BCTF AGM

Up early to chug a liter of water before a CT Scan at the Cancer Agency.  I always go straight to the chair with a heating pad to warm up the arm.  The tech actually managed to find a vein today!   I went back home for a few hours as I knew I'd need to be close to the bathroom.

Rode the Canada Line downtown to listen to the pension debate at the BCTF AGM.  I wasn't an RTA delegate but wanted to take notes for the Tabloid.  Good to see so many old friends.  The debate dragged on with the same old people wanting to hear themselves talk.  We adjourned for dinner at 5:45.  I went with VESTA to a Japanese restaurant but left when I saw I'd have to crawl into the table.  My legs are too stiff by the end of the day for such things.  Tried the Keg but left when I saw the prices.  Ended up in the Cactus Club and someone from VSTA noticed me sitting alone and asked me to join them.

Back to the meeting at 7:30.  Two hours later they were still talking and will try again tomorrow!

I walked back to Granville & Georgia and the Canada Line and was home in 1/2 an hour.  Walked 3.71km.

Glad to see Pam logging caches in Arizona and Lori in Hong Kong, Macau and India. 

Really pissed off that the government has told the VSB to tear down the heritage building at Carleton. 

 

Canucks and Oscar

What a perfect day of TV.  The Canucks pulled another one out in the 3rd period and are doing better than 50/50 on the longest road trip in NHL history.

Enjoyed the Academy Awards but haven't seen many of the movies.  Pay for View here I come.

Finished up some paperwork so the day wasn't a total snooze.

Another Spring day

Apparently it will snow this week on the mountains in time for the Paralympics.  Time to find the coat again.

Gave my ribs a rest again today and they are somewhat better tonight.  I am getting tired of this.

Have almost finished my Retired Tchrs newsletter.  Only the front page left.

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

Since the weather is still like the middle of Spring, I ignored the painful ribs and went geocaching (#578).  Met a couple of women at the last one who helped find it. 

Met Matt at Coquitlam Centre for the 3D version of "Alice in Wonderland".  I loved it.  The cast was perfect and the special effects would have wowed Lewis Carroll.

No games today

No Olympics, no hockey.  Curling starts this weekend.

My ribs really hurt this morning so I sat all day.  Didn't shower or dress until Moira called to see if I wanted dinner at Applause.

RTA

Stopped at Starbucks on the way to a meeting of the Vancouver Branch of the Retired Teachers' Association Executive at the BCTF.  Am going to help create a policy book.  

Bought a new pair of North Face Hedgehog shoes at Kintec Footlabs.  I get a discount because I bought my orthotics from them.

Picked up an extra battery for my small Canon at Lens & Shutter.  There is probably something wrong with the camera, charger or original battery.  Time will tell!

Stopped at the Sunshine Diner for a grilled cheese sandwich and then home.

Canucks played a great game tonight.  Nice to be allowed to cheer for Kessler again.

My ribs are hurting again but not a lot.

Dentist

Check up with the dentist this morning.  Mine is still on maternity leave so I saw her father.  He can fix my partial and I have a couple of cavities so will return in a few weeks.  Will see Suzy then for the first time in a couple of years.

Pam gave me a good home-cooked meal tonight and I taught her how to load waypoints into her GPS.  

It's over!

What a letdown not having the Olympics to watch this morning.  Two weeks before the paralympics begin.

Met Matt at the Oakridge White Spot for lunch and then found a couple of caches (#572). 

Did some shopping at Byrne Rd & Marine Drive and then home for Murder She Wrote.

My ribs have stopped hurting so I am assuming it was just a muscle.  When you have cancer, every headache is a brain tumour!

We really do own the podium

For all the worry last week, we have more gold medals than any other country has ever won at a Winter Games.  Own the Podium must have worked!  We really did well when you count up the top 8 finishes.  Now if there was just funding for PE in elementary schools in BC.

I watched the last day with mixed feelings.  I'll just have to switch to the Paralympics to get some of the buzz back.  Maybe the lines will be shorter at what will still be open.

Have almost finished my Retired Teachers newsletter.  Waiting for 2 pages to come to me.

What day is it?

Thought it was Sunday and wondered where the online Province was.  Made a quick trip to Safeway for groceries and realized the Sun was there because it was Saturday.  Duh!

Like most people, I stayed glued to the TV all day.  I think we do own the podium.  We've set so many records for gold medals, top 8 finishes, host country medals....

Can't believe there is only 1 more day.  Now we get a rest before the next party begins in a couple of weeks.

Started putting together the Retired Teachers' newsletter as the deadline looms.  Am more than 1/2 done tonight.

My ribs are feeling much better and I am sleeping a lot.  Even fell asleep this morning in front of the TV.

Air Care

Slept better last night but ribs really hurt when I woke up and turned over.

Had to go to BCAA to renew ICBC.  Too stupid to read the letter and had to leave to get Air Care.  Took a minute to test my car (for the 1st time) as they just plugged into the onboard computer.  Too cool!  Back to BCAA and then picked up some groceries on the way home.

Spent the rest of they day watching the TV, iPhone and computer to keep track of all the sports.

What a great hockey game and exciting speed skating.

Sore ribs

Arrived at the Cancer Agency early for my bloodwork but the nurse who saw me come in checked my name on the chemo list instead of the one for a blood draw.  Another nurse who knew me figured out the mistake after a while.

Saw my nurse and told her that the ribs on my right side started hurting yesterday and kept me awake last night.  She called Dr. Gelmon and she immediately sent me for X-rays of the ribs and chest.  Still haven't heard from her so that probably means nothing drastic is wrong (except my sticky g key).  I am to take Ibuprofen for a bit.

The trial people sent out a warning that 9 people have developed blood clots.  I guess that makes me #10!  They will reword the consent form and I'll sign it when it finishes going through the approval process.  My treatment went well today and I saw Mae and Darline a few times.

I was able to follow the curling on my iPhone and watch some of the skiing in one of the lobbies.  I stopped at Safeway for pills and groceries and headed home for the next events.  Loved watching the Women win the first hockey gold ever won in Canada!

The skating was perfect http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7wbJZIFf1o

Slovakia is next

Nipped out to Costco for water this morning (I know Vancouver water is perfect but my building has old pipes).

Settled in for a day of Olympics.  We set a record for 4 medals in one day.  The big hockey game with Russia turned into a rout and we face Slovakia next.  Where did the Sedins get to?

End of an era

I saw my GP, Dr. David Brough, for the last time today.  He retires at the end of the week.  He is why I am still alive and kicking.  A good family doctor is the first line of defence against disease.  He always knew when to send me for more tests or to a specialist.  On the other hand, he also knew when to pat me on the head and reassure me that there was really nothing wrong that a few days wouldn't take care of.

Had a chance for curling tickets tonight but wanted to watch too many events on TV.

My letter was in the Province today:

The Pravda and Guardian articles show that maybe we should sent our most vitriolic journalist to the upcoming summer and winter games in London and Sochi.

I don't know if the writers of these pieces are actually in Vancouver, but they aren't seeing what I am. The games are wonderful for Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler.

There are glitches and mistakes but most are corrected quickly. The weather in Sochi right now is the same as here -- no one could predict that.

The fatal luge accident was terrible but that course was approved by the International Luge Federation and there will be a full investigation because that is what happens in a democratic country.

Evan Lysacek was the better skater on the day he won gold. Doing a quad does not guarantee a medal -- that's like saying the team who hits a grand slam should automatically win the baseball game.

Richmond jaunt

Took the Canada Line to the end of the line and walked to BC Street near the OZone.  The dislays from different regions of BC were well done and interesting.  I tried to get into Heineken House at about 2:20 but the were clearing everyone out of the site in preparation for the 3:00 opening.  Too bad the web site didn't say that.  I didn't want to stand in line so went into the mall for lunch and headed home.

From Olympic Games 2010

We want Luongo

Stayed parked in front of the TV all day.  Brodeur gave away 2 goals by showboating.  We need Luongo on Tuesday.  Everyone I cheered for lost today!

Now have gold medals for 1st 3 categories on Bejewelled.

The II Olympics Geo Meetup

Caught the Canada Line this morning and rode to Yaletown. Met some geocachers who asked me to join them in finding a multiple cache in honour of Sweeney's Cooperage.  We were in the area for an event cache in honour of the Olympics.  There were quite a few other geocachers at the gazebo near the Cambie Bridge.  We signed a balloon to record our visit.

Shopped at Urban Fare before heading home.  I think I might do that more often.  The train was busy and I let a few pass by before cramming myself onto one.  A man moved his daughter to his lap to let me sit down.

Russell Medal

Spent the day watching Olympics and loving it.  Went to Pru's for family dinner but only Patrick and Jesse showed up.  Didn't matter.  The food was great and we watched TV together.  Great to watch Jon Montgomery win gold in Skeleton.  He is from Russell, Manitoba and that is the town next to Rossburn, where my family homesteaded in the 1880's.  I have cousins there and Uncle Jim's family is from Russell.

Pru and I are addicted to Bejewelled.  She was playing on her computer and I was on my iPhone (which connects to the Facebook game).

Found my tripod and headed to the airport but couldn't find a place to park to try photographing the rings.  Gave up and took some shots of the Richmond Oval.

From Olympic Games 2010

Olympic Flame

Rode the Canada Line to Waterfront at 9 this morning and walked over to see the Olympic flame.  There was a line and stairs to get on the roof to see it so I just took shots through the slit they've put in the fence.  I think the backdrop from the high shot was too busy and I did better looking up at the sky.

From Olympic Games 2010

Walked up to the Bay.  There were a lot of people and I was overdressed for the temperature.  Decided I'd had it and was home by 11:15.

Spent the rest of the day enjoying the events.

Couch potato

Don't want leave the Lazy-Boy!  At least if you watch all day it ends early and I get to watch real TV I've recorded on my PVR.  24 is much better if you can fast forward through the commercials and watch 2 episodes at once.

Feeling better today but still have a bit of a headache.  I only made a quick trip to the library and Safeway.

Spring has sprung

To listen to some of the world press you would think it was pouring rain and everything is failing.  I don't know where they are, but I've seen a lot of good events.  Every Olympic games and World Cup events have these weather delays.  Nagano had two events on the closing day with no spectators.  This is winter and no one can control the weather.

Today I watched us get the 2nd gold in snowboard cross, men and women's curling, figure skating, hockey and biathalon. 

Rough night but am feeling better today.  Must have been something I ate.

Day 4

Had to see my rheumatologist this morning.  He is impressed with how much my hands have improved and wants to continue the medication for another 6 weeks before possibly adding another.  There was not traffic in Richmond.

Watched TV all day and then met Louise for dinner at Cactus Club.  Must start taking transit now meters are more expensive.  I tried the Agency lot and he wanted $14.  I backed out to the street instead.  Our group went well and I was home by 9.

Feeling a bit sick tonight.  Need a day of rest.

1st Gold Medal

Out to Richmond for a bit of shopping this morning after sleeping in until the phone rang at 10:15.  My legs still hurt from last night.  Spent the day watching the games.  So glad I bought the big TV.

To Pru's for Daniel's birthday dinner tonight.

Women's hockey

Went to Zellers and the Bay early this morning to buy some tops to wear.  Came home for a while and then headed downtown on the Canada Line.  Tried meeting Mae but she was stuck in long line at her station.  Walked around and took some photos.  I hope the courts come down hard on the anarchists who wore masks, used spray paint, had a ladder to push police back and had rocks in socks to swing at windows.  They can't claim that it wasn't planned and need to be kept in jail until they agree to stay out of Vancouver.  A bunch of cowards hiding behind masks.  I have marched to protest and I did it a couple of times when it was illegal but I always did it with my face uncovered and was ready to be arrested for what I believed in.

From Olympic Games 2010

Took Canada Line to Waterfront and then Skytrain to Stadium.  Finally got in touch with Chris and he was still at home.  I went into Tinseltown to sit while I waited and had some Chinese food.  It was full of stuff for Chinese New Year.

Finally met up with Chris and we had to stand in long lines to go through security.  Kathrine and her boyfriend met us at our seats.  What a wonderful game.  The shots were Canada 67 Slovakia 9 and the score was 18-0.  Our goalie kept doing exercises to keep limber and warm.  The Slovakia team skated around as they left and waved at the crowd.  Lots of cheering for them.

On the way out we met Daniel who was volunteering.  Chris took us all to dinner at the Spaghetti Factory.  We watched the Canadian win Silver on the moguls as we waited for our table.  It was in the bar so we could keep watching events.

On the way to Waterfront, we ran into Jessie.  Amazing when you consider how many people were downtown.

Three of us got on the wrong bus in the Cambie Loop.  Not used to the same number going both directions.  We got off and tried again.  The final stop was right at the end of my lane so it was pretty easy.  I walked further when I had to catch the Oak or Granville buses.

Today I walked 6.07 km.

1st Day

Met Pru and Daniel and others at Chinese restaurant for a great lunch after spending the morning watching the torch run on TV.

Chris had a family dinner to watch the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics.  They were wonderful. The flag and torch bearers were perfect.  Also liked the poem "We Are More" by Shane Koyczan.

My night was made when kd came out.  I knew it was her when I heard the opening note.  Here is another performance of it:

Cheer the flame

Mae wasn't well so I went back to bed this morning instead of picking her up.  A pile of books I reserved at Winter Tonic were in so I stopped at the library.  Bought some more swag at the Oakridge Bay and then went to the Cancer Agency for lunch.

Met Kelty, another Vancouver TL, in the waiting room.  For once my pills and the chemo were both there on time so I was finished quickly.

Drove down 12th and parked near Victoria.  Saw the torch go by - very emotional!

From Olympic Games 2010

SeaTac

Drove to the Cancer Agency for a 9 a.m. bloodtest (5 vials).  Cambie was clear and the parking lot was half empty.  I picked up a card to show I can use the parking lot during the games.  It is too close to a Canada Line stations and there is a temptation for muggles to park and ride.  Bean So Good has changed hands and the scone was hard and stale - must switch coffee shops.  Saw my oncologist at 11:15 (an hour late) and she is happy with my condition.

Headed down to SeaTac to pick up Pru as she returned from visiting Patience in Houston.  Bought a bunch of stuff at Harry & David's and then found a cache in Marysville.  Soon realized I was running out of time due to the big Seattle rush hour.  So glad Vancouver isn't full of freeways!!!

Pru's flight arrived 15 minutes late at 6.  My GPS took a circuitous route to the Seattle Crab Co., near Northgate.  We had halibut cheeks and mashed potatoes topped with carmelized onions and blue cheese.  Excellent!

Got Pru home at 11:30 and Daniel was there to greet us.  He came from Shanghai at noon and is volunteering for the Olympics.  I drove 550 km.

Winter Tonic

Slept in this morning but still did the laundry.  Found an outfit that wasn't mine when I finished, so put it back downstairs.

Remembered the right day this year for Winter Tonic.  Met at Gladstone at 4.  The new superintendent made a good speech and things will be changing.  Facebook and Twitter are already unblocked.  Mary's son David (baritone) sang opera for us along with a tenor.  Amazing!

Got some good tips for Adult Reads and put reserves on them using my iPhone as the VPL Librarian talked about them.  Also kept track of the Canucks game.

The theme was Carnivale and Italy so the meal was Italian.

Failed to find a cache near Purdy's and was home by 9.

Red Cross is ready

Didn't do much all day but arrived at Red Cross at 6 for a team meeting and an update on readiness for any problems during the Olympics.  Plans are well in hand.  An example would be a fire in an apartment house.  People usually housed in hotels would have to be put up elsewhere during the Games.  Always impressed with the planning going on behind the scenes.

Didn't get home until 10.  Liked it when they were on Oak Street instead of Lake City.

Who Dat?

Drove to Port Moody this morning to give birthday presents to Andrea (late) and Matt (early). The rest of my week is so busy I figured I'd better do it while I could.

Home in plenty of time for the Super Bowl. Actually cheered for the winning team for a change.

Considering that they cost about $3 million each, some of the ads were pretty lame. Others were good. Will Betty White ever get old?  Had to watch them on the computer as they were stripped in Canada.  Didn't even understand a couple of them.  The anti-abortion one was just stupid.

Olympics

Woke up just in time for the start of the Canucks game.  Kept switching to curling but we didn't make the semi-finals.

Drove around downtown to see what was happening.  Most roads were clear and I got some photos.  Tried for a new geocache in Stanley Park but couldn't find it.   Picked up a book for Matt at Character's and a prescription at Safeway.

Met Moira at White Spot for dinner.

One week to go!

Went to Mark's Work Wearhouse and bought a jacket on sale.  It was $50, marked down from $140 and is a 4 in one: shell with or without sleeves, with fleece and a fleece without the shell - that should confuse me!  Also stopped at Chapters.

Feeling perkier tonight.

The long road trip

Canucks need to step it up if they are going to survive this road trip.  Need more shots on goal!

Tired after yesterday's headache so didn't go out at all today.

Drive to Harrison

Drove to Harrison for a swim and found a few caches on the way home.  Had an early dinner at Chilliwach Airport - chicken stew and raspberry/peach pie.

Filled up near Mission for 95.9!

Didn't really feel well and probably should have cut the trip short.  A headache came a few times through the day and a couple of times I had to pull off and take a catnap!!  Floating in the pool did make the headache go away for a while.

Forgot Tuesday

Was really tired all day so didn't do much.  Caught up on VHS tapes.  Love my new PVR.  Can tape stuff at Eastern times and watch later, fast forwarding through the commercials.  All those years of setting my VCR are behind me!

Avatar

Picked up Matt this morning and we had breakfast at the White Spot in Langley.  Tried to see Avatar in 3D IMAX but the theatre didn't have matinees any more.  Back to Coquitlam and saw it in 3D.  Wonderful movie and deserves all the praise.  The new generation of 3D glasses are comfortable to wear for the whole movie.  At times it looked like things were floating right to me.

I loaded up at Thrifty's and was home by 4:30.  Really tired tonight.

TV day

Watching TV all day today.  Bit of curling and then catching up on shows I've taped.  Also one on my PVR - it is so easy to use!

I am a bit stiff from the last couple of days so figured a day of rest was due.

Home again

Pam, Lori and I had another great day today.  We started with Eggs Benedict (California style) in our hotel and then headed out caching.  After climbing up a small mountain and reaching a creek that had a log crossing, I gave up and went back to the car.  It took an hour for Lori and Pam to find the cache and join me.  They were wet and thirsty and agreed I had made the right choice.

We stopped for a Starbucks around noon and worked on until it was time for dinner at Fish on Fifth in Sidney.  I love this place and so did they.  The halibut tasted like it was right off the boat.

We caught the 7:00 ferry home and found the final cache near the terminal.  A good way to end since we started with one at the other end.  You can only find these 2 if you are in line.  I walked over 7 km today and about 5 yesterday and found 28 caches for a total of 563.  Pam passed 500 and Lori is now over 800!

I was home just after 9 and will sleep tonight!

Road trip to Saanich

Pam, Lori and I arrived in Saanich this afternoon.  I logged 14 caches.  Finally had to stop at 5:15 when it got dark.

We are staying in Howard Johnson and just had a great dinner in their restaurant, Lakes Grillhouse.  

I lost my wallet and finally found it in the car!  Duh!

Treatment day

Picked up Mae and took her to the Cancer Agency.  Had my bloodwork and saw my trial nurse.  After lunch sat around reading until my treatment at 1.  Saw a few people I knew this time.  It is becoming my second home.

Stopped at London Drugs, VanCity and the library on the way home.

Love my TV!  Even the old stuff like Perry Mason and Murder She Wrote looks good.

Shaw comes through

Had to stay in today as the Shaw tech was coming.  He hooked everything up and got it all working.  I now have:

• Sony 40" BRAVIA XBR9 Series HDTV
• HD Terminal
• PVR
• My old combo VCR/VHS

I can still remember the neighbour who built a TV out of a kit.  He invited us all to come to watch Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show.  Amazing how far we've come.

A day of rest

Decided not to do much today.  Matt had wanted to go to a movie but realized the bloom of getting out of the hospital had worn off and he was bagged and sore.

Cleaned up the car trunk and loaded caches into GPS units to get ready for weekend trip to Saanich with Pam and Lori.

Matt Home

Matt called at 8:30 to say he was ready to go home.  The surgery went well and they were kicking him out.  We stopped for prescriptions at London Drugs, lunch at White Spot and were at his place by noon.

Loaded up with groceries at Thrifty's and then headed home.

Enjoyed the Canucks on my new screen.

Matt's Pain

Andrea called this morning to say Matt had been transferred by ambulance at 8 this morning from Eagle Ridge to Burnaby General.  I arrived to visit at about 11:30, just as she and the girls did.  I stayed for an hour.  He is waiting for an appendectomy.  I stayed for about an hour.  A while later, he had the surgery.  He is now groggy but well.

Tried hooking up digital box, PVR & VCR/DVD with guidance from Shaw but it didn't work.  Even with the cable directly into the digital box they can't detect it.  A tech will come Wednesday - what I wanted in the first place.  I rewired it again so I can watch basic TV.  Football was amazing on the big screen.  I watched a bit of the curling and could hear the brooms on the ice.  I can still remember when the man down the street built a TV out of a kit and we all came over to watch Elvis on Ed Sullivan and the tiny screen.

New TV

Picked up Pam at 10 this morning.  She needed 9 for the Baker's Dozen.  Lori and I are finished and she will do her last one on Friday as we head for the final in Saanich.   We started with a couple in Tsawwassen and then finished her tally in Surrey on #10.  We continued a bit to get me to 15 with some caches Pam already had.  We had Mexican for lunch at Luna Loca with a coupon from my Entertainment Book.

Enjoyed watching the huge rainbow on the way home.  We did well at avoiding rain through the day.

Sunny Electronics called to say they could bring the TV and it arrived at 7 tonight.  The 2 men had some trouble setting it up.  I finally took the remote and found it with one push of a button - hah!  They couldn't do the digital box so rewired it so I could watch the hockey game and use my computer.  I'll put the wires back tomorrow and call Shaw tomorrow.

A lamp near the TV had a really hot plug when they touched it so I'll get rid of it.  While pulling it out I knocked the Lava Lamp off the shelf and hit one of the men.  Duh!

Matt called to say he had a pain and I told him to go to emergency.  Haven't heard back yet.

My ankle chose to hurt today.  Variety is the spice of life.

Clean again

Mel came this morning, cleaned and did the laundry.  It had been a while so there was a lot to do.

Found a cache in Burnaby but ran out of time.  So many there are in ravines.

It's only money

Finally had a haircut. It was long overdue.

Went back to Sunny Electronics and bought new TV. He was sold out of the model I picked out a few weeks ago but got deal on more expensive floor model. Also getting PVR. Should get car settlement soon to pay for it.

Liver at Waffle House and then found multi-cache in Queen's Park.

Enjoyed Canucks win tonight.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I can hear again

Met the group stuffing The Tabloid at the BCTF this morning.  I didn't get the labels removed for those who want it electronically, so everyone is getting it this time. 

Left the car and took Canada Line downtown.  What a quick ride it is.  I bought some Olympic swag at The Bay and used the same ticket to go back to the car.

Home for a bit and then went to my GP to have my ears cleaned.  I've been putting olive oil in for days so it was easy for a change.  The fire alarm went off so we all had to evacuate until the fire department came.  Dr. Brough wants to see me for a check up next month just before he retires.  Stressful thinking of finding new doctor I like.  He said we would talk about that when we meet next time.

Love online TV

Stayed in today.  I slept well but am still pretty tired.

Realized I forgot to push that last button to tape 24 last night.  Found it on the Global TV site and watched it tonight on my laptop.  The commercial breaks only had 1 quick commercial so the 2 hours went quickly.

Windy

Good thing about plugged ears is that I sleep through storms!  Didn't hear a thing last night.

Called Louise from Cactus Club only to find she had forgotten this was our week for dinner and support group.  I ate alone, reading Ellery Queen on my iPhone.  Group was good with 6 of us present. 

Home by 9.  Must remember olive oil in the ears tonight and then I can go to doctor. 

Eh!

Didn't feel well today so stayed in and read.  Also did some paperwork.

Tried some housework but didn't get far.

24 is back!

The Sun Returned

Stopped at the optomotrist to have the lens popped back in my sunglasses and then headed to Coquitlam to geocache.

Stopped at Matt's for a visit and some lunch.  Andrea is busy repainting the girls' bedroom. 

Took some books back to the library and picked up more reserves.

Pru headed for Houston this morning.  I'll pick her up in Seattle on Feb. 10th.

A day to recover

The last two days were pretty intense, so I didn't do much today.  Read, watched TV, payed bills...

Mae left this afternoon for Ottawa.

Met Moira for dinner at the White Spot.

My ears need attending to.  I am almost deaf in one and the noise is irritating.  Olive oil for a couple of nights and then my GP.  Haven't seen him for ages.  Think he is retiring this month.

Long day

Picked up Mae and took her to the Agency.  Had 5 vials of blood drawn at 10.  Grabbed a scone so I could take pills.

Walked through the tunnels to Centennial Pavilion of VGH to see specialist about the clot on my Port-A-Cath. 

Option 1: take the appliance out (I really like having it in)

Option 2: give myself daily injections of blood thinner until the port is taken out (yuck!)

Option 3: do nothing

We decided on 3 since the clot is small and I have regular CT Scans.  I am to watch for any signs that it has gone to my heart.  Fun.  I am okay with this since the Agency is payins such close attention to what happens.

My monthly supply of pills wasn't at the pharmacy and they couldn't start chemo until that was sorted out.  Delay was about an hour.  Good thing I always have a good book and music.

Mae and Darline waited for me and I became their last therapeutic touch patient of the day.  That was the perfect way to end.  I then drove Mae home in the rain.

Blood clot

Gave several vials of blood at 9 this morning.  Didn't want to keep paying for parking so left, looking for a place for breakfast.  The VSB was full so I went to Kits Coffee Co on 4th for tea and a cinnamon bun.

My oncologist was away so I saw another one.  The resident who saw me first scared me.  He was reading the CT Scan results and holding it for me to see.  It looked like I had lung cancer, but of course didn't.  It did show something on the pelvis/thigh that they were concerned about and recommended an X-ray.  There is also a blood clot on the Port-a-Cath that has to be looked at.  The resident wrote up an order for an X-ray today but the doctor said to wait a day. 

Met Pru on Commercial Drive for lunch and did some shopping at Oakridge.

The doctor called at 4:30 to say the radiologist took another look at Monday's CT Scan and did not see a problem with the thigh.  CT trumps X-ray so I don't need any more tests.  VGH then called with an appointment to see someone about the clot tomorrow morning.

Tense day!

Homework

Slept a solid 8 hours last night and it felt good.

Finished the edits for the BCTLA Constitution & Bylaws and the final draft of the Vancouver RTA newsletter and sent both off for comment.  Relief to get them done.

Went to Dave's Fish & Chips in Steveston for dinner and then picked up a prescription at Safeway.

CT Scan

Chugged a couple of bottles of water and arrived at the Cancer Agency at 9 for a CT Scan.  Sat with a heating pad on my arm for a while and the nurse was able to find a vein.

Not much point in planning anything on these days other than being home with the bathroom handy.  That's a lot of water - 500 ml at 8:15 and another at 8:45.

Think I've finished the RTA newsletter.  Will look at the printout tomorrow with fresh eyes.

515 Caches

Slept well after a long 2 days.  Read the paper and went out to find a new cache that was a puzzle - 500 m from Vancouver College.  Took a while but I solved it.  Found 4 more in Kits and Granville Island before stopping at Safeway. 

Can't stop playing Bejewelled on Facebook!

New Constitution

The BCTLA Executive met all day again.  I met a few people for breakfast in the hotel at 8. 

We actually passed the new constitution and by-laws that Heather and I wrote.  Got through the whole agenda!  Lunch was brought in today.  We stayed talking until 5:30 and then 4 of us went to the Cactus Club for dinner.  Drove Moira home and arrived at my place at 9. 

Zoë was one of the 8 of us on retreat last year.  She is the 2nd to pass away.

Zoë Lewis, formerly Sherry Anne Longstaffe, was born in Vancouver on May 15, 1960 and died peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, dear friends and family, on January 3, 2010, after a long battle with breast cancer. Loved for her quick wit, fiery spirit and kind heart, Zoë sought out and celebrated authenticity throughout her life, and condemned injustice wherever she found it. Zoë was a deeply caring and loving mother to Nate and Ruby, a quiet, but passionate philanthropist, an amazing jewellery designer, and a culinary goddess. She is survived by her children, her mother Marietta Hurst, her brother Ted Longstaffe, as well as her many dear friends and extended family, who will all miss her tremendously. Zoë will live on in our memories, free of the cancer that took her body, but could never quash her beautiful spirit. A party will be held at a later date so that friends and family can share Zoë's passion for love and life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Hibiscus Foundation at www.vancouverfoundation.ca/redhibiscus or by sending a cheque made out to "Vancouver Foundation - Red Hibiscus Foundation" to Vancouver Foundation, Suite 1200-555 W. Hastings Street, Box 12132 Harbour Centre, Vancouver BC, V6B 4N6.

Memory Lapse

Forgot to blog yesterday.  Arrived at Holiday Inn on Broadway at 9 for the BCTLA Executive meeting.  We spent most of the day analyzing our roles and talking about what we want to accomplish.  Had an excellent lunch at the Golden Great Wall Szechuan Restaurant.

Went for a drink at 5 but skipped dinner.   Stopped at Safeway and then bought dinner on the way home.  Too tired to cook.

2 hat tricks in a row!!

Thought I'd go geocaching today but was too tired.  I woke up at 8 and turned over for a bit - it was then 11!!

Took all day to meander through the papers (online).  Took an overdue book back to the library.  Thought I'd taken it back on Saturday.  Good thing I looked at my status.  Picked up dinner at Applause on the way home.

Connie called to offer me their tickets (row 12) for the Canucks.  It was pretty late notice and it would have been a rush.  Also decided I needed to have a quiet day since I am the BCTLA Executive for the next 2 days.  Reluctantly turned them down.  Missed lots of blood, a penalty shot and Burrough's 2nd hat trick in 2 games.

RTA

Took Mae the diamond ring she lost in my car this morning.  Also an article from the Times Colonist that had a picture of Sean talking about the HEAT shelters.

We had a Retired Teachers' Association, Vancouver Branch Executive meeting at the BCTF building this morning.

Met Louise a Solly's for chicken soup and a bagel.  What a perfect lunch.

Stopped in at VESTA for a visit and then found a couple of caches.

I feel pretty tired tonight.  Partly because I found out that another of our Callanish Retreat group died on Sunday - that is now 2 of 8.  Single mom with a couple of high school kids.

Headlight

Spent an hour at my dealer while they replaced my headlight.  Scary to drive with just one.

Picked up a couple of caches in Richmond and 3 in Langley = 508

It was actually too hot for my jacket for a bit.  Stopped at London Drugs for a Gorillapod and Cobs for bread.

Enjoyed watching the Juniors win Silver - if they always win the Gold, no one else will want to play!

Dull day

Didn't do much today.  Slept in, read, watched TV and did a bit of cleaning.

Where does the time go?

Still have a bit of a cough and am stuffed up.

COSTCO

Had to visit COSTCO this morning after ripping electric toothbrush apart while trying to change the head.  2nd time I've done that.  Better luck with the new one.

Picked up lunch at Tim Horton's and then home to watch the Juniors beat Switzerland. 

Found Mae's ring in the car so she can stop searching for it.

Am still stuffed but feeling much better.

How many books?

Still not well but slept in quite late.  Was just in time to watch the Canucks.

Had to go to the library to return some due books and there were 9 reserves waiting.  Was trying to clear up freebies left from last year and they all came at once!  At least none have other holds and I'll be able to renew them.  Picked up a latte and then home.

Read away the day.

Sick day

Didn't sleep through the night.  My sinuses woke me up every hour.  Felt lousy and had a headache this morning.  Didn't go to John's for dinner.

Spent the day watching Mad Men, season two.

Last chemo of the decade

Woke up with a sore throat but put it down to sinuses and went out anyway.  Picked up Mae and arrived at the Cancer Agency for bloodwork at 10.  Saw Stephanie a bit later and my temperature and blood pressure were normal.

Read the papers and then had lunch in the cafeteria.  Went to Mae and Darline at 12 for Therapeutic Touch.  I fell asleep during and after.

Chemo was at 1 and it went well.  I was in my car by 2:15.  Stopped at Safeway and then home.

I am really tired and keep falling asleep.  My throat is still sore.  I'm supposed to watch out for a fever and am to call the doctor on call at the Agency if I get one.  Awe well, I hardly ever catch anything.  Maybe I'll to to my GP next week for my hayfever nasal pump.  It usually clears up the sinus problem.

A Day in Whistler

Left about 8:30 (I fell back asleep).  Started with a latte and a stop to fill up the gas tank.  Took a pit stop in Squamish for the bathroom and to put on the boots.

Arrived at Connie's at about 10:45.  She cooked us a great lunch and then we spent the afternoon playing with our iPhones.  Poor Mae.

By the time Mae and left at 3:30 it was snowing!  Kevin cleaned off my car and off we went.  It was like driving through a postcard.  The road was fine and the traffic was only bad at Tayor Way.  I peelled off and went to Ambleside for dinner.  The counterflow lane was gone by the time we tried again and it was clear sailing.

Finally made it home at 8.  I'm tired but it was worth it!

Laundry day

Mel hasn't been for a while so I did a load of laundry today.  Started the next RTA newsletter as the deadline for submissions is next week.

Watched the Junior Hockey game - it is fun watching tomorrow's stars trying to impress the scouts.  Listening to Canucks on radio at the same time was confusing.

The Year Ticks Down

Tired again today.  Actually fell asleep and missed the end of Perry Mason and then did it again during the Junior Hockey game.

Didn't feel like cooking so went to the White Spot for pumpkin soup, turkey and pumpkin pie.

Boxing Day

Too tired to get back up to write last night when I realized I had forgotten.  Slept in until 11 yesterday morning.  Decided that meant I needed a day of nothing.

Watched Annie, The Incredibles and The Sound of Music.  Good way to spend a day.

2nd Christmas

Met Matt, Andy, Lily and Sadie at the Coquitlam White Spot for brunch and then home for presents.  We all did well! I even came away with fresh cookies.

Found 3 caches nearby and then was home by 5.  It wasn't as foggy as the morninging.  The drive to Port Moody was interesting.  Couldn't see half a block in spots.  I wish everyone would turn on their lights so the rear ones are on!

Sad to hear that Janet's stepdaughter died yesterday.

Merry Christmas

Thought I'd go to see Sherlock Holmes this morning but there were too many people at the theatre.  Failed to find 2 nanos nearby - I hate nanos!

Had a quiet afternoon and went to Pru's at 4:30.  I think there were 14 in the end.  A great dinner, as always.  We watched football and played some Texas Hold'em.

Came home at 11:30 - very tired.  I don't do crowds and noise very well.

Christmas Eve

Not sure where the day went!  Went to Safeway and Starbucks this morning for a few things and then home to read the papers.  All of a sudden it was dark out and it was time to eat dinner. 

Watched White Christmas.  It had been long enough that I forgot the plot.  Still enjoyable after all these years.

Made Killer Cranberry Sauce so I don't have anything to do tomorrow morning.  Even did the dishes.

Back to my book - 206 Bones.

500

Lunch was cancelled today so I did a bit of shopping and finished off the geocaches I needed to get to 500.  This was my goal before Christmas.

Tired!

Louise came with her old car this morning and I led the way to Amix Salvage & Sales in Whalley.  She was giving it up under the BC SCRAP-IT® Program.  I took her back home was and headed to White Rock by 11:00.

Found Lori and Pam who had been geocaching.  We had lunch at Dairy Queen and set off in my car.  We continued until 3:00 when I had to take Lori back to her car.  Pam and I continued until dark.  I found 7 and am now at 496.

There was a crash at the tunnel so I had to go around to the Fraser Bridge.  So tired when I got home!!

 

 

Shopping with Mae

Drove Mae around several shops in Vancouver and Richmond.  We had lunch at Brown's Social and then I took her back home.

Had a couple of hours at home and fell asleep for about 1/2 and hour. 

Met Louise at the Cactus Club for dinner and to our group meeting at the Cancer Agency.  We had 9 tonight and there were several treats.  I took shortbread.

My ear was a problem when I woke up but was better during the day.  Both are noisy so I should go to the ear specialist soon.

David's 30th

Up early and made shortbread.  Also finished my cards but can't find the stamps.  While looking, I found my wrist brace!  Decided not to print 6-page letter to go in the cards.  I emailed it to all but 3.

Took my presents to Pru's so I won't have so much to carry at Christmas.  We then went to David's 30th birthday party at Chris's.

My hands didn't like all that kneading this morning and my ear is wonky tonight.

Applause

Picked up 4 reserves at VPL (why do they all come at once?) and found a new geocache near Vancouver College. Did it with just the iPhone.  The GPS is far more accurate.  I only found it by persevering.

Found a box of Japanese oranges at Stong's.  Safeway only sells the Chinese knock-offs.

Was going to bake today but didn't have the energy for it.

Met Moira at Applause for a perfect Japanese dinner and then picked up a latte at Starbucks.

My hands are sore again.  I guess I'll have to buy a new brace since I haven't seen mine for days.

Shopping done

Made the rounds of stores in Richmond and Burnaby this morning and finished my Christmas shopping by noon.  Even wrapped it all tonight while watching the Canucks.

I still haven't mailed my cards.  Tomorrow will be cards and shortbread.

Odd day

Picked Mae up at 9:45 and went to the Relaxation Group at the Cancer Agency.  Upstairs at 11:30 for bloodwork.  I missed the note to fast yesterday so did that today and the nurse added another glucose test.  Finally went to the cafeteria for lunch at 12.

Read my book for a bit and then tried to pick up my prescription but there was no record of it.  I said I'd be back after my chemo and settled in for today's treatment.  It always goes faster when there is someone else there who is talkative.  Afterwards I went back to the pharmacy and my pills were ready.

I know what I want to buy Lily for Christmas and can see it on the Internet but no one is selling it here.  Maybe I'll order it for her birthday and find something else for Christmas.  I sat outside Toys 'R Us and looked up all local toy stores on my iPhone and called them (by just pushing the phone number on the website).  No luck but it saved a lot of driving.

I was tired so just went straight home after that failed shopping attempt.

Appointment day

Picked up Mae and we went the Cancer Agency at 7:45.  Mae went to physio at City Square and I had my bloodwork and then breakfast. 

Walked to Broadway to see my oncologist.  Things are still stable.  My trial nurse never showed so another did the questionnaire and gave me my new pill diary.  

Just made it for start of Sydney's group for women with metastatic cancer.  Excellent group but one had died on Friday so there were a lot of tears.  One made a good point that we were expecting our doctors just to keep us stable, not cure us.  We went to Ebisu on Broadway for a great lunch.

Did some Christmas shopping on the way home.  Bought new tips for my walking sticks.  

 

Sjogren's Syndrome

The snow disappeared quickly last night so I had no trouble making the 9:30 appointmen with the rheumatologist.  He thinks I might have Sjogren's Syndrome - an autoimmune disease. It would explain the deterioration of calcium the x-rays show in my wrists and a bunch of other symptoms.  So I now have a new pill - hydroxychloroquine sulfate.  At least my eye exams will now be paid for to watch for side effects.

Did some Christmas shopping in Richmond and then visited Weir a lunchtime.  Hardly anyone left I taught with.  Rum was out but came back at 1:15 so I could pick up my Purdy's order.

Stopped at Safeway for the pills and then home.

Snow!

I wasn't 100% today so decided to stay in. I only went to the car to retrieve my snow boots.  Finished writing my Christmas letter but haven't printed yet.

Tomorrow should be interesting.  It is snowing right now and there might be 15 cm.  I have a doctor's appointment at 9:30.

Headache

As you can see, I am late posting this one.  I woke up with a headache yesterday and it kept coming back through the day.  Finally went to bed hours early.  Slept for a couple of hours and then not much through the night.  Fell asleep again around 6 and woke up at 10.  Probably got 8 hours but very disjointed.  

Had plans to do housework and write Christmas letter yesterday.  Will carry on today.

EnChor

Went to Callanish this afternoon for their Holiday Celebration.  The choir that sang with and for us was amazing.  It is called EnChor and you have to be 55 to join.  They spread out in between the audience a couple of times and the effect was amazing.

Found a cache in Richmond and failed at a 2nd.  Did a bit of shopping and then home to enjoy the Canucks.

Baker's Dozen!

Started the day with a COSCO meeting at Hasting Community Centre.  Coffee wasn't ready - should have stopped at Starbucks.  The meeting was only an hour with goodies to follow.  They were mostly desserts - too early!  Left at 11 to go geocaching.

Found 7 caches in Coquitlam to finish off A Baker's Dozen Challenge!   When Lori and Pam catch up, we are off to Saanich to find the challenge final.  It tried snowing all day without much success. 

Stopped at Oakridge for groceries and then home.

Heritage

At the VSB for a Heritage meeting at 10 this morning.  We are digitizing photos and hoping to find space to open an actual archives.

Had lunch, visited, browsed Chapters and Restoration Hardware and then to Granville Island for groceries.

Picked up a reserve at VPL and was home by 2:30.

Geocaching mania

Set out early this morning for Langley area and found 12 caches - only have one to go (7) to get my Baker's Dozen.  I am now up to 480 finds and am about 400th in the province.  Might make my goal of 500 by the end of the year.  It was cold this morning.  I was glad to have my Cowichan sweater and hat and my Olympic mittens!

Mistletoe Luncheon

Sad day today.  I Cheryl's name on the side of my Facebook and decided to catch up.  Suddenly I realized the posts were from friends talking about her death.  She had been on the Callanish retreat with me and was a teacher in Ottawa.  She died last month - a funny, compassionate woman.

MAHONEY, Cheryl (Sherry) Ann May 11, 1959 - Nov. 5, 2009

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sherry at the age of fifty of ovarian cancer. Beloved daughter of Ann Mahoney and step-daughter of Karl deZeeuw. Cherished mother of Robert & Jeremy. Step sister of Clifford, Nancy and Dina. Loving niece of Theresa, John, Mary, Pamie, Vicky and many uncles. Sherry was an inspiring teacher and a great friend. She had a true zest for life and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to have known her. A heartfelt thanks to Alain Lacroix (father of Jeremy), Irene Frail, Maria Luise Hagemeister, family at Voyage Caleche and all of Sherry's many friends.

I went to the Royal Van Yacht Club for the RTA Mistletoe luncheon.  Always a chance to see old friends.  Ate far too much - turkey!

It was really too late to go geochaching and I wasn't feeling great, so headed home.

Laundry day

Did a couple of loads of laundry some housework today.  Didn't have much energy and just wanted to do nothing.

Am addicted to iPhone apps and must not looking for new ones just before bedtime.

Day of Remembrance

Joined other former members of the VESTA Status of Women Committee at Thornton Park this morning for our annual visit to the Women's Memorial.  It has been 20 years since the massacre in Montreal.  It was too windy and cold for our candles so we just placed a flower on each bench.

I skipped lunch with the group and headed to Port Moody and Coquitlam to geocache.  Found 8 for my Baker's dozen - only have 2 more to go!  It was a cold day to be walking around.  I wore my Cowichan sweater and was glad that I had bought the hat to match.  My Olympic gloves were also a big help.

Did some shopping at Chapters and Coquitlam Centre.  Arrived at Matt's for dinner at 5:40.  Gave them my school Christmas collection and a box of decorations.  My cupboards are getting better.  The girls liked the collection of music boxes.

Picked up some groceries at Thrifty's on the way home.  Found a shopping cart up against my car.  It had run down the hill but didn't seem to have done any damage.

Hate stupid people

Got to the bank at 10 to do something that should have been simple and left at 11:30.  Slow person (she needed to tick off a checklist and phone for instructions) and too much paperwork in this time of computers.

Pru and I had lunch at the White Spot and then checked out TV sets at Sunny Electronics Audiotronic on Fraser.  Think I'm getting Sony 40".

Finished at 1:30 and I was just too tired to go geocaching as I had planned for this morning.  Came home and finally fell asleep at 5.

Good book

Read Rain Gods by James Lee Burke in 2 days.  I'll surprise Pru with it tomorrow and she'll have almost 3 weeks to finish it.  I really enjoyed it and was sad to finish.

Hauled out Christmas stuff to take to Matt's and now have made a big mess.

I was tired after yesterday, so stayed in.

Another treatment

Picked up Mae and was at the Cancer Agency for bloodwork at 9:30.  Went to Relaxation after that.  I know I kept falling asleep!  Saw my study nurse at 11:30 and then had my usual lunch (egg salad on toasted brown) in the cafeteria.   Sure is slow service.  I should have walked down to the coffee shop with homemade soup.

Spent my time in the 5th floor lounge with my newspapers, book and iPhone.  Nice to be able to check email and news without using the old computer in the corner.  Of course no one else was using it today - just when I didn't need it any more.  Visited with Mae and Darline in between their therapeutic touch patients.

Stopped at the library and Safeway on the way home.  Too tired to do much else.

Status of Women lunch

Eight of us who were on the the VESTA Status of Women Committee and are now retired met for lunch at Liberty Bakery on Main Street.  Always good to see old friends.  Three of the eight of us have had cancer.

Carried on geocaching since it was such a perfect day.  Found my 5 for the Bakers' Dozen.  It was dark and I was tired, so had dinner at Swiss Chalet instead of coming home to cook.  Was home at 8:00.

 

Full moon

Had a great day of driving around the North Shore.  Started with a cache at Roedde House in the West End and then to West Vancouver.  Found a few there and then had lunch at Troll's in Horseshoe Bay.  There were 3 caches close by.  Worked my way back to North Van and found a 10th.  Of course, by then it was dark and I need the flashlight.  I now need 5, 7, 8 and 12 for my Baker's Dozen. 

Got caught up in traffic on the Upper Levels.  Must learn to trust the warnings on my GPS unit.

The scenery all day was quite amazing - the sun glinting off the ocean, snow on the mountains and a huge full moon.