Champions of Literacy

Had to be at Richmond High at 7:30 for the BCTLA Conference, Champions of Literacy.  Well organized but cold in the larger spaces.  Went to a couple of sessions and skipped to 3rd to rest.  The Executive had a meeting after it was over.

Several were staying at the Sandman Vancouver Airport (old Airport Inn) so we had dinner at their restaurant, Chop Steak Fish Bar - Creamy Seafood Chowder:
bay scallops, clams, prawns and a variety of fin fish and 1/2 a Rack of Lamb:
grainy mustard rub and savoury bread crumb crust, finished with merlot and garlic demi-glace, served with infused mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.  Very good but expensive.

Dr. Brough's office called to book an appointment as my blood test yesterday indicated rheumatoid arthritis.  I'll see him a week Monday.  This will be why my hands have been so painful.

A day late

The Blogger site was down last night and I couldn't post. I am now at the BCTLA Conference at Richmond High and they have wifi so here is what I wrote last night.

What a long day! Stopped at Safeway to pick up stuff I keep forgetting to buy & the newspapers. Picked up Mae and dropped her at VGH to visit a patient.



Renewed my house insurance at BCAA. Knew I'd seen a notice but don't know what pile of paper it is in. It was overdue but they were still covering me.



Dr. Brough gave me a flu shot and didn't agree with yesterday's resident's diagnosis of carpal tunnel. He thinks it is rheumatoid arthritis making my hands so painful and did a blood test to check for markers.



Back to the Cancer Agency in time for little surpise 80th birthday party for Darline. Cake for breakfast! Enjoyed a bowl of soup and a scone at Bean So Good.



The pharmacy couldn't find my pills this morning but they were there when I returned. My chemo was delivered on time so the treatment went quickly. Even quicker as I was watching a free NFB film, Marianne's Theatre, on my iTouch. You can download films for 24 hours.

Stayed in the lounge reading until it was time to see Dr. Drysdale. She was late but my book was good.

Stopped at Oakridge library to return stuff and at home to change.

The BCTLA's 2009 Conference began tonight in Richmond with a wine and cheese at the Richmond Olympic Oval. What an amazing building! We had tours in small groups. Can't wait to watch the speed skating on TV.

2009 Conference

I'm awake!

Blood test was 7:45 this morning.  Hard to get up that early!  Went to Mae's for breakfast and then to Fairmont Medical to see my oncologist.  The lot was full so I parked next door at Willow.  Had trouble with the ticket machine and just left it.  Needless to say, I had a $75 ticket ($45 if paid in 7 days).  I called the number on the ticket and explained just what had gone wrong.  The machine did keep $3.50 of my money.  The man was quite polite and finally said all was forgiven.  I hadn't even asked for that!

Dr. Gelmon says my tests show I'm holding my own.  The thyroid markers are actually normal so I have to watch now for an overactive thyroid as I keep on the pills.

Stopped at London Drugs and Safeway and then home to fall asleep!

Laundry

Did a couple of loads of laundry today.  Need clean things for trip to Victoria.

Bought some clothes at Northern Reflection & Mark's Workwear World.  Needed some warmer tops that unbutton to get to the port-a-cath.

Canada Line Bridge

Found geocache #357 near the Richmond side of the Canada Line bridge.  Walked up the wonderful bike/pedestrian sidewalk to take some photos.

Did some shopping at Chapters, London Drugs and Cobbs and then home.

Met Louise for dinner at Cactus Club and then to our support group at the Cancer Agency.

Go Lions

After a scary start, the Lions settled down and played better.  How many quarterbacks can one team have?

The day just melted away.  I was pretty tired although I slept well.

Booked my hotel room in Victoria on Expedia for next Sunday & Monday at the Traveller's Inn - Downtown.  Will be in the Legislature for DEAR and then some geocaching.

Monsoon

Easy to forget all those days of sun when the monsoon rages outside.

Drove to Surrey for dinner with Glen and Jane.  Jane is still in a wheelchair after breaking her ankle, so Glen cooked.

Too wet to geocache!  Should finish my book tonight.

Last physio?

Went to physio today.  I'm going to pack up all my bills and forward them to my lawyer.  I think it is time to move tro the next stage.  My shoulders and back are still stiff and sore but I can turn my head both ways again.  It has been a year and I'd like all the money back for the physio.

Shopped at COSTCO and then home to dive back into my book.

Poor Canuck!

Red Cross Training

Did bills today.  Needed to get my Quicken up to speed after not having my computer for so long.  The wife of my Dad's 2nd cousin died and I put her obit into my new version of Family Tree Maker.  It is so much better than the older one I was using.  It merges automatically with Ancestry.ca that I pay for.

Met Jeff, Robin & Karen to work on the training manual for the Red Cross Telus Call Centre.  We agreed on everything.  Love groups like this.

Home by 8:00 and ready to start reading Lost Symbol that I finally picked up from the library today.

FInished

Spent the day working on the Vancouver RTA newsletter and finally sent it off to the printer!  Didn't hear anything from them so I must call tomorrow.

Was going to do other paperwork but was too tired.  Tomorrow!

Callanish

Had to go back to the BCTF building to retrieve the netbook I left there last week.  Duh!

Attended "Strength Within" at Callanish.  3 others from our retreat (the 49ers) showed up today as well.  Janey led the meditation and it was like I'd never left.  It sure comes back easily.  I know I fell asleep a couple of times as someone came to stroke my head.

Stopped at the Sunshine Diner for lunch and ran into Diane and her husband.  If I order eggs benny again, I must ask for a 1/2 order.  Back to UBC and this time found the Bio 101 cache!  Must have looked right at it the last 2 times.

Bought groceries and picked up the full strength prescription for my thyroid at Safeway and then home.  Too tired to continue.  Woke up early this morning and couldn't get back to sleep.

Happy Thanksgiving

It has now been a year since the bus hit my car.  I think one more physio will do it.  I haven't been for a couple of weeks and my neck is pretty good.  Then I'll load up all those bills and ship them to my lawyer.  I've been waiting for rain to get caught up on paperwork.

Finished the RTA newsletter and sent it to my proofreader to check.  Went out to geocache on the last day before the rain begins.  Found 3 but am still stuck by the one near the Biology building at UBC.

Had a turkey dinner at White Spot.

Sunday Drive

Felt like one of those Sunday drives my father used to make my mother take us on (he was blind so she had to drive).  Went back to the IOCO (Imperial Oil CO.) townsite and found a cache.  Found a total of 4 in the area but didn't find another 4 - frustrating, especially when you have to climb about for nothing. 

The day was bright but started clouding over a bit later in the afternoon and there was a bit of a chill.  Still the best place in Canada to be this weekend.

FTF

Had a long sleep but still ached this morning from all the walking.  I also had a headache most of the day, so decided to stay in.  It takes a long time to get through the Saturday papers (online) - Sun, Times Colonist, National Post, Globe & Mail...

Worked on the Retired Teachers' newsletter but I am still short a column.  Can't go to printer until Tuesday so I am not panicking.

Was printing a new copy of the geocaching map of Vancouver and realized a new multi cache had appeared near Marine and Granville. Went to the 1st coordinates and found the clue for the 2nds.  I was the First to Find (FTF) - my 1st!

Busy day

Attended a COSCO meeting at the Hasting Community Centre - The Council of Senior Citizens' of BC.  The speaker from BC Ambulance was interesting

http://www.saveourparamedics.com/

Drove to Delta and picked up Pam and Lori.  We found caches in Richmond, Delta and Surrey.  I had 13 finds to push me up to 348.   Lori and/or Pam had already found a few of these.  We finished off the group in Serpentine Fen just as it was getting dark.

Turned down dinner invitations as I was so sore and tired I knew that if I went into their houses, I wouldn't want to leave again.  I think I will sleep well tonight.  I walked over 8 km and drove about 150 km.

Long day at the Cancer Agency

Went back to Crown and Marine to find the cache we couldn't find yesterday. The photo on the web gave me the clue I needed. Now at 335!

Picked up Mae and was at the Cancer Agency just before 10.  Only gave 1 vial of blood and then waited for Mae & Darline.  We walked across the street to Bean So Good for tea and cinnamon bun.

View Larger Map

I love the new Google Street View. When you can't remember the name of a place, just zoom in!

Met with Stephanie at 11:20. My tumour markers are holding pretty steady. They should be below 30 but have stopped climbing.

I asked about the thyroid and my TSH test (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) was at 5 which means hypothyroidism.  This is often a side effect of the study drug.  Does this mean I am on the real thing and not the placebo?

I went back to Bean So Good for carrot soup and a small bagel.  Spent the rest of the time before my treatment in the 5th floor lounge, reading and listening to my iTouch. 

The drug was delayed about 45 minutes as there was problem mixing it in the pharmacy.  The treatment was fine and the nurse had no problems.  A lot easier when they can use the port-a-cath for everything.

Saw Dr. Drysdale, the shrink, at 3:30.  I had seen her 15 years ago when on Tamoxifen.  She suggested an appointment when we ran into each other a few weeks ago.

Finally home just before 5 pm.   A long day.

RTA Executive

Started the day with an RTA Executive meeting.  Lori emailed during the meeting and asked me to meet her.

Had lunch at Tim Horton's and went to Dunbar Library for a change.  Met Lori at the piece of machinery on Southlands that I visited unsuccessfully yesterday.  We both looked for a good 1/2 hour and she finally found the cache!  Then we worked out a puzzle cache at the foot of Crown.  There are a lot of standing stones along the roadway that were part of the puzzle.  We had to avoid a camera crew filming a documentary that involved a girl running down the centre of the street waving a tree branch.  We solved the clues and reached the cache but didn't find it.  Got some hints from the website and the owner tonight so think we can find it now.

Love the new Google!


View Larger Map

Zzzzzzz

After reading the papers I set out to find a geocache in Southlands.  Looked for 1/2 an hour but couldn't find it.  Gave up on further searches as I was just too tired.  Stopped at IGA for groceries and then straight home.

Fiddled on RTA newsletter and read some.

It works!

Put my computer together and it seems to work. I always thought it was the video card an wish they had replaced it a couple of months ago. For carting the tower & monitor up and down 3 flights MANY times since July, I end up with a new monitor, DVD drive & video card and short $150 for reinstalling Windows. When the warranty is up, I'll never shop at Future Shop again.

The Red Cross meeting was changed to next week so I worked on the Retired Teachers' Assoc. newletter this afternoon and have it nearly finished. Just  waiting for 2 articles.

I as still really tired and my hands hurt.

Ioco Ghost Town Day

Drove to Matt's this morning and was congratulating myself on the quick route when I was stopped at Ioco Road from 10 to 10:30 while the Motorcycle Christmas Toy Run was allowed by.  They were allowed to ride in pairs, very slowly and some without helmets.  I'm sure the bus behind me was as thrilled as I was.

We all went to Ioco Ghost Town Day at the old Ioco Townsite.  The perfect small town event.  I bought jam, apples and Girl Guide cookies.  Matt boought an apple tree and a couple of blueberry bushes for his patio from Derry's Orchard & Nursery.

Went to Coquitlam Centre with Matt and I actually found a couple of things I wanted (bag & fountain pen) while he shopped.

Shopped at Thrifty's on the way home.  Found a cache by an old church in Port Moody.

All in all, a perfect day!

 

Computer back

After visiting the library and having lunch, I went for a walk in the Richmond Nature Park.  Should have checked the map.  Guessed wrong and ended up on the wrong path for the 2 caches.  Was too tired to backtrack and try again. 

Picked up computer from Future Shop.  They changed the DVD drive & video card.  I thought it was the video card all along.  One of my neighbours carried the tower up for me.  I'll put it together tomorrow.

Met Moira for dinner at Applause.

What was I going to do today?

Mel came to clean and do the laundry.  There was only one machine available so I decided it was time to change to the flannel sheets and wash the cotton another day.

By the time she finished at 15:00, I was just to tired to go out.  Mel did all the work but I was tired.  Go figure?  I am assuming it is the thyroid and the new medication hasn't kicked in.  My hands are still pretty sore and I am hoping all this will settle down when I reach the full strength in a couple of weeks.

Spent the night wathcing TV, listening to the Lions and playing on the Nintendo DS.  That's the life!

Geocaching evening

Met Pam and Lori and headed to Surrey & North Delta.  We started in Serpentine Fen but had to stop to make it back to the car by 6pm.  The man had already closed the gate and cycled ahead of us to let us out.  We'll use the other parking lot next time.

Found some more caches in had dinner at the White Spot on Scott Road.  Lori started the day with 630, Pam now has 393 and I am pulling up the rear at 332. 

Meet the Teacher

Thought Mel was coming so was all cleaned up but she changed it to Friday.  Can I keep up the cleanliness until then?

Picked up my new VISA card at the bank.  Wonder where I used it that they thought compromised it?  Now to change all those automatic billings!  Tried for a cache near Kitsilano but it was too close to the daycare for a daytime hunt.

Weir was having their Meet the Teacher night so I picked up Rum and Nancy for dinner at Van-Ya.  They have the best bento selection.  They had to go back to the parents.  Don't miss that part of the job at all.

Red Cross Event

Woke up late and had a lazy day.  It poured on and off as thunder cells moved by.

Went to the Red Cross at Lake City for an event to thank the volunteers at the fires.  Interesting talks by a few who helped in Seton Portage and Kelowna.  Always nice to see old friends in a calmer atmosphere.  I didn't do much to help this time, but hopefully will have more energy for the next disaster.

Day of ease

I've been so busy that I decided not to even get dressed today.  Woke up at 8:30 and was pretty stiff and sore.

Started on the Vancouver RTA newsletter, read, watched TV...  What a life!

Am really enjoying the Ken Burns series on U.S. National Parks

WOTS

Didn't wake up until 9.  Angie and Al were already back in Kelowna!  Packed the car and then sat in lobby for waffle breakfast again. 

Dropped a couple of things at home and headed downtown for Word on the Street.  Arrived at 10:30 and shopped before the crowds arrived.  Walked about 2.4 km and bought a lot of Christmas presents and UNICEF cards.  Nice having the car under the library so I could take the bags to the trunk a couple of times. Saw several friends.  Finally fagged out and left before 1. 

Stopped at Oakridge for groceries.  Filled up with gas for 1.01/litre - cheapest in ages.

Was really tired and aching when I got home.  Just sat, read and watched stuff I had taped. 

A perfect day

Up at 7:30 for a swim and hot tub with Angie.  Showered and had breakfast in the lobby of the hotel.  Love the waffle making machine.  Dad would have been impressed.  I remember that cranky old machine he tried making them on.

BCTLA Executive meeting went from 9 to 3.  Good lunch was brought in.  We actually finished the whole agenda right on time.  A good group to work with.

Had a rest for an hour and then went to Steveston with Angie, Al & Halia.  Great dinner at the Steveston Seafood House.   I had the set 4 course Fall Feature dinner for $35.95 - Chilled prawn cocktail and served with our house cocktail sauce; Fresh garden salad; FILET MIGNON AND CRAB (AAA filet mignon topped with fresh shrimp, crab meat and sauce béarnaise) and Deep Dish Apple Pie.  We then took a long walk around Steveston and took photos of the sunset from the dock.

I am now watching Midsummer Murder, waiting for my camera battery to recharge so I can download the photos.

I am feeling well considering the long day.  I know I will sleep soundly tonight.

Perfect September day

Picked up a reserve at the library and headed for Delta.  Had lunch at Ricky's (liver to replace all that blood I've given up this week) and then did some geocaching.  Don't think the 1st two are there but succeeded on the 3rd.  Taught a couple on the bench how to do it.  Stared for one at Boundary Bay but ran out of time to get back through the tunnel.

Checked in at La Quinta Inn at 3 for the BCTLA Executive meeting.  Decided to pay to stay myself and enjoy not having to drive home.  Had a nice swim - small pool with perfect temperature but the ladders in and out were too small. 

We met in the lobby and walked to The Jade Chinese Seafood Restaurant for a wonderful meal.  It wasn't just the food - the service was perfect.

Our meetings are in a small room in the lobby of the hotel.  Tonight we finished at 9.  I'm back in my room watching TV.  Unlike the Hilton last week, the internet is free in the room and meeting room.

Fall heat

Loving the hot fall we are having (28 at the airport yesterday!!).

Picked up Mae and drove her to the Cancer Agency this morning.  Enjoyed Relaxation but think I was snoring.  Bloodwork at 11:30 and then lunch with Mae & Darline.  Sat in the lounge reading until 1:00 chemo.  Went well again.  They don't seem to have to draw blood as part of it so can do everything through Port-A-Cath.  The nurse doing the blood tests leaves the needle in for the later chemo.

Found a cache (325) in New West but failed again on Illusions of Grandeur.  Really thought I might find it this time! 

Lugged my monitor in to Future Shop.  The computer is working fine so they want to try it with my monitor.  But this is the replacement one that HP sent a few weeks ago and the problem occurred with both.

Started the thyroid medicine this morning.  Hope it will take care of some of the fatigue and joint pain.

Thyroid

I was at the Agency at 7:45 for bloodwork and saw my oncologist at Fairmont at 10:00. My tumours are either the same or a bit smaller, so we'll keep on doing what we are doing. My thyroid levels were off so I am starting medication tomorrow. This could explain why I keep falling asleep (in the middle of Murder She Wrote today).

Mae met me and we went shopping for a birthday present she needed. We did not communicate well and ended up at a golf course in Surrey instead of a store on Marine Drive across from my apartment. We had a great lunch sitting on a patio on the beach at Vita's Bar & Grill.

Dropped Mae off and went to Safeway to fill my prescription.

New Camera

Started out at Lens and Shutter.  My small digital that I've had for 5 years stopped working a few months ago.  They couldn't see anything obvious but guessed it was the shutter.  Sounded expensive so I decided to buy a new one.  Got the new version of the same one.  Much smaller and 12.5 pixels (4X the old one).  It is a Canon PowerShot SD960 IS Digital ELPH and is so small I can carry it in a case on my belt. 

Had lunch at Moderne Burger and headed out to Richmond to tackle Future Shop.  The tech took my computer and plugged it into a monitor - the sucker worked perfectly.  I asked to see the manager and I think he got it.  It will work at times but then the monitor loses contact.  He agreed to have it sit there for a few days and they would watch what happens.

Found a new cache at Connaught Park in Vancouver and another near Crown Zellerbach in Richmond - Dad worked there for the CNIB in the 1950's and 1960's.  Now up to 324.

Discombobulated

I think that is a perfect word for me these days.

Up at 7 to start drinking water for CT Scan.  The tech found a vein in my arm - the first time in ages.  I was back home by 8:30.  Had plans for the day but decided home was the place after 1000 ml of water.  Dozed on and off all afternoon.

Had a haircut at 5 and met Louise, Wanda and Gwen at Cactus Club.  Always enjoy the food and company.  Picked up coffees and then to support group at the Cancer Agency - 10 in our group tonight.

My computers are still cranky.  Had a message that the laptop had a blue screen of death.  The main one couldn't detect the monitor again this afternoon but worked after an hour or so.  Not sure what to do with them.  Also my small digital camera isn't working and I can't find the bill.  I'll still go to Lens & Shutter for advice (I have the exact date I bought it so maybe it is in the computer).

My hands and fingers are still painful (I have upgraded from sore).  I suppose the answer might be not to use the computers.  Is that why they aren't working well?  Trying to send me a message?

Ouch

Took a Cross fountain pen back to Office Depot today.  When I tried screwing the 2 sections together after putting in the cartridge, it sliced 2 fingers open.  Might be why it was so cheap.

Foolishly thought of having lunch in Steveston.  I haven't seen it that busy all summer.

For once a movie I really liked won an Emmy - Grey's Garden.  So glad we finally got HBO in Canada.

My computer seems to be working today and I have reloaded most programs.

Home sweet home

Slept 11 hours last night.  I guess I needed it.  I feel tired today but no headache.

Only went out for some groceries.  Started reinstalling everything in my computer.  Thought it was gone again when the message saying it didn't detect a signal appeared but it was a false alarm and it seems fine.  Running faster without so much stuff in it.  Bought new versions of a couple of well used programs for the new bells and whistles.

I am now reading and listening to Lions while the files are going in.  I didn't get the mail backed up and lost a lot.  I have gone back to Outlook 2003 as it is easier to back up.  I am using Firefox instead of Explorer and like it a lot better.

Poor me

Had a really good sleep last night.  The Hilton pillows were excellent and the night quieter than I am used to.

Did have a bit of a headache and my fingers still hurt (but not as bad as last night) so I took a pain killer.   The food was good at the breakfast and lunch buffets.  The RTA training day was worthwhile and I was able to speak up a few times.

Started feeling bad in the afternoon.  The headache was back and I felt a fit sick.  Gave up at 2:45 and went to my room.  The session ended at 3:30 so I didn't miss much.  Fell asleep but by 5 was feeling worse.  Called Pat for advice and decided to head home.

Sitting now with a cup of tea and think I'll try some soup.

RTA Conference

I am at the Hilton in Richmond for 2 nights - Retired Teachers Conference & AGM.   My car is on the same floor as my car so luggage is easy.  Only 6 or so TV channels?  Have to pay for internet in room and meeting room so I am using free WiFi in the lobby.  I told them off - I can stay in a cheap motel and get it free.

After a drinkin the bar, had a great meal with Merle, Diane and Pat at the American Grille in the Marriott. They have a special.  For $25 you can have any entree and appetizer.  We had Spicy Prawn & Avocado Salad ((Low Carb) cold water prawns, avocado, watercress, papaya, spicy lime vinaigrette) and Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb (pan-seared potato gnocchi, French beans, natural jus).  Diane and I then had another drink in the Hilton bar.

My fingers are really sore and stiff.  Must be the change in the weather.

Old Friends

Met Marilyn and Anni and their husbands and Georgina at Tim Horton's on North Road this morning.  Love getting together with such old friends.  The beauty of teaching is that you make friends at every school you work at.

Did some shopping at Lougheed Mall and dropped off due library books.  Came home and did a load of laundry.  Had to ask Mae who the killer was in Murder She Wrote as I fell asleep.

Back out at 5 to pick up reformatted computer at Future Shop.  Won't touch it until Sunday.  Had dinner at IHOP but it was horrible.  The place was full of loud and rude old folks who were in the Senior Games.  I do hope our Retired Teachers are better behaved this weekend.

Strollers

Three of us started a weekly strolling club.  We met at the Jericho Beach parking lot and walked to the Jericho Sailing Club.  Went out on the dock and then stopped for lunch (buffalo burger) at the Galley Patio & Grill and strolled back.  Very civilized!

Found a couple of new caches in Renfrew & Central parks and then was tired so went home.

At 5:00 I decided to take the computer back to Future Shop to have the hard drive reformatted. It worked just long enough to back up the remaining files last night.  Wouldn't work today.  Almost had an accident as someone decided to turn left and the car behind him swerved in front of me and stopped.  The computer went flying!  Future Shop didn't mention that it is going to cost $155 to reinstall Windows.  I was too tired to argue or to do it myself.

Stopped at Applause for dinner and then home to play Scrabble and Lexulous with Pru while talking on the phone.

Dumb and dumber

Just posted this to the wrong blog and people all over the province read it - duh!

 

Went shopping this morning and decided not to go for long walk geocaching as it looked like rain.  Just couldn't get motivated.

 

Future Shop called to ask if they could reformat the hard drive.  I needed to back up a few files.  I had done most of it, especially all the music and photographs.  They wanted $120 to do it!  Needless to say, I carried the CPU and monitor back up my stairs to do it myself.  The monitor worked fine and I have finished.  I still think I'll take it back to be reformatted.  It has some stuff in it I don't need any more and there is some stuff I had to do to let Dreamweaver work that I don't need since I'm switching to Kompozer.

 

Family dinner at Pru's today to see Daniel.  14 of us had a great dinner of bbq roast beef.  Daniel heads back to Shanghai on Wednesday.

Granville Island

Thought I would just veg all day.  Started watching the Lions and Pru called to ask me to bring lattes during 1/2 time.  We watched them nearly win!!  Next time.

Off to Granville Island to shop for tomorrow's family dinner.  Had crepes and good tea for lunch.

Day of geocaching

Met Pam at 9 this morning and we tackled a bunch of Richmond caches.  We worked until 3 and walked 6.4 km!  I am now at 320 finds and was able to swap a couple of travel bugs.  A new cache was at Steveston Secondary, which is now boarded up.  It was placed by Steve's son and he wanted to know if people had attended.  I enjoyed finding it and explaining that I was another Steve's sister and I posted his grad photo. 

I am feeling well except for some pain in my hands - arthritis or computer?

COSCO

Attended COSCO meeting at the Hasting Community Centre this morning.  Everyone is upset by new HST.  A bunch of us then lunched at Tom & Jerry's - I had liver to make up for all the blood tests.

Found a cache in East Vancouver and then wandered around Burnaby trying to get past traffic jams.  Ended up at Central Park.  Turned to get out of the car and there was Pam!  She recognized the geocaching decal on my car window and followed me back into the parking lot.  She stood by as I found the cache she had just found.  We then found a new one in Everett Crowley Park.  This is a perfect dog walking park.  There were even jugs of water and dishes set out for the dogs.  What it lacks, is a bathroom.  You would think there would be one in the 2nd largest park in the city.

Alan Zisman came through with a suggested program to use with my websites - KompoZer.  It is based on the old Netscape Composer I used to use.  I can even use it on my netbook.

Treatment today

Picked up Mae and drove her to the Cancer Agency.  I started with a blood test using my port-a-cath.  Left the needle in for the afternoon.

Grabbed a scone so I could take my pill and made it to Relaxation at 10.  Always a good way to centre for the day.  Back upstairs to meet with my trial nurse at 11:30.

Had lunch in the cafeteria and spent some time in a lounge with today's papers.  Don't know if I still have a doctor after the walkout at Seymour Clinic!  My treatment was supposed to start at 1:00 but there was a holdup with the blood tests from VGH.  They can't mix my cocktail until they get the go ahead.  Once we started it went well.  Love the days I don't need a second blood test and everything is through the port.

Lugged my computer & monitor back to Future Shop and they'll try again!!!  Picked up groceries at M&M and Country Gardens.  Butter chicken, fresh corn and peaches for dinner tonight.

I hate computer hardware!

Met Dan Kenning for lunch at Stella's on Commercial and had a pleasant meal.

Then I spoiled it by going to Future Shop. HP sent a new monitor to replace my faulty one. I returned my loaner and got the money back. Carried the new one home and it does the same thing. Either has a message that there is no signal or goes to sleep. I called and have to haul it all back (down the stairs).

Carried the CPU down tonight and had dinner at Applause with Moira.

Obama nailed it tonight with his health care speach, as he did with school talk.

TGIF

Spent the 1st day of school at the TGIF (Thank God I'm Free) brunch at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.  Far too much good food.  The oldest retiree is 102!

I found cache #308 at UBC on the way home.

I really need  a simpler programme than Dreamweaver to do web sites.  It is driving me nuts and wasting hours!

Labour Day

Had physio this morning.  We think I am almost finished.  Maybe one more in a couple of weeks.

Found a couple of caches at UBC but then was tired so headed home.

Talked to Jane.  She is home in Loon Lake from hospital and will see the doctors in a week to see how the breaks are healing.

Busted!

Spent the day working on various projects and reading.

There was a lot of shouting and honking around 7 tonight.  Watched a black man chase a Russian looking man to the building across the street and force him to return to mid block where a bunch of men were milling around a couple of double parked cars.  I called 911 and kept describing what was happening to the operator.  Just as the police came the white fellow went into the a suite across the street and shut the patio doors.  An officer went in after him.  He brought him out and handcuffed him before taking back down the road.  The police stayed a long time and there was a good crowd watching.  I had done my bit so stayed in and cooked dinner.

Rain returns

So nice to have rain. I really worry about the trees on the boulevards when people don't water them.

This was a "let's not even get dressed" day. Did a lot of paperwork and reading.

Can't believe the stupidity of the Education Minister who suggested secondary school athletics can be replaced by playing in the park!

Go Lions!

Just watched a great football team. They are finally coming together.

Did some shopping today and picked up a reserve at the library.

First day in a few that I haven't fallen asleep in the afternoon. My arthritis has been acting up in my hands which is irritating.

Still haven't heard if Jane is out of hospital yet.

Tired

Had a good sleep last night to recover from the PNE.

Went shopping in Richmond. Stopped in Steveston for lunch at Pajo's at Garry Point and then looked unsuccessfully for a cache. Too many muggles and just couldn't see it.

Stopped at M&M, Cobbs, London Drugs & Richmond Country Farms. Seemed to take a lot of time doing this.

PNE

Spent almost 5 hours at the PNE and was quite ready to come home. Don't have the stamina I used to. Overdressed by wearing jeans when I saw the weather. I had been cold yesterday, but it was warm today.

Enjoyed the fair but it is becoming too expensive. Bottles of water are $4 and it seems Coke has a monopoly on it. They are foolish to have the games and food so expensive as many will just stop spending on them. Started the day with a Fisher scone - still the best!

Saw Celtic Thunder and heard a woman describing the oboe with a bag on the end as I left - decided not to embarrass her by naming the bagpipes. The music and dancing was good and it only lasted 1/2 an hour. Sat and listen to Dal Richards. Bought a few good things and walked a lot!

Clouds?

Day was cooler than I expected and there were funny little showers.

Picked up a latte and drove out to Matt's. He was out but quickly came back. We shopped all morning and I bought them a eucalyptus wood table and 4 chairs & umbrella at RONA's Home Centre Garage Sale for a housewarming gift.

Picked up groceries at Thrifty's and back home for lunch. The girls are really enjoying the new place. Even Lily was scampering up and down the stairs. There is a wooden deck so they are comfortable moving in and out to play.

Met Pru at her new house on 47th and took photos. Then went home and gave her lessons on taking photos out of the camera, sharing them on Picasa and editing. I created a monster and left her cropping and removing red eye!

Glen called to say Jane fell on the gravel and broke 3 bones in her wrist & 1 in her ankle. She went to Kamloops by ambulance and hopefully had surgery to put in plates and screws tonight.

Moving Day

Matt and family moved to Port Moody today. I arrived early to sit by the truck as they packed it. The movers, All Ways Affordable Moving did a great job. The crew of 3 were fast and efficient.

Arrived first at the new condo and really liked it. Two stories with 3 bedrooms and a patio. We were finished by 2 and Matt and I went into Newport Village for lunch. Andrea had stayed behind to clean.

I left before 3 and stopped at the new Thrifty Foods and Vancity at Suter Brook, across from Newport Village. A great selection of stores and restaurants within a short drive. Made it home by 4 and had no trouble with traffic.

Salute to Italy

Picked up pole for Mae's new bird feeder and helped her get it set up. Drove her to Granville Island and picked up some groceries.

Found elusive cache at Broadway and Granville, hidden in an old car in the community gardens. Didn't see the rat this time.

Saluted the group in Italy http://tlsinitalia.blogspot.com/ by watching a DVD on Venice, drinking Italian wine and eating pasta stuffed with Italian sausage.

303!

Went geocaching with Pam today. We explored the old community next to the Boundary Bay Airport. During the war it was the Royal Canadian Air Force Station Boundary Bay where pilots were trained. All that is left of over 100 buildings (houses, school, store...) is a patchwork of roads and the trees planted in the yards. We found caches near 3 trees that gave us the clue to the final one - my 300th find!

Had a great lunch at the Riverhouse Marina Restaurant & Pub - Seafood club ~ shrimp, crab, and bacon on multigrain kaiser.

Carried on caching for the rest of the afternoon. Enjoyed one on Westham Island. We had to find a series of clues that finally led us to the prize.

The GPS I bought at COSTCO was acting up and a part was missing so I returned it. Best Buy was selling the same model for less so I bought a replacement there (took 2 stores to find one in stock).

Birds

Mae wanted a way to attact birds so I took her to Wild Birds Unlimited. They had to order the pole she wants so I'll pick it up Sunday. The store is always a treat to visit.

We had lunch at Trixi's Crepe and Coffeehaus on Cambie - Cinnamon Apple and Brie Cheese, Sprinkled with Roasted Almonds - mmm!

Picked up Andie and dropped them off at Canadian Tire. Picked up GPS holder at Best Buy and then home.

Thought I had figured the GPS problems out. Downloaded code and installed it but can't download the updated maps. Went to put it on holder and a piece is missing. Also it is cheaper at Best Buy than COSTCO. Think I'll return it tomorrow.

I'm awake!

Picked up Mae and went to Relaxation Group at the Cancer Agency at 10 this morning. We then had lunch together before she and Darline headed up to to Therapeutic Touch clinic.

Tried picking up pills when I arrived but the refill order hadn't come. Left them to phone and returned just before chemo and they were ready.

My treatment went really quickly today. Didn't need a separate blood draw so no poking in veins. Had a good nurse who kept her room in order.

Stopped at Safeway to reload on groceries and was home just after 3. I don't plan on doing much tomorrow. I kept falling asleep in the Relaxation and in the the chemo chair!

Ups and downs

Didn't sleep much last night. Surprised to find my GPS sync works today. The company must have been down last night.

Arrived at the Cancer Agency at 10 for blood draw. A nurse checked me in and then I was forgotten for a while someone highlighted my name as being taken care of. They realized their error and came to find me. I carried the vials of blood to the lab and one was empty! Had to go back for another stick.

Ate (after fasting all night) so I could take my pill and then went to see my doctor in Fairmont. My Bone Scan was normal except for arthritis and the CT Scan showed some improvement. The blood tests back so far were fine as well. We'll just keep doing what we are doing.

Went geocaching and found 5 in Kits and UBC.

Spent some hours entering stuff in my new GPS tonight and most of it just disappeared. Love technology! At least someone fixed my sink while I was out.

It's broken

One of those days where nothing works. I am going to stop now.

The kitchen sink is blocked. I tried a couple of different bottle of stuff over the last couple of days but am defeated. The handyman should come tomorrow. I keep eating out so the dishes don't pile up so fast.

Bought a new GPS for the car and now can't update waypoints in it or in the handheld or in the old one. I have done everything the website suggests and have tried it on 2 computers. Nada!

My computers seem to not like certain websites (VPL) and Explorer keeps failing. Is it a plot by Google Chrome?

Stayed in waiting for the handyman but he is now coming tomorrow while I am at the Cancer Agency. Of course!

Went out at 5 to the library and to have dinner in Steveston.

Searching in Surrey

Started with a failure in Richmond and then moved to Surrey. Found 7 caches and am up to 290. Only had a couple I couldn't find and one was too much of a climb into a ravine. Each cache is rating on two scales of 1 to 5 to indicate difficulty of the find and the terrain. I often disagree with the evaluation of the terrain. I don't want to risk another broken leg or ankle for a happy face!

Had to park at an ABC Restaurant to get to the site where there used to be a motel. Made the mistake of eating lunch there. As with the outlet in Richmond, service was bad. I had to ask where my food was and basically never saw my waitress even though it was nearly empty.

Laptop home

Did some caching today. Needed Lori's help with one - very neat hide. Failed on a couple and am up to 283. Nice day. Lots of cuts from brambles, blackberries... Managed to enjoy looking at wasp nest without being stung. Walked 5.4 km today.

Best Buy called to say the laptop was ready. They reformatted the hard drive again. I don't think that is what was wrong as it was replaced the last time I had the "blue screen of death". Of course the warranty is expired so if it happens again I don't know what will happen. It is nice to have it back on my lap as I watch Masterpiece Mystery!

Computer works!

I decided to have a quiet day after a couple of busy ones. Slept in and then decided to tackle the computer and the tangle of wires. I am sure I straightened them out 2 days ago!

Got the temporary monitor working but still didn't have sound. It disappeared a few days ago. Did everything I could think of and then the computer insisted on rebooting. Who am I to argue? When it came back on the sound was working perfectly. Maybe it was just pouting?

Bone Scan

Had to set the alarm for 6:00 am this morning and that hurt! Arrived at VGH for my pre-bone scan injection of isotopes at 7:15. The technician found a vein in my hand with no trouble.

Picked up Louise and we had a great breakfast at the Sunshine Diner on Broadway. Definitely one to go back to.

Had to drink 4 cups of fluid and be back at VGH by 9:50. The scan was easy and over in 1/2 an hour.

Stopped at Safeway for groceries - and bathroom.

Fell asleep this afternoon.

Put computer together and the loaner screen works but I've lost sound. I'll try again tomorrow.

Carry it again!

Matt came over to pick me up and go to Future Shop to pick up computer and deal with broken monitor. The man on the phone said the monitor wasn't covered under the extended warranty. I knew it was and was ready for a fight but was told of course it is covered. I took it over to Customer Service only to find that they had to send it to HP for repairs. I complained to the manager and he offered to sell me a new one and then take it back when mine is repaired. Good plan.

Matt carried the computer up and put all those wires back in but it didn't work. He put it all back in my car and back I drove. Got someone to carry the computer up and started again. They hooked it up and showed me that it works. The new monitor had the wrong plug and we weren't putting it in the video card. Had to take everything back to customer service. They gave me an adapter and helped carry it all down to the car.

Carried the heavy computer up and went to the White Spot for dinner - and a cold beer. Carried up the monitor but too tired and hot to attempt putting it all together!

Started the day with a bit of a headache and it didn't go away!

Sleep

Have been tired for a couple of days. Fell asleep yesterday afternoon and slept in until 10:30 today.

Cleaned up piles of papers and tried sorting the maze of computer wires under the desk.

Future Shop called to say I need a new monitor. I thought that so didn't need to come home to cart in the tower yesterday! Of course the monitor isn't covered under the 3 year warranty I purchased!

Took out garbage & recycling and just kept going to White Spot for dinner.

Another computer bites the dust

My monitor keeps loosing the signal so I took it to Future Shop. Still have a year on the warranty. He wanted the computer so I had to go back for it. Hoped to get away without carrying both down the stairs! With laptop still at Toshiba, I am using little netbook.

Found a cache in Brighouse and then went to Steveston for halibut & chips at Pajo's. Found another cache nearby (#281). Started looking for a new one and decided it was too hot for a long walk. Also have sore leg with big bruise after slipping against bathtub rim.

Picked up corn, tomatoes & blueberries before heading to Marpole Library for hold.

Busy day

Left home at 10:30 and returned at 9:00. Started with physio. My neck was in good shape today. Shoulder still stiff and sore. Almost time to turn it back to the lawyer?

Picked up Nancy and we went to Stanley Park. I needed her to take my photo near a monument to count a cache. We then ate halibut burgers at the Fish House.

Went shopping at London Drugs, Canadian Tire & Lee Valley and then it was time to pick up a key at the Cancer Agency.

Had dinner at The Raga with Louise, Wanda & Gwen. Then went to Lesbian Support Group at the Cancer Agency. We ran it ourselves and had 8 in the group!

My monitor is off again so I am using the netbook tonight.

Caching day

Found 4 caches today in Vancouver, Burnaby & New Westminster. Gave up quickly on the Muggles, Muggles Everywhere on Broadway when a huge rat scampered under where I needed to put my hand. Put watches on a couple of my failures and others have already found them - must try again.

I was getting tired and then realized it was 5:00!

Slow Saturday

My computer monitor wouldn't detect the signal again this morning so I went to the store for the papers. It worked again once I'd finished reading them!

Finished a book, did some work on the Vancouver RTA web site, played on Facebook...

A day of nothing much. Just what I needed.

Cleanup

I've been cleaning for days to get ready for Mel coming today. You would think that after 60 years I would be able to pick up after myself each day!

Met Mary at Chapters at Broadway & Granville and went to Vij's Rangoli for a delicious lunch - Spicy Pulled Pork on Sauteed Greens with sour cream chutney & chapati. Then back to Chapters/Starbucks for a longer visit.

After buying a few things I went to the RCMP Memorial at 37th & Heather to get the clues for a cache and found the container a short drive away (#273).

Played Scrabble on Facebook and talked to Pru while watching the Lions actually win a game that had gotten away from them. Certainly a great finish.

Treatment day

Blood drawn from port-a-cath at 9:45 with just a bit of trouble. The line was left in for the afternoon. Grabbed a scone and tea so I could take my pill. The trial nurse came to find me as she had a different appointment time for me.

Met Darline at lunch but didn't buy mine for a bit as there were a few people ahead of me. Didn't go out as the weather was iffy. Big rain storm as I drove to the Agency. After eating, I sat in the 5th floor lounge reading and saw Darline again.

Arrived for treatment at 1:oo and was hooked up to saline drip. The nurse was a good one this time. She didn't need to draw any more blood so could use the morning line. A machine in the lab at VGH was down so the bloodwork was late. Then the nurse couldn't communicate with the lab from their new offices in Fairmont. Another nurse had to walk up to give the orders. My treatment finally started an hour late. I didn't really mind since there were no more attempts to finds veins this time. I always have my iPod and a good book.

Came home via Granville Island. Found a parking spot after a few circles of the parking lot and bought some meat and bread.

I still didn't have my appointments for the next few weeks and have arranged to have it emailed. Much more efficient.

Dentist

Had my teeth cleaned today. The complete check of lymph nodes, tongue... is reassuring. My dentist of off on maternity leave again. I hardly ever see her.

I really wanted to find the elusive Byte cache at Metrotown. Lori & Pam and I actually figured it out yesterday and I was able to find it. Wanted to have lunch at the Waffle House in New West but is is gone! Did find 4 caches in the neighbourhood.

Out to Richmond for some shopping and then met Moira at Applause. Did some needed grocery shopping at Safeway after eating.

Delta geocaching

Picked up Lori and Pam to find some caches in Delta. They already had most of them and were helping me find them. We planned on hitting the old airport but the road was still closed because of the fire danger. We called City Hall to make sure and they said it was still closed even though it rained a lot yesterday. We'll come back another day. Found a couple on the dyke - beautiful walk with lots of birds.

Lori had to leave so Pam and I had lunch at Oki Doki in Ladner. Lots of food for a reasonable cost. We both walked out full. We found some more caches but when it was time to drop Pam off I realized I'd missed getting through the tunnel before the counterflow lane opened. Found one more cache (#268) and headed for the Alex Fraser Bridge - longer drive but got home without pausing once.

Sean and Evan came to look at my bike and took it for Evan. Too heavy for me to ride, I'd never get my leg over the bar (it is a man's bike), don't have a bike rack, hard to use brakes with arthritic hands... Time to give it to someone who will use it.

Family Birthdays

Rain again today. Slept really well since it was nice and cool.

18 for dinner at Pru's tonight and we were celebrating 2 birthdays (early) - Lucas & Patience, our matriarch from Houston. She and Sean head home in the morning. Her visits are always too short. Judy made butter chicken - amazing!

Rainy day

So nice to see the rain most of the day. The plants really needed it.

Got caught up on bills and not much else today. I need days with not much to do. This is going to be a busy week so I'm starting slow.

Janet Lawton

Attended memorial at Van Dusen for Janet, a Vancouver Teacher-Librarian who died of cancer last month. Full house and a very well thought out programme. Saw lots of friends.

Stopped at the library and then straight home.

Cool weather

Such a relief to have cooler weather. We now need 2 days of heavy rain and then the sun can come back.

Went geocaching in Delta. Did some long walks I avoided in the heat (2.6 km) and am up to 261 finds. Lori is at 564 and Pam is rocketing ahead of me with 301! Was seen by walkers a couple of times while in the bush. I can just imaging what they thought I was doing! Had lunch at Ricky's in Ladner and failed on couple of caches by the ferry. Managed to get through the tunnel just at the beginning of the rush.

Picked up fruit and vegetables in Richmond and then home. Sales must have dropped off so the Lion's game was blacked out. Listened to them win their 2nd game on the radio.

My computer monitor keeps going to sleep. Since the laptop is in for repairs, I'm using the Netbook. Talk about having too many toys!

Relaxation

Picked up Mae and we went to the Relaxation Group at the Cancer Agency. Haven't been for a while and it felt good to be back. Stayed for lunch with Mae & Darline. Mae goes to Paris with Connie tonight.

Found 5 caches in Burnaby. One was placed last night & I was #3.

Feeling much better today except for sore ankles & feet - arthritis.

The blue screen of death returns

The blue screen of death popped up on my laptop again last night. It happened in June - just a few days from the end of the 3-day warranty. The hard drive & DVD burner were replaced. Obviously something else is wrong that is causing this. I waited almost an hour for my turn at Best Buy. They are sending it back and hope the warranty will cover it since it is sort of a month (June 25) since the repair. New ones are so cheap I don't want to waste money on repairs.

Rushed to my appointment at St. Paul's with Dr. Irvine, my Otolaryngologist. It was to talk about dizzy spells when I get up off treatment beds - he said low blood pressure. Luckily I had the appointment since I could barely hear. I've been putting olive oil in my ears for a few days and he was able to vacuum them out. Some of the wax needed the pick - arghh. Said to come in more often. Now to turn down all the radios & TV at home.

To Kidsbooks for Lily's birthday presents and then lunch at the Swiss Chalet. Bought pens at Office Depot and some stuff at Mountain Equipment Co-op. Picked Mae up at her bank and drove her to Canadian Tire and home.

Tried to find a cache at Metrotown and failed for the 3rd time. The ultimate insult is there were 2 posts tonight from people who found it easily!

Went to Matt's for Lily's birthday cake and presents along with Andrea's parents. Love it when they figure out there is a present in the paper. She was so careful and slow tearing it all off.

To Pru's for dinner. Chris brought Boston Pizza pizzas. Kathrine flew in from Australia but went straight home to bed.

Was tired so left early. Didn't sleep much last night. Must be a change in the weather coming since my arthritis is acting up in my ankles and feet.

Eh?

Deaf as a post! I am putting olive oil in my ears to get ready for the ear specialist tomorrow. Woke up with my headache but it did go away and I felt much better by dinner.

Went to Pru's to wait for Jesse to come from school and we all went to White Spot for dinner. Picked up groceries at Safeway. Love shopping late at night.

Fires

Woke up with plugged ears and a headache. Took a painkiller and went to supervise the Red Cross Fire Call Centre. Quickly remembered how to do everything. Good group of volunteers on the phones and people were grateful for the answers we knew. Very confusing with so many fires burning all over the province. The name of the fire didn't always give a clue as to where it was burning. We really need a big map of BC with labels on the wall.

My headache came back so I left early and came home to bed for a bit. Then to family dinner at Pru's. Sat on porch which was cooler than here. Left when the headache started up again. Tomorrow is another day and I see my ear specialist at St. Paul's on Wednesday.

BBQ at John's

Slept in and had a quiet day.

Found a cache (252) on the way to John's for a family BBQ. Nice to have such a large group together.

Red Cross Alert

Red Cross might be opening up the Call Centre for the forest fires tomorrow.

Escaped to a movie to get out of the heat this afternoon. IMAX 3D Harry Potter. 3d only worked for 1st 12 minutes but was impressive.

Had some pasta at Boston Pizza and then found a cache (251) along the Fraser. It won't last long as it is poorly placed so I wanted the count before it disappeared.

Rankings

I just looked up our rankings for geocaching in B.C. The #1 team has 6,746 finds. The 2nd person is so full of himself that he doesn't have his name listed as he thinks he is a loser for not being first. Maybe he is!

Lori is #278 with 563 caches, Pam is # 586 with 276 and I am pulling up the rear at #630 and 250 finds. I figure I can catch up to Pam when she goes back to school! Not bad for an old lady with arthritis and cancer!!

Aquabus

Went over to Pru's in the morning and then we all (Pru, Patience, Lucas, Patrick & Sean) went to Granville Island. We had a 25 minute Mini Cruise on the Aquabus. A very good deal. After some shopping in the Market, which wasn't at all busy, we headed for the liquor store and home.

Dinner was at Chris's. I found it pretty hot and wasn't feeling well by the time I got home. Didn't even stay up for the news. I was in bed at 10:30. Woke up a few times. Once I even put one of those cotton ice bags around my neck. Woke up at 9 this morning.