for taxis and to get cash - I had run right out!

Too late to have groceries delivered by Safeway so just bought enough for a bag. Also a bbq chicken for a change. Found a taxi sitting right outside the door.

What day?

Kept thinking it was Tuesday. Certainly entertaining watching the politics. It's like they were jealous of all the attention we paid to Obama and did something to get noticed.

Didn't do a lot today since I walked so much yesterday.

Long Day

Met with my financial adviser. Looks like the 1st $12,500 payment into RRSP for Opus Cranberries is toast - they are offering me about $250. I'm not selling and I'm not making the 2nd payment. They seem so shady. All the promises made by Jill Bock turn out to be lies.

Met Matt & Pru at the White Spot in Oakridge and she bought us lunch. Good food & good company. Andrea picked up Matt to go to Children's for an appointment to look at Sadie's hip. Turns out she needs surgery for her hip dysplasia - hip osteotomy.

Wandered around the mall shopping for the afternoon. My foot held up but I was really tired by the time I walked across the street for physio at 3. My ankle has almost normal range of motion. I have some exercises to do and have to practice walking properly. I have been flatfooted to protect the break. Physio also spent time working on my neck and shoulders. I was glad when the cab got me home!

Celebration of Life

Took a cab to and from service for friend's son today. It was an amazing service and the church was overflowing.

SHAW Travis John On November 24, 2008 Travis passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 23. He will be profoundly missed by his loving family; mother Lynn and Gary; father Jack and Pam; sisters Krista and Liana and brother Fraser; grandmother Mary Hamilton and many other relatives and friends. Travis will also be missed by his precious dog Coco. Full of life, full of fun, loyal to his family and friends, protective of everything he loved. Service will be held at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver, located at 949 West 49th Avenue (at Oak), on Monday December 1st at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Last Door Recovery Society, 323 8th Street, New Westminster, B.C. V3M 3R3.

Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on 11/29/2008

Notice • Guest Book

End of November

Really getting bored with being home so much. I keep wanting to shop for Christmas stuff and then remember I can't just jump in the car.

Busy week coming up.

Japanese feast

It seemed to take all day to read the newspapers (online) today. I suppose the Scrabble games kept interrupting the flow.

How long with Rogers stay on in her job with the city? We should start a pool.

Moira picked me up for dinner with Philomena & Gwen at Applause tonight. So nice to be out with real people and eat food I didn't have to cook.

My ankle is seldom sore at all anymore. My neck is better than it's been. My mouth was sore after eating (and talking). I have 2 physios next week.

Healed

Took a cab to see Dr. LeFaivre, the ortho surgeon, at the Diamond Centre. Had an X-ray of the ankle and she pronounced it healed. The nurse and resident were perterbed that I wasn't using the boot. I had been told to only wear it for 6 weeks but I guess I was supposed to keep it on until I saw them. The Dr. wasn't so concerned and said it was obviously time to stop. I don't have to go back unless I have a problem. Just take it slow and easy.

Walked down a block to the BCCA and bought travel insurance for our Christmas trip to Houston.

My financial adviser called about the documents I had received from Opus Cranberry. It looks like I've been scammed out of my investment - it was speculative and illiquid!

Premier should intervene in BCSC

David Baines. The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver, B.C.: Jun 30, 2007. pg. G.5

More insanity from the B.C. Securities Commission. On Friday, a commission panel suspended Jill MacGregor Bock -- who caused her clients hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars in investment losses -- from the B.C. securities market for a paltry three years.

While working as a mutual fund salesperson in the late 1990s, she recommended a series of risky and illiquid investments that were exempt from registration requirements, provided they were sold to so- called sophisticated investors.

Those investments included an oyster farm, a cranberry farm, a ginseng farm and an industrial hemp farming and processing business. One by one they collapsed or became hung up, causing heavy investment losses.

The commission held a hearing into Bock's conduct. Six of Bock's former clients -- most of them elderly -- told very sad stories of how they had entrusted Bock with their money, and how she betrayed them. The panel found that, with respect to four of these clients, she had sold them unsuitable investments and failed to properly advise them of the risks. Also, they didn't qualify as sophisticated investors, so she shouldn't have sold these investments to them in the first place.

Now these may sound like technical offences, but they aren't. They drive right to the heart of the duties and responsibilities of a registered securities salesperson. Also, these clients are just the tip of the iceberg: Over the past several months, dozens more have called to tell me how Bock sold them these sorts of investments, and how they have suffered as a result.

"Her conduct could hardly be less consistent with the role and responsibility of a registrant," the panel concluded. "We find it particularly troubling that, in her submissions, she has shown no real understanding of what she has done and no remorse. She is still unwilling to acknowledge her breaches."

(Bock is now registered as an insurance agent and is flogging insurance products and segregated funds. On Thursday, I reported that she was planning sales seminars at the West Point Grey Community Centre and the Arbutus Club. After learning of her regulatory problems, however, both venues cancelled, forcing her to move to the Holiday Inn on West Broadway.)

BCSC enforcement staff asked the hearing panel to suspend her for three to five years, and fine her $60,000. This was a joke. By any rational measure, she should have been barred from the market for life and assessed the maximum $250,000 fine. But no, not with this securities commission. Even five years was too much or them to contemplate. Three years and a $25,000 penalty would be just fine.

Under the terms of her suspension, she can't sell non-registered investments (such as cranberry farms) for three years. And she can't conduct investor relations for any company during this period. But she can be an officer and director of a public company, and she can trade for her own account.

She relinquished her mutual fund licence some time ago and it's unlikely she could get reinstated during her suspension. But after three years, when she has supposedly atoned for her sins, she would be free to sell ostrich farms, if she liked. She could also reapply for her securities licence, and with this commission, I am sure she would get it.

For the record, the panel was headed by full-time commissioner Robin Ford and included part-time commissioners Marc Foreman and Robert Milbourne.

Foreman and Milbourne were on the panel that overturned a TSX Venture Exchange decision and allowed cop-killer Bill Nichols to conduct investor relations for TSXV companies, even though he failed to disclose 19 of his 20 criminal convictions. BCSC chairman Doug Hyndman served as its chairman.

I want to ask Premier Gordon Campbell, who is in ultimate charge of the commission: Do you think I make these stories up? Don't you think investors have been brutalized enough? Isn't it time to intervene?

Happy Thanksgiving

Spent a lot of the day watching Mumbai crisis. Amazing how much confusion can be caused by a couple of dozen men with guns and no hope of surviving.

Sad news from school tonight. Nancy & Diane sent messages that Lynne's son had died. When I told Pru, Jesse already knew about it. He went to school with his brother. Funeral is Monday.

I am totally confused by dates today. I am not sure if I see the surgeon tomorrow or next week - each computer has a different date and I can't find the referral.

Physio

Up early today to make it to Oakridge Physio at 41st & Cambie by 8:00 - far too early for an old retired woman!!! Had the Steacy, the same therapist I had several years ago. She worked on my neck and gave me exercises to increase the blood flow. I have 2 appointments next week but not so early.

She warned against walking too much too soon and suggested using the cane for at least another week and said to take it away for long walks and crowds.

I walked over to Oakridge and bought a bag of groceries. Home in time for The View.

Tuesday

Had a quiet day since I did so much yesterday. First time in a couple of weeks that I didn't wake up with a sore face, jaw & neck.

Caught up on taped TV shows.

Flu Shot

Took a cab to my GP for a flu shot today. Told him about all my aches and pains - neck, face, teeth, throat, jaw.... I am to go to physio.

Took another cab to Granville Island and met Mae at the Market. We had dinner at the Sandbar Seafood Restaurant. I had delicous halibut and was able to drink some wine since I wasn't driving! We went back to buy groceries at the Market. It doesn't close until 7.

We got a cab and I dropped Mae off at home. Such a big shot! There was no way I wanted her on the little boat in the dark.

This was the first day without the Aircast and it went well. It is so much lighter and my feet are now balanced. It did take a bit of crawling to find that underused shoe!

Grey Cup

For once I cheered for the winning team. I watched Calgary win the Grey Cup while playing Facebook Scrabble with Pru and talking with her on the phone. Multitasking!

My neck was sore all day but I see the GP tomorrow.

Aquarium

Today is the last day for the Aircast!

Took a cab to the Aquarium in the morning. Picked up my membership card that I paid for months ago. Andrea, Matt, Sadie & Lily met me and we wandered around. Sat in the children's play are for quite a while and the kids ate sandwiches. We sat outside by the beluga pool and ate lunch watching the baby swim. The fish and chips were good and I got a discount for my membership card.

The next cab took me to Safeway and I had an order delivered. Took a 3rd cab home, carrying a few things. Good thing ICBC is paying for these rides. It was an expensive day.

My ankle was a bit cranky but the bone that broke doesn't hurt anymore. My neck is still sore but I see my GP on Monday.

Accounting day

Cleared up my bills today. Cancelled the VanCity house insurance that wasn't cancelled last month and am getting 2 months payments back. Who knows what happened to the fax BCAA agent said she sent. That was the piece of paper that confused someone into cancelling the new BCAA policy. What a mess!

Sent a copy of documents that came from Opus, my supposed cranberry investment, to my advisor. Maybe he can figure out what to do and if I'll ever get my money back. Jill Bock, the original woman who got me into this, lost her licence.

Pru booked our tickets to Houston - December 16 - January 6. We (Pru and 2 of her sons) are flying out of Seattle.

We apparently had a big wind storm today but I saw no sign of it here.

Rainy day

Didn't do much today. My aches and pains are less but didn't have much energy.

BC is 150!

Walked up the street this morning to a buy a paper out of a box. More successful this time when I added another quarter. I couldn't get one out last Friday and now realize it was because the price sticker on the box is out of date!

Today's Vancouver Sun is definitely a keeper. I was still reading it at 7 tonight. The government site BC 150.

Neck sore tonight but on left side. This is just like my arthritis. A new part hurts every day and not for very long. I think my body is punishing me for the accident.

Fresh bread

Made cheese bread today.

My face & neck are sore so I had a slow day, just watching TV (today was the very 1st Perry Mason) and playing Nintendo.

New week, new leaders

Long day today. Have had a sore jaw for a couple of days. I think I might be grinding my teeth too much.

Took a cab to VESTA for a Status of Women meeting. Nice to see so many friends in the building. No one was there with a car so took another cab to meet Louise at the Cactus Club. So gook to eat food I didn't have to cook. Spilled my wine and they replaced it. Now my jacket & T-shirt have an interesting odour.

Walked up to the Cancer Agency for our Group meeting. One new member.

Louise took me to Oakridge for groceries. I have milk again! She carried them in for me and changed my burned out trilight.

There was a cheque today from ICBC to pay for cab rides & grocery delivery. Also an email from Crawford Adjusters asking who my lawyer was. I forwarded it to his office and he called back - who else has a lawyer who calls at 10 PM! He will send another letter to Crawford.

Pearls Before Swine

Watched the rest of season one of Mad Men so I can give the set back to Louise tomorrow. Loved watching all the smoking and hard drinking of 1960. Forgot how close the Nixon election had been.

It was truly a "stunning victory" last night. The new school board is going to be something to watch. Finally have a First Nations trustee! Hope that they can build relationships with the unions and work for the good of all.

Mayor Gregor

Poor Lions. They didn't show up to today's game.

Moira picked me up tonight and we voted at Laurier Annex and then had dinner at White Spot.

Vision/COPE & Green cleaned up tonight. What a rout for the NPA. They don't seem to get why people were tired of them. Sorry Bill Bargeman lost a School Board Trustee seat by only a handful of votes. He should feel good that he beat the current chair of the Board.

The Vancouver Sun & Global TV sites didn't work tonight but the Vancouver City site was great.

My ankle is pretty good but I have had a headache most of the day.

My Car is Home

Boyd Autobody & Glass were kind enough to deliver my car to my parking spot in the lane. They said it just about was a right-off. The final bill was $8385 and included a new bumper, windshield, headlight, hood, battery, fender, wheel, brakes, axle, grill, etc. Also alignment & painting.

Actually carried out some garbage & recycling. Tried to buy a Sun for the TV Times in the local box but it wouldn't work. Took some small stuff out of the trunk. Glad to see my sunglasses survived. They had been clipped on my glasses in the crash and ended up on the floor.

Wake Up and Vote

Mel came this afternoon, cleaned and did my laundry. I used the time to work on BCTLA constitution on my laptop.

My foot ached most of the day.

RTA Meeting

Barb drove me to and from the Vancouver Branch of the Retired Teachers' Association Executive meeting at the BCTF this morning. I was home again by 12:15. My foot was aching a bit for the afternoon.

Remembrance Day

Watched an amazing NFB documentary reading letters from the 1st World War.

Pru picked me up this afternoon and took out my garbage. We had dinner with the family at Chris's - 11 of us!

Walked next door to London Drugs for a few things before Pru took me home again. Much easier to walk now. Still using a cane for the stairs.

Worked today

Bonnie picked me up this afternoon and we met Heather at the Cactus Club for lunch. We then worked on BCTLA stuff in a room at the VSB until 6. I took a cab home. Picked the one nice day all week to be out and enjoyed the fall colours and bright blue sky.

My foot was pretty good and is just a bit achy tonight. My neck is also sore again.

Dull Sunday

Don't mind so much when it rains since I can't go out anyway. I started watching season 1 of Mad Men and am really enjoying it. Also half way through reading What Burns Within. Becoming addicted to games on Nintendo & computer. I play while watching TV.

Must go to bed early since Moira is picking me up at 8 to work on BCTLA stuff at the VSB tomorrow. We'll see how I do with the leg down for a day.

1914-1918 Vigil project

Didn't sleep well during the night so slept in as much as I could.

Enjoyed watching the Lions destroy Saskatchewan - they just needed pressure!

Carefully watched the time and tuned into the 1914-1918 Vigil project. At exactly 14:40 my grand uncle Thomas Alexander Young's name was projected onto the National War Memorial in Ottawa. He was 32 years old and was killed in France 90 years ago, on October 2, 1918.

I can't think of a more fitting way to honour him.

Moira came to drive me to Applause for our Japanese feast. Felt good to get out in the fresh air and to eat food cooked by someone else.

Scrabble

Diane picked me up this morning (and took out the garbage). We sat in Bean Around the World on Granville and played Scrabble. The game was pretty close but I won! I also had a latte & scone.

We stopped at VanCity so I could deposit a couple of BCTF cheques and get more cash for cabs.

I complimented Suspicious Circumstances by Sandra Ruttan. She sent me a thank you and then autographed copies of her new titles, What Burns Within and The Frailty of Flesh. What a great gift for someone who sits around all day! She lives in Maryland but the books are about the Lower Mainland. I love reading about Vancouver and she is a good storyteller. I am already well into the first book.

2nd check-up

Took a cab to the Diamond Centre this morning and had new X-rays of my ankle. The resident and Dr. LeFaivre said I was doing well. I will have to wear the boot when I go out for 6 weeks (November 22nd). They showed me the new X-rays and the break is clearly visible now it is healing. I fractured the talus - that bump that sticks out on the inside of the right foot.

Talus fractures were almost unheard of a hundred years ago. The first series of talus fractures was described in men who were injured in the British Royal Air Force in the early 1900s. The term 'aviators astragalus' was used to describe these fractures that happened as old war planes made crash landings. Now talus fractures are seen in high speed car accidents and severe falls.

Patients who have a talus fracture have significant ankle pain, difficulty bearing weight on the ankle, and swelling around the ankle joint.

Someone took my cab so I waited a long time for another one. Hard to be fast with a boot on. I bought a sandwich at the deli in the lobby. I only buy what will fit in my slingbag.

Had another dizzy spell lying on the X-ray table (sound like a Victorian lady - shudder!). My neck is also hurting. My doctor is away so I'll see his partner next Thursday. Will also get my flu shot.

Election Day

What a perfect day. Watched Woopi say "What the hell!" to Elizabeth on The View, then The Untouchables and Perry Mason.

Settled in to watch the election results. Treated myself to a steak, garlic bread and a baked potato washed down with some Cranberry Wine over slices of lemon, lime & orange.

The trick is to recognize when a moment is historic. I've watched the wall go up and come down and civil rights workers get killed and now a black man elected president. Mmmm Mmmm!

Cancer appointment

Took a cab to the Cancer Agency to see my oncologist. My tumours are behaving themselves according to the CT-Scan I had on October 14th. We will continue with the Arimidex. My only complaint today was a sore neck so she gave me a refererral to a massage therapist. I want one in Oakridge I think so the cab ride will be of some use - 6 more weeks of not driving!

Met old friends Daisy and George in the waiting room and had a good visit. Sit around there long enough and I'll always see someone I know. Have to find a better place to hang out.

Took a cab to have my hair cut. It was so long that I haven't been sure if I'm having hot flashes or just becoming overheated.

The pain in the ankle has been very low the last couple of days. I've been busy on those days so I'll give it a couple of days of rest now. My neck hurt a bit yesterday and then was quite sore for a bit today.

First black president tomorrow!

48 hours to go!

My foot is much better today. Jane took me to the White Spot for lunch and then shopping at Safeway. She also brought me fresh vegetables and took out the garbage. My ankle is a bit sore tonight but this was definitely the best it's been after going out.

Sarah Palin Got Pranked

Had another quiet day with my foot up. Not as painful as it has been. Hopefully!

Halloween

Another day sitting and not doing too much. My foot started hurting after cooking dinner but it has settled down again.

Gonna miss this guy

Tired

I am getting tired of being tired. My foot didn't hurt much once I had it up on the pillow for the day. Just watched TV all day - The View (to see how dumb Elizabeth can be), The Untouchables, Perry Mason and then stuff I'd taped.

Hard to focus on reading or work. I have so many tasks piled up but just can't get to them.

Obama wins

Watched Obama channel JFK. Weird that Larry King did a 1/2 hour interview with McCain tonight for nothing for the same amount of time.

I actually wrote King a letter tonight asking why they don't call McCain on his "I am tested" claim. He crashed 4 planes, got caught, gave up secrets and never commanded anything. He claims now that he was of Cuba during the missle crisis - yes, he was a pilot on a ship! He is an abject failure as a military man. I'd rather have the "untested" Obama who has nothing to prove to his Admiral father & grandfather. They both dropped dead of heart attacks at 61 and 71 - Palin is 1/2 a heartbeat from the nuclear football.

Granville Island outing

Tuesday was a long day for me.

Connie & Mae picked me up at 11:30. The took out my garbage & recycling with was a big help. Connie dropped Mae & me off at Cactus Club for lunch. Mae & I then took a cab to Granville Island. Bought meat, vegetables & bakery treats. Mae took the boat home after Connie met us. Connie & I then had some pie & coffee. Home by about 4:50.

My ankle was quite sore throughout the day. It took a couple of hours propping it up with an icepack to calm it down.

Today will be a quiet day to compensate.

DEAR

At 11 I turned on Aretha Franklin, made a cup of tea and read my signed copy of A Deadly Little List for Drop Everything and Read. Nice article in today's Sun. I had planned on reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society that the VTLA sent me. I was savouring the book but when I got close to the end I just had to stay up for the ending. When you care about the characters, the book is a success!

Pru came with milk, yogurt and a box of Mandarin oranges. I forgot the oranges last week and have craved them ever since.

White Spot Outing

My ankle and leg were painful through the night but settled down once I got up and put an icepack on and took some Tylenol.

Moira picked me up tonight. She carried out my garbage and I paid my rent - important tasks. We dined at the White Spot (Thai Chicken Pizza Baked fresh to order. Our thin crust pizza topped with our house-made red curry sauce, Mozzarella, fresh pineapple, Amorosa tomatoes, red onion and house-roasted chicken marinated in lemon grass, curry paste, ginger and cilantro. Sprinkled with fresh bean sprouts, shaved cilantro and mint).

On the way back through the lobby I picked up a couple of days worth of mail. I try to multitask once I've mastered the stairs.

Remember DEAR tomorrow!

Not in Victoria

Well this is the 3rd day in a row that I am not in Victoria. I am keeping a list of all the things I've had to cancel because of this accident.

Good sleep last night but spent part of the afternoon yawning. It most of the day to read the Sun and Globe & Mail. Tonight I listened to the Lions win on radio (blacked out) and watched the Canucks win on TV.

Lawyered up

Better night of sleep.

Ivar, my new lawyer, made a house call. He's the only one I talk to now. I should be in Victoria at the T-L conference!

Actually cooked a bit. I bought the makings of stew and macaroni & beef on Wednesday. One was for dinner and 4 more servings are in the freezer. The stew is just about finished in the crock pot. Now I'll have a better choice of dinner when I don't feel like cooking.

9 weeks

Little sleep last night. Took cab to The Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre. Had X-Rays and then saw Dr. Kelly Ann Lefaivre. She wouldn't have let me leave Emergency without crutches but now that I've been weight-bearing I'll continue. I'll go back in 2 weeks to see if the bone has stayed in place and keep wearing the Aircast when I go out. It will be 9 weeks before I can drive.

Cab to Safeway and filled a cart. By this time the foot was really painful. My old student David from Carleton helped pack everything to be delivered, put me in a chair & called a cab. Turned out the fellow wasn't coming back to deliver for a couple of hours and he phoned to say he put stuff in the cooler so it wouldn't spoil. I always did like him at school!

Was in a lot of pain when and so tired that I fell asleep after the groceries arrived.

ICBC called with the name of the contact from Crawford.

Lawyer Time

More information about the crash today. The bus was owned by Senators Coaches who provide "safe, comfortable and reliable transportation for the premiere names in the entertainment industry" - I wonder who? They are taking responsibility for the accident - helps having so many witnesses. I also have a lawyer now who will be talking to them for me.

Chris came with a gift (The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society) from the VTLA Executive & stayed for tea and a visit.

Off to the specialist tomorrow to look at the ankle. If I still have the energy I plan on taking a cab to Safeway & will have groceries delivered.

Didn't fall asleep today but was yawning in the late afternoon. Seemed to take all day just to read the papers. Janet Steffenhagen blogged our Drop Everything and Read today!

More info

Poor sleep last night. My ankle was sore & swollen but that settled down and I just couldn't sleep.

The police called today with the case number I requested last week. They couldn't tell me anything because of privacy rules but at least ICBC can now request the file.

The insurance agent at BCAA left a rude message asking where their cheque was. Glad I took the time to send it back, via Pru, with a letter (cc'ed to the VP of Insurance in Burnaby) complaining about how I was treated last Tuesday.

Outing

Still haven't heard from the body shop, the police or lawyer. ICBC checked in at the end of the day and they are also waiting to hear from the police. I'll wait until tomorrow afternoon before phoning again.

Louise picked me up tonight. She carried down my garbage and took away my library books. We had our regular dinner at the Cactus Club and were able to park right at the corner. Then to our support group at the Cancer Agency. My ankle was swollen and painful after sitting for such a long time. Much better after I had it up for a while with an icepack.

Vase of yellow roses was waiting at my door - from the Sunshine Committee of the Vancouver Branch of the Retired Teachers' Association. Brighten the apartment up! Also a card from Weir.

Sunday

Sat up too long last night and the ankle was swollen. Kept it elevated all day to compensate. This is a lot easier than the broken leg was, but it is still a pain and I am getting housebound antsy!

Had a better night last night and showered again today.

Pru brought much needed groceries.

Am now playing Scrabble with Jane on Facebook while talking to her on phone - multitasking.

1st week

It has now been a week since the accident. I still don't know much. I left a message with the VPD asking for information but they haven't returned my call. I don't know the case number, whether they laid charges, the owner/leaser of the bus or insurance information. That seems like a lot not to know. All I really have is the licence plate number (Mississippi) and the driver information (Florida). ICBC hasn't done any better so far.

I had another quiet day with my leg up. Got brave this morning and had my 1st shower all week.

Body shop

Lousy night. I couldn't get my legs comfortable so gave up and slept in my chair.

Mel came to clean and do the laundry. She stopped at Boyd Autobody to pickup a form. I had to give them permission to start on the "wreck". I faxed it back to them (can't get this old fax machine to receive).

Talked to the ICBC agent and she said the estimate is about $6000 - the limit is $10,400. Still no word about the bus and its owner.

Grilled cheese & tomato sandwich for dinner tonight and the last of the fresh vegetables.

Talked to Mike in Victoria tonight.

Betty Boop - Betty for President - 1932

Last Debate

Quiet day today. Was awake a lot through the night. My foot aches and I just wasn't feeling well.

Stayed in and made full use of my Lazy Boy & laptop.

Obama won the debate. McCain looked old and tired. How can a man who has done nothing in life other than crash 3 planes, get captured & sit in the Senate compete? Palin is 1/2 a heartbeat from the top - that is the only thing that the next 3 weeks should be about.

Election Day

Started my trek with a cab ride to the Cancer Agency for a CT Scan of body & head. Picked up the next 3 boxes of my cancer drug. Visited with Pat in the lobby.

2nd cab ride to GP's office so he could record my aches and pains from the crash. 3rd ride was to the Scottish Hall on Hudson Street to vote. I've never missed a vote and a broken ankle wasn't going to make me miss this one. I asked for a ride home and the Liberal scrutineer arranged it.

Tired enough to fall asleep part way through Perry Mason! The right inside part of my foot is now turning a dark reddish purple.

BCAA admitted after playing telephone tag that they had made a mistake by cancelling my home insurance & sending me a refund cheque. It is all fixed now.

John Cleese on Sarah Palin

Cast

Pru took me to VGH Emergency at 9:00 this morning. We had to wait for a couple of hours for my turn. Always interesting to "patient watch".

The doctor looked at my X-rays from Saturday and agreed that there was a hairline fracture of one of the ankle bones. He sent me away with a referral to an ortho specialist and the Aircast.

We stopped at Max's Deli for lunch and to stock up on food.

I cancelled the hotel in Victoria (actually gave my room to Moira) and will deal with others tomorrow.

My ankle still hurts a lot when I walk. Hope it settles down soon.

Pru left a big plate of food from last night's turkey dinner. It was delicious and there is enough for tomorrow night.

Tomorrow is an adventure by cab - Cancer Agency, doctor & voting.

Broken Ankle

I actually had a pretty good sleep on my back with my leg on a pillow. My day went well but it really hurt whenever I had to stand up. Once up I made sure I had several tasks accomplished before sitting down in my Lazy-Boy again. So glad I got wireless so I can use my laptop.

ICBC called to say that my car will be looked at on Tuesday. Then the hospital called to say they looked at the X-rays again and I do have a broken bone. I get a cast in the morning.

There goes the convention in Victoria and Callanish!

Racism in Canada

The attacks on Obama are racist and the attacks on Dion are as well. CTV went back on its word and that is scary!

Crash

Today started out so calmly. I fiddled around on the computer and then set out for Safeway to but the sugar I forgot yesterday. I made it to 70th & Oak.

I was heading West on 70th in the curb lane. Two lanes of cars to my left started to turn left onto the bridge and I drove straight through the intersection. A large bus pulling a trailer booted it through the red light and hit me on the driver side front. I ended up facing North partway down Oak Street. My front end was smashed, the hood buckled up so you could see the engine and the axle broken.

I hit my head on the side window, hurt my right wrist and have a sore shoulder. My right foot twisted between the pedals and was hurting enough that I decided to just sit still. Many people came over to the car as I called 911. Couldn't see the phone at first as my glasses had been ripped off and were on the floor. The ambulance arrived first and they wanted me out in case the airbag deployed. It hurt to walk so I was put on a stretcher. Took me to VGH and I felt every speed bump! The two men couldn't have been nicer.

Matt met me at the hospital and stayed until I went for X-rays. Nothing is broken, it is just a bad sprain - ice and elevation. A police officer came to take a statement and left me the names of 6 witnesses.

Moira collected me and we got groceries at Safeway and lattes at Starbucks. She carried my bags up the stairs in my 3 floor walkup - I am not going out for a few days.

I am very lucky that I was driving a Toyota Corolla. The front end took all the energy and kept the passenger compartment safe. My problem now is what will happen if they write it off - I won't get replacement value and will have to come up with the difference. Maybe I can sue the driver from Florida who was driving a bus from Mississippi.

Poor Lions

Bought what I need to make my Killer Cranberry Sauce this weekend and forgot the sugar. Have to go back tomorrow.

Poor Lions didn't really show up tonight. Probably a good one not to watch. I listened to it on the radio while watching TV, reading & playing Sudoku.

Canucks are Back

Out to Richmond for some shopping and home in time for hte noon news.

Worked through several piles of paper. Filled in the form for Canada Pension next May. Started catching up on watching TV shows I've taped.

Enjoyed the Canucks first game - 6-0 over Calgary. Good start to the new season.

Wednesday

Didn't do a lot today. Went out for groceries and a few other things. Hard to focus on any task, I have so many. At least I have nothing to do all week. Think I'll just flow with it.

Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous Presidency

2nd Debate

Didn't get dressed today. Fiddles with bills and paperwork. Updated some web sites.

Watched the debate. Agree that McCain looks sick. One commentator thought it was early Alzheimer's. "That one" was either a racist cheap shot or he couldn't remember his name. He got the name of one of the questioners wrong. Very condescending and rambling.

Did something stupid on the spur of the moment a couple of weeks ago that is coming back to bite me. Can't keep using the pills as an excuse for everything I do.

I do need a holiday! Victoria in a couple of weeks, then Callanish Healing Retreat & Houston for Christmas. That might do it.

Religulous

Finally changed all my VISA automatic payments. What a pain! At least the new card doesn't change until 2012.

Picked up Mae & we went to Religulous at the Fifth Avenue. Not many in the theatre but those who were there laughed out loud all through the movie. He really nailed a few people, especially Senator Mark Pryor - I can't believe he is a Democrat!



via videosift.com

It was raining when we came out so we had the drive around Stanley Park almost to ourselves. Stopped to show Mae the new portals by Susan Point (Musqueam) at Totem Park and then Steve's tree near Lumberman's Arch.

Used the first coupon from my Entertainment Book at The Fish House in Stanley Park. We had halibut that was delicious.

Run for the Cure

Woke up before my alarm and got up at 6:30. I love turning them off without ever having to hear them ring.

Met Barb outside her tower and we walked across to the Run for the Cure site. The BCTF had Frisbees for the kids finishing and we had pamphlets and big pink clips at our table. Two cartons of the clips disappeared before the race even began - a big hit.

Saw several teachers. Vancouver didn't have a team this year and we thought maybe we should join the existing BCTF Team and make it open to all teachers.

The rain stayed away and I even needed sunglasses by the time we left.

Home by noon and just sat and watched the latest Bourne movie for the rest of the afternoon.

SNL VP Debate

Windy

Quite windy here all day. I was so glad that the owners had the huge trees in the front properly pruned yesterday. The morningglory is totally gone and there is room between the branches for the wind. They were worrying me in big storms. Today they behaved much better.

Started at the library and then went to the mall at Marine Way & Bryne Rd. There is a large movie lot across the street with storefronts and fake roads. Too bad they don't build in a viewing area.

I like shopping at Market Crossing. I found everything I was looking for in Staples, HomeSense, Linens & Things, PriceSmart, Vancity & Cobbs.

Spent the day with bills. VISA sent new, safer cards. Still can't contact everyone to change automatic billing. I found myself yelling at the Telus Automatic Voice - it must have worked since I was switched to a very nice live man.

Found a new TV station called CPAC at 110 that shows politics all day. Watched some of the debates again. Palin is scary. A piece in the NY Times suggests she is running for President, not VP (see DIGG on side).

OJ Guilty

Took 13 years to the day from the 1st acquital for a jury to get it right! Minimum sentence has to be 15 years.

Forgot to blog yesterday. Did some laundry in the morning and then settled in to watch the 2 debates. Watched the US VP live. Palin was totally outclassed by Biden. She had memorized lots of answers but couldn't match them to the questions. Then watched the rerun of the Canadian leaders. Elizabeth May did surprisingly well. Jack Layton was the most feisty and Dion the most statemanlike. Harper just kept smiling. That smile is as irritating as Palin's wink. Actually, Elizabeth would be a far better VP than Palin.

Picked up Matt this morning and we started with lattes from Starbucks. Then drove around Stanley Park and visited the tree they planted for Steve. It is a giant sequoia and is in the perfect spot (just in front and below the red arrow).

Head Case

Spent 2 hours with a neurologist at the Cancer Agency today. His student did a complete workup. I think I actually knew all the answers (the words I was to remember were face, velvet, church, daisies, red) - if only I remembered everything so easily. I made a story as she read them to me.

I passed everything so the Dr. thinks the problems I'm having with memory are the result of the Arimidex. Just like the chemo brain I had with the chemo and again with the Tamoxifen. My theory is that women are smarter than men because of estrogen.

I am doing the just what he suggests - playing Scrabble & Brain Age - to exercise different parts of the brain. Research shows it helps. Now I don't feel guilty about buying the Nintendo DS.

Stopped at IGA & London Drugs on the way home. Missed the French debate but watched it at 10. Tomorrow the VPs debate is on at the same time as the English debate but again it is repeated at 10.

New GPS

I took my GPS back to Circuit City in Oakridge. Of course it worked for them, but there was no problem in switching it for a new one. Did a bit more shopping and then home by noon.

Worked on BCTLA stuff all day & night. Once I get on a roll there is no point in stopping. The spirit might not move me tomorrow!

Mineral Springs

Met Louise at Brown's "House of Mystery" on Hastings where she is selling books left from Women in Print. We went for lattes and then I bought a few books.

It was such a warm day (and I bought a book on Harrison) I decided to go on to Harrison Hot Springs for a swim (in the public pool). Had a patty melt (done the right way with lots of onions and dark rye bread) at Bobby Sox 50's Diner in Maple Ridge.

Tried to find a cache after my swim but the new GPS is broken. Hope I have better luck returning things to Circuit City than Patience! Went to Farm House Natural Cheeses and Limbert Mountain Farm before stopping at the Chilliwack Airport Coffee Shop for salad & pie.

Bought Jubilee sweet corn at Yellow Barn Country Produce and took 1/2 a dozen to Pru before going home.

Designed a blog for DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) tonight for teachers who want to take part but can't access the Facebook page at school.

The British Columbia Teacher-librarians’ Association has dropped the gauntlet. We are challenging the Premier, members of the legislature, and people across BC to “Drop Everything and Read” for 20 minutes on National School Library Day -- Monday, October 27.

Teacher-librarians strongly support Premier Campbell’s goal of making BC the most literate province in Canada and know the impact that good modeling has on children. Seeing our provincial leaders put aside business for a few minutes to let pleasure reading be their priority will send a powerful message to students and families.

Please join this group, invite your friends, organize your workplace to participate, contact your local media, and generally create a buzz about reading in BC. After the event, post your comments and pictures to this page.

WOTS

Picked Moira up at noon and we went to Word on the Street. I stared telling a woman at the Crime Writers of Canada table how wonderful a series of books was that was sitting on the table - she was the author, Lou Allin. Hope I made her day. I couldn't buy her books since I've read them all but bought a couple of others. Picked up a few good deals at other tables and stashed them in the car.

From 2 to 5 I sat at the BCTF table and handed out stuff and answered questions. A man who was not "well" tried to flog his book that solves all the problems of teaching math. Turned out it was rejected by the VSB 20 years ago. We didn't really want it and he just lost it. I finally told him to go home and take his pills. Then there was the flasher. I sent security after him. Should have whipped out my cell phone to take a photo - always think of it ages later.

Most people were much more normal. Saw several old friends. Moira hung around all afternoon, even standing in line at Starbucks to bring me a latte. We went to The Keg at Granville Island for a scrumptious steak covered with blue cheese.

Saturday Night Live

BCTLA Web

Spent the day analyzing the BCTLA Website and the new template that Al has created for us. I then made a chart of both with suggestions for what whould be on the new drop-down menus. I can't wait until we have the old info moved over to the new pages. It will be a lot easier to edit with Dreamweaver. Netscape Composer is so restriced in what it allows me to do.

Moira and I tried out the Taste of Thai menu at the White Spot. We had the Pad Thai (Our version of Thailand’s most popular dish. Prawns, onions, cashews, egg and rice noodles sautéed with our authentic spicy Thai sauce. Garnished with cilantro and lime). Very spicy and delicous.

Debate

Filled my empty fridge by shopping at Granville Island today.

Put some political links on the Retired Teachers' web site.

Watched the debate tonight. Clear win for Obama. McCain was so patronizing as he kept telling Obama he didn't know or understand things that it was sickening.

Funny that Biden gave an interview about it and Palin was no where to be found. She had been asked but said no. The reporters are all joking about her hiding. When reporters like Katie Couric and Jack Cafferty start attacking and everyone is laughing at her, the end is nigh.

The Women

Watched the original film of The Women (1939) this morning. It was quite funny. 139 women and not a single male role.

Met Christine at 3:50 at Riverport to see the remake. I was late as I got caught in traffic but we only missed a couple of trailers. The ones we did see were pretty awful. The Women (2008) was just as corny as the original but it was fascinating comparing the two. Some of the scenes and lines were from the original, but the women of 2008 had careers! The lesbian didn't just wear wool suits, she had a girlfriend. A good B movie.

We had dinner at Browns Social House.

McCain is self-destructing. He obviously is trying to avoid the debate. The left side of his face is swollen. Something going on? Pallin just keeps looking stupider and stupider. Look at the stories in the DIGG box on the left side of this blog for more.

Bon Voyage

Started off at the BCTF this morning for a Retired Teachers' Association Executive meeting. Made lots of notes for additions to the website. Loved being online with my iPod Touch.

Took Patience & Chris to Canada Place board their cruise ship bound for the Mexican Riviera - considered stowing away!

Met Sophy at the Red Cross for our training session on working in the Call Centre. We had 9 students and it went well (6:30-9:30).

Finished working on a new blog for the Victoria conference next month http://missionliteracy.blogspot.com/. They asked me to take some photos and I can easily put them here.

New TV shows again!

Read the papers and then did a lot of housekeeping on the computer.

Cleaned up my trunk and back seat so I can take Patience & Chris to the airport tomorrow.

Quit the photo contest group, Photos from the B.C. Amateur Photography Contest on Facebook when a photo was posted with a racist caption. When a few of us objected there were actually arguments. I see now that all my comments have been erased. So much for democracy! It was supposed to be a BC group but many were from outside the province. The voting method was stupid and some photos looked professional. There must be better sites.



Lasted a long time after the big oil spill in Alaska.

Status of Women

Attended 1st Status of Women meeting of the year at VESTA today. Took minutes & just emailed them before leaving the office.

Came straight home and ate the last stew in the freezer. I'm trying to empty it before cooking anything new.

My ankles are swollen tonight and one is pretty sore for walking. Too many days of meetings? The last time this happened I had been sitting for a couple of days. I was hoping the swimming would help.

I've booked 3 nights at the Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites in Victoria for the BCTLA Conference weekend (October 23 - 26). It is close to Parliament and the price is right - $79/night. And it does have a pool.

My insurance policy renewal from VanCity came today. By switching to the BCTF Advantage at BCAA I saved $60 and my deductable went from $500 to $200 with 1 forgiven claim a year. Most of the details are better.

Lunch with Patience

Patience is staying with Chris until they leave on an 11-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise on Wednesday. A large group of family met for lunch at Chris's today. Patience and her 3 kids were very lucky to avoid greater damage from Hurricane Ike. Homes close to where she lives in Seabrook were destroyed. She lost her trees and garden, along with the freezer and everything inside the fridge. Her main problem right now is travelling without a passport or birth certificate - both are in a safety deposit box in a bank without power! There might be power when she returns home in a couple of weeks.

Watched the Emmy's tonight and thought it was one of the worst shows ever - the jokes were sexist or just plain flat. Only Rickles got laughs when he stopped reading the prompter. So many of the shows don't even show in Canada. Like my favourite, The Closer.