New GPS

Bought a new GPS - a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx today at Deakin on Powell Street. My physio said I should buy it as it gets me out walking on that broken ankle.

Quickly found 2 caches in Richmond (up to 53 finds). It is much more accurate than the one I'd been using (must try to sell eTrex model). The electronic compass keeps working when you stop walking and it will work under trees.

Picked up 2 screws at Open Road to reattach my car visor. It fell off in my hand and I couldn't find the screws anywhere. Had to special order them.

Enjoyed the Canucks game. Must dig out my car flag.

Letter re Kari Simpson

A letter I wrote a while ago was printed in the Sun today

Activist's sexual education complaint misuses human rights
tribunal

If the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal accepts Kari Simpson's complaint that the B.C. Teachers' Federation continues "to discriminate against students by adhering to a policy that is opposed to therapies aimed at changing the sexual orientation of lesbian, gay or bisexual students," then tribunal members should be charged under the Criminal Code with publicly and willfully inciting hatred against homosexuals. The law is very clear on this point and Simpson shouldn't be able to spread her personal feelings by misusing this public body.

You can read more at the Report Card.

What is equally scary is that 2 men from a group she is connected with, Focus on the Family, have just been appointed as Harper's advisors.

Finally found Cache at Fraser Lands Park this morning after a helpful hint from Lori. I saw it as soon as I arrived at the right tree. Why didn't I see it the other times I looked around that same tree?

Geocaching

Mel came to clean so I got a lot of paperwork done while she worked.

Canucks Rule

Enjoyed the game today. We are warming up for the playoffs.

Tried to find a Cache at Fraser River Park again. It keeps stumping me. Lori found it today so I have to try again. My GPS isn't very accurate and I want the better model that she uses.

Lights Out

Robbin took me for brunch at the White Spot this morning. Nice seeing her after so long being away from the Red Cross. We are now on "soft alert" for the Red River flooding but hopefully won't be needed.

Did my Earth Hour. Watched the first 3 episodes of Matt's Buffy the Vampire Slayer on my laptop (battery powered) by candle light. Kept it up until the battery died and then just the computer in and left the lights out until 11:00 - 2 1/2 hours of candlelight.

It is funny seeing current TV actors in young rolls in 1997. David Boreanaz from Bones is an angel and Carmine Giovinazzo from CSI: NY is a boy killed in the opening few minutes.

Moira's party

Met a group at the Cactus Club to celebrate Moira's birthday today. Good to see so many old friends. She's now older than me!

Found caches on the way there and on the way home. I am now at 50.

Geocaching again

Met Lori this morning and we found another group of caches. I am up to 48 - Lori is 227. We found some pretty tricky ones. This hobby has been really good for my broken ankle. My leg is getting stronger with all the walking.

The article on saving Carleton is in the Courier Friday & I've put it on the fire blog.

Weird Day

I had my day all plotted out and the fickle finger flicked the clock hands.

I was to start at physio at 11:30 and then meet Matt at 12:45 for The Watchmen and finish with dinner with friends.

A Vancouver Courier photographer called at 9:20 and asked to meet me at Carleton to take my photo for a story on the fire-damaged heritage building. I made it by 9:50 and he took a lot of photos. This made me 5 minutes late for physio - not bad I thought.

Matt called to say the movie time was changed to 12 today and that killed that plan. We met at Las Magaritas for lunch instead. Used another Entertainment Book coupon. I am doing much better with this one.

Home to find the dinner was changed to tomorrow and then finally cancelled. Stayed in for the rest of the day - it seemed safest!

MOA

Met Georgina at Science World. Unfortunately her Tourism Pass was blacked out for March. Tried buying some stuff in the store but the clerk was on the phone and wouldn't even look up at us. We drove to the MOA at UBC instead and the pass worked. Beautiful store. Only part of the museum is reopened after renovations (that must be why it was only $6). Enjoyed the familiar totems, bent boxes, etc. Special display was Tatau - Samoan Tattooing.

Back to Ontario St. to have an amazing lunch at Argo Cafe. Had curried lamb chops that were small and tender. The owners are Georgina's friends and I've eaten here before. You would never think that it was a place to stop from the location or the outside, but it was full.

We then went to COSTCO to kill time. Bought my first Christmas present & a birthday present. Also a boxed set of 12 Cd's with 50 mystery movies for $13.99 G walked to her appointment and I was home by 3.

Save Carleton

Went to a press conference Adrian Dix (NDP MLA) held outside Sir Guy Carleton Elementary. The government has decided not to repair the heritage building that had a fire last year. I don't understand how they can ignore a building that has an "A" designation on the Vancouver Heritage list! You can read more on my blog.

Was cold so stopped at Weir at recess to warm up and visit.

Tried 3 unsuccessful geocaches on the way home - my handheld GPS is too weak to get close. I covet Lori's!

Sick Day

Woke up with a big headache at 6. Took pain killers and it progressed as it often does. This time I was sick as well. Dozed on and off until 9:30. Maybe something I ate yesterday. Felt better by tonight.

Geocaching Day

Met Lori and Pam to go geocaching at 11 this morning and got home at 6. We found 10 caches in South-East Vancouver and were in many parks: Ebisu Park (Marpole), Fraser River Park, Maple Grove Park, Elm Park, Quilchena Park (2), Ravine Park, Musqueam Park, Deering Island Park and Southlands Riding Trail. I am now at 44 (Lori was 204).

Stopped at The Cheshire Cheese Inn on Dunbar for a lunch of fish and chips to keep our energy up.

Weird weather

What a funny day. I drove in a hurricane and could hardly see the road. Then the sun was shining for a while before a thunder storm slammed in, followed by blue skies.

Shopped at Ironwood in Richmond - London Drugs, M&M, Cobbs, Kim's & Tim's.

Obama

I'm watching Obama on Jay Leno. Also saw a bit of Michelle earlier talking with some students. What a change - a presidential couple that can actually have conversations that aren't scripted and who aren't afraid of the cameras rolling or questions from reporters.

My burn is fine today. Putting ice on them seems to have been the right choice.

Stayed in reading and watching stuff I taped this week.

Ouch

Physio at 11:00. My neck was pretty sore as someone had hugged me too hard a couple of days ago. Met Diane for coffee at Oakridge.

Stopped at VPL for reserves and Safeway for groceries.

Cooked my favourite pork and carrots dish and once again forgot the handle of the frying pan was hot as it had been in the oven. This time I really grabbed it. Took a few hours of salve and ice to stop the pain. Don't see any blisters. Did make cutting the meat a bit tricky.

My other wrist is bruised from the blood being drawn yesterday. Getting old!

Hereditary Cancer

Had my first appointment at the BC Cancer Agency's Hereditary Cancer program. They took blood today testing for faulty BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes - the only vein she could find was on the base of my thumb). I fit the criteria because I had 2 different types of breast cancer in my forties. My mother's family also was of some interest.

It was Lynch Syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) that was the surprising possibility. People with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of cancers of the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder ducts, upper urinary tract, brain, skin, and prostate. Several of these are in my Dad's family and my endrometrial cancer is connected. The plan now is to ask next-of-kin to give permission to test stored tissue of deceased relatives. Good thing I am the genealogist in the family. I'll have to search for a few but there is no big rush.

Stopped at Second Beach to find my 33rd cache and then had a free-range bison burger at Hamburger Mary's. Also a lime shake made with low-fat frozen yogurt and 2% milk.

Went back to the BCTF AGM at 14:30 and watched the debate for a while and visited friends. The point of going was to watch Lynne Sinclair win the Stewart Schon Health and Safety Award. He would have approved. Lynne was the only choice for the first winner of this and her speach was perfect.

Had dinner at the Mosaic Bar and Grill in the Hyatt with The Sapphire Girls: a sapphire gin martini, mosaic salad (green apple, double smoked bacon, roasted walnuts, baby greens, roquefort crème)and lamb (boneless lamb loin, caponata, white bean purée, olive jus). Someone sent over a chocolate cake for Lynne that we all shared.

BCTF AGM

Arrived at the AGM at about 10:30 this morning. Spent some time visiting and then met other Vancouver Branch representatives of the Retired Teachers' Association for lunch. Picked up our voting cards and papers about the Pension motions.

There was confusion about whether we were bound to vote the way the RTA Executive directed. Seems we were but hadn't discussed it. I heard muttering behind me when I voted a different way. Most of the motions were about ethical investments and our pension funds. Many would have passed if only someone had made sensible amendments!

Met Louise, Wanda and Gwen at Kam's Place Singaporean Cuisine on Davie. Lots of food and we just inhaled it we were all so hungry. The plan is to work through my Entertainment book each month.

Snow again

Weird sitting here watching the snow come down most of the afternoon. Nothing stuck on the ground here.

Helped Pru empty drink some wine and watched The Wrestler. Not much of a movie but good acting. At least the Canucks entertained us with their 9th straight win at home.

Picked up my glasses from Mexico that Patience shipped for me. Now to clean out the cupboard.

Living the Dolce Vita in Comfortable Shoes

Up early this morning to attend this Living the Dolce Vita in Comfortable Shoes at the BC Cancer Research Centre. Saw Barbara K's brother's name on the donor board.

Great breakfast and a good turnout to listen to talks on nutrition, breast cancer and gyne cancer. Finished with an amazing film, Déroutes et parcours

Group of us had lunch on Broadway and then I stopped at Oakridge for groceries.

Moira wanted to show off her new car so she picked me up and we had dinner at Applause. Then a ride around UBC was necessary.

COSCO

Went to my first COSCO (Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of BC) at Hastings Community Centre with the Retired Teachers' Association. This is is an umbrella organization made up of 75+ seniors' organizations as well as a significant number of individual associate members. Interesting group.

Went for lunch at Tom & Gerry's with small group. Matt didn't have time for The Watchmen so I just went home afterwards.

Library

Out this morning to return stuff to library and pick up reserves. Wandered to Tim Horton's in Richmond to pick up lunch so I could get to end of taped mystery I'm listening to.

Worked on some web sites and read.

Happy Birthday, Sadie Blue

Retired Teachers' Associaiton, Vancouver Branch Executive meeting at the BCTF at 10 this morning. Took a while to find parking. My netbook was a big hit. I made a motion to have the RTA ask the government to save the old building at Carleton that was damaged in a fire. They have said that they won't fix it because the school doesn't need the space. The one-room schoolhouse has an A designation on the Vancouver Register.

Lunch with a couple of Executive members at Max's.

Made it to Callanish in time for Meditation and Council. Amazing how you can sit in the quiet for 1/2 an hour and just be with your thoughts. Had to park a couple of blocks away so I called Traffic Enforcement when I got home to ask if the school down the street can block off a bunch of parking spots with cones - NO. They will be visited.

Home for a bit and then to Matt's for dinner and to deliver present to Sadie Blue. She is growing up so fast, as is Lily.

The Book of Negroes

I should finish The Book of Negroes before I go to bed tonight. It is an amazing book and I can see why CBC picked it as the Canada Reads! title. I don't remember learning that North America’s first race riot happened in Canada. In 1784, gangs of unemployed white men attacked the black settlement of Birchtown, N.S., destroying 20 homes. A must read!

Take a look at the real Book of Negroes.

Sunny but cold day today. I stayed inside where it was nice and warm.

My neck is sore again tonight. I was too eager when it seemed to be getting better. Those physio bills are adding up! I hope to get it all back from the bus's insurance company.

Lots of snow

I woke up to a winter wonderland! I went out at 10:30, just as the snow ended and my car had several inches piled up on it. After getting rid of most of it, I had to scrape a thick layer of ice off the windows. Driving was fine and I made it to physio early.

Home again until a Status of Women meeting at 16:00. The snow was nearly gone by this time.

Took minutes at the meeting and was home by 18:30.

My neck is still painful but not nearly as much as it was a week ago.

Snowy Sunday

It was funny watching it snow this afternoon while the sun shone in the distance.

Didn't get dressed today. I need a day like this once a week.

My eczema is back but the cream I have from last year is helping.

Snow coming tonight?

Stayed up late writing an article on Geocaching that I have submitted to Postscript, the Retired Teachers' Journal - see if they like it. Also sent a complaint to the RTA about our crappy Extended Health coverage. I get a cap of $600/year for physio and massage combined but only get $10 per visit.

Hard getting up this morning. I finally made it at 10:00. Took ages to get through the Sun and Globe & Mail (online). Watched some taped TV and started reading The Book of Negroes, winner of Canada Reads!

Met Moira and Philomena at the White Spot for dinner (turkey). Stopped at Safeway for salad and fruit. Love shopping late at night. I am still trying to eat like I was taught at my retreat. I have had breakfast most mornings since returning.

IWD Dinner

Picked up Nancy this morning and we found It's Chilly in Mole Hill. I missed it the first time but the lightbulb went on later in the day. It was right where I thought it would be. We then had Chicken Souvlaki at Characters Taverna at Davie and Thurlow.

I drove to my car place in Richmond to order 2 screws needed to reattach my visor. It just came off the other day. Now the sun is shining, I need it!

Home for a bit to read the papers and then I went to Burnaby South Secondary for a joint VESTA/Burnaby Teachers' Associaiton International Women's Day dinner. We had speakers from and donated our profits to C.A.L.M. (Community Advocates for Little Mountain) and the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. The food was from the catering students and the entertainment was by the Solidarity Notes Labour Choir.

Return to Callanish

Went to Callanish for Relaxation this morning. I had forgotten how much more powerful it is to have multiple voices and live music.

Picked up some presents at Kidsbooks and then treated myself to lunch at the Bon Ton. Met Georgina at the small at 25th and King Edward. What a pitiful mall - no place for a coffee. We drove to Starbucks!

Found 2 geocaches on the way home. One at that intersection and the other in Queen Elizabeth Park. Up to 31 now. Lori has 204 - I have a ways to go.

One Year

I started this blog one year ago today!

Up early to meet Heather in Coquitlam to work on the BCTLA Constitution and By-Laws.

Failed to find a nearby cache. Shopped at Thrifty Foods, one of my favourite grocery stores.

My neck was sore first thing this morning but behaved most of the day. I am certainly in better shape overall than I was when I started this blog. My cancer drug seems to be doing what it is supposed to be doing.

Laundry Day

Brought in my suitcase via the laundry room. Easier to unload into the machines than to carry a full case up the stairs.

Still catching up on taped TV shows. Good thing Mae called to remind me about the Canucks game. It was a great one!

Physio

Slept well again - hope this lasts! Even ate breakfast.

To physio at 11:30. My neck had been really painful lately and she loosened it right up.

Tried to find a cache in Rosemary Brown Park but failed (again!). Walked to Callanish to retreive my suitcase from last week and saw Janie.

Bought groceries at Granville Island and had a bowl of soup for lunch.

The washing machines were busy so I left the suitcase in my trunk until tomorrow.

Continued watching stuff I taped last week.

Slow Sunday

I was up by 9 and went to Safeway early so I would be back at 11 in time for the Antiques Road Show. Had a good sleep but was a bit headachy and quiet all day.

Watched my tape of the Academy Awards - best host and show for years!





Moira called just after six and we met at the White Spot for pizzas.

Had a long talk with Patience tonight and also called Janet in the afternoon.

Tired

Payed for overdoing it yesterday. Didn't wake up until noon and never bothered getting dressed.