TGIF

Went to the RTA's TGIF (Thank God I'm Free) lunch today with Pam and Lori.  New president announced my replacement for the newsletter but never thanked me for the years I've been on the executive.  Good indication it was time to leave.

Lunch was good and I saw several old friends.

We then changed our clothes and headed off for an afternoon of caching in the sun.  This is the 1st of our geocaching Tuesdays.  If it is raining, we'll stay in and solve puzzles.

Finally home around 5:45.  Needed groceries for dinner but stopped at White Spot on the way instead.

Summer isn't over

Rainy today but I am depending on the sun returning.  I am sleeping better now it is cooler.

Fiddled the day away doing some paperwork and bills.  Spent some time on geocaching puzzles and loaded them in my GPS.

Caching with Chris

Cousin Chris went caching with me and we had a very enjoyable and succesful afternoon.  He is a quick study and found several.  

At one little park I sent him over the fence to find one on the slope I previously hurt myself on.  We even went into the Camosun Bog to solve an Earth Cache.  A very impressive restoration project and a cool place to walk on a sunny day.  We even got one near the blue whale skeleton behind the book store.

Today's total was 7 for a total of 927.  1000 isn't far away and Lori is only 137 ahead of me.  Of course now she is back in town that gap will widen again.

Coquitlam caches

Felt better today so headed to Coquitlam to find some caches.  Stopped at the Waffle House for brunch.  

Visited Matt and family for a bit and then shopped at Thrifty's.

Found some more caches in Burnaby for a total of 7 (920).

Lost my mail key on the way in the building and can't see it anywhere.

Paperwork

Felt much better today but stayed in.  I actually got through one of the stacks of paper around the computer.  Amazing how much accumulates when so much is online.

Enjoyed the Lions rout of Montreal.  Don't know where the team has been hiding for the last 7 games.

PNE

Off to a poor start this morning. Didn't feel great but went out anyways. Forgot my pills so had to climb the stairs again. Stopped at Safeway to buy a pass for the PNE and a. Woman rushing to cut in front of me slipped on some water and fell. The box if Coke broke open and I was dinges on the leg by a couple. No apology and the staff could have cared less about me.

Then to VanCity for cash before heading to the fair. Always arrive just as the gates open and park right across from the main gate. Started with a Fisher's scone. Walked up to the midway for some gambling and shooting. Lunch was a BBQ pulled pork sandwich with perogies washed down with a Buckeye root beer. Remembered to bring my own water this time. Worked through the building and bought a shopping cart. Didn't feel too perky and kept needing a bathroom, so didn't stay long.

Fell asleep when I got home.

Eye exam

Went to a new eye doctor because of the medication I am on for the Sjogren's.  It can cause problems, including cataracts, so I must be checked annually.  They did a bunch of things and everything is okay except the beginnings of a cataract in the right eye.  The floaters and flashes I had are just a result of "getting older".  I still need one more test at St. Paul's.

Unpacked the new printer and got it going.  My main computer and netbook are both printing wirelessly.  I bought an app called ePrint ($2.99) and can now print with my iPhone and iPad.  This is what the man at Best Buy said was impossible!

Wireless printer

Apparently we set a rainfall record today for the rainiest day in 5 years and the rainiest in August ever.  Didn't really notice as I didn't go out until after 5.  Had to drop off the rent check on the 2nd floor so decided to go out.

Bought a new wireless printer.  The clerk told me last week it would not work with an iPad and Apple had instructed him to say so.  I did a bit of research and found apps that will work with any wireless printer.  We'll see who is right!

Had some pot roast at IHOP and then home.

Blah day

Didn't feel like doing much today.  Read the papers (on the iPad) and watched some TV. 

I had recorded Temple Grandin on my PVR a while ago.  It won an Emmy for the best made for TV movie so I finally watched it tonight.  It is a great movie about autism.  So glad I get HBO Canada.

Don't drink the water

Didn't feel great this morning but headed out geocaching anyway.  Stopped for fish and chips along the beach in White Rock.  People are staying away because of a boil water warning.  The businesses are suffering so I thought I'd spend some money there.

Found 3 caches and didn't find and equal number.  Just not clicking today.

Home at 5 in time for the worst Emmy show ever.  Even the audience didn't laugh at all the lame jokes.

Daniel

Had a big family dinner at Pru's with Daniel, who is home from China for a couple of weeks.  Several platters of bbq chicken appies and then fresh salmon!  Far too much food but it just kept appearing in front of me.

Am pretty tired tonight but hope to go out in the sunshine tomorrow.

Weir Lunch

Went to Weir this morning and visited a couple of friends.  Nancy, Rum & I then went to Van Ya for lunch.  Nancy is going on a longer medical leave so was packing her stuff up.  

Really didn't feel like doing much else so headed straight home and fell asleep for a bit.

Chemo

Had to be at the Agency for bloodwork at 9:30 and chemo was at 11.  I like it early as it leaves half the day.  There was some problem with my pills at the pharmacy so I told them I'd come back after chemo.  They were waiting for me when I returned.  

Was done by noon so went to Richmond for some fresh produce.  Picked up some chicken for lunch and just had a tomato sandwich for dinner.

Oncologist

Bloodwork at 8:30 this morning.  It was hard to get going.  Had a scone so I could take my pills and then just sat and read for a while.  Saw Karen at 10:00 and she was pleased with how I am doing.  Even lost a couple of kg!

Picked up some things at COSTCO and then home to rest.  Think I dozed off a bit. 

Picked up a library reserve on the way to meet Moira at Applause.  We both felt that something was missing, so went to Dairy Queen for an ice cream cone - perfect!

SeaTac trip

Got my latte this morning and headed south to pick up Pru at SeaTac.  Found 6 caches around Renton.  Too hot (31) to do too many.

Arrived a bit early and the flight came in 20 minutes ahead of time.  We stopped in Everett for dinner at Famous Dave's.  Too bad there isn't one closer to Vancouver.  The BBQ pork in my salad was delicious (Dave’s Sassy BBQ Salad: Your choice of pulled BBQ chicken, Texas beef brisket or Georgia chopped pork on a bed of crisp greens, smoked bacon, Cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes and shoestring potatoes. Tossed with our house-made honey BBQ dressing).

We went to the truck crossing after listening to the news reports and were across in 5 minutes.  Dropped Pru off and was home by 11:15. 

Drove 540 km!
 

CT Scan

Drank 1 litre of water and arrived at the Cancer Agency at 9:15 for a CT Scan.  The tech said I didn't need the dye this time.  Then she asked if I was on dialysis?  As I was sliding into the machine, I asked why they weren't using the dye and she said it was because my kidneys weren't working.  I told her that that was the first I'd heard of that!  I lay in the machine for a bit and then they hauled me back out and said it was all a mistake on my chart.  Big relief!!  She stuck in the needle and went on with the test.  I was home before 10.  

Not a day to do much as I needed the bathroom fairly often. 

Ladner Village Fair

A friend of Andie's came by this morning to take away my old TV.  Glad someone will get some use out of it.  Now to get rid of the old microwave that weighs a ton.

This put me behind schedule for the Ladner Village Market.  This was good as I just missed the rain!  Ran into Lynn H and her husband.  Always see someone I know here. 

Lunch was a bbq halibut burger - the slice of fresh orange made it perfect.  Bought pickled beets, dill pickles, jam, fudge and little pies.  

Stopped at the tourist trailer just by the tunnel and bought an annual parking pass for all BC Parks.  Tired of feeding the meters.

Found a cache along the Fraser at the foot of No. 3 Road.  Droppped off library books and picked up prescriptions and then home.

Moira just showed me how to watch stuff for free at Shaw on Demand.  I always assumed those were pay shows.  Caught up on the first 5 hours of Pillars of the Earth.  Loved it.  

Pleasant day

The temperature today was just right.  I found 3 caches in Vancouver, Burnaby and Anmore.  Didn't find a couple.

The cigarette charger I have doesn't like my iPhone so I stopped at Best Buy and got a new one that works for my backup battery, iPad, iPhone & iTouch and anything else that charges with a USB port.  Also got a new case that holds both the iPad and Notebook.  Love my toys!

Stopped for a visit at Matt's.  After I left he called to say to head to White Spot and we met for dinner.  Sadie was showing off her scars.  She is going to Kindercare and was swimming yesterday.  

Caught at a long train stop and then ended up in construction so it was a long drive home.

Clean again

Mel and the kids came today and did the laundry and cleaning.  Only reason I ever pick stuff up.

Had work to do today but got sidetracked into solving geocaching puzzles.

Doctors

Saw Dr. Narvas again today.  He is in the Seymour Clinic 2 days a week and I think he is now my GP - mine retired in February.  He renewed a couple of prescriptions.

Dropped them off at Safeway and picked up some groceries.  Also got a Smoothie at Starbucks on the way home.

Pirate Pak

Nice to have cooler weather again.

Had dinner at the White Spot so I could have the adult Pirate Pak!

$2 went to charity and most people seemed to be enjoying them.

Doctors

My GP's office called and set up some appointments I've been waiting months for.  The new rheumatologist will be next year so I will see the GP I saw last time for my pills on Thursday.  He is in the office 2 days a week so maybe he'll be a keeper.  I also have an eye appointment on Sep. 1st.

Too hot to do much so I went to a 3:30 movie.  Much better!

Then to London Drugs and Dave's in Steveston for dinner.

Sleep

So tired Sunday night that I was in bed before 9:30!  I didn't wake up until about 8:30 this morning.

It was hot again so I stayed in during the day in front of the fan.

Louise came by and we went to Neighbours Restaurant & Pizza House and then to our support group in Champlain Heights.  We met at a house as the Cancer Agency meetings aren't held in the summer.

Far too hot

Drove Mae and Andie to Whistler.  Kevin barbecued chicken kabobs for lunch.  He then washed my car and used a special tube of stuff and a buffer to get rid of a pile of scratches.  It looks like new.

Brought Andie back to Vancouver and was home by 8.  Traffic was snailpace from Squamish to Britannia Beach.  It was 34 in Squamish when I stopped for gas.

My apartment is like a sauna!

Reading day

Stayed in front of the fan all day.  Paid the bills and then read all day.

Too hot!!

Happy 70th, Patience

Patience is our patriarch and turned 70 today.  We should all be so active at that age.  What a difference from our mothers and grandmother!

Went to a gas station to vacuum out the trunk and then to Chapters to buy a map book to use in a new cache.  It is called B10: Backroad Mapbook Challenge: Vancouver and I have to find a cache on at least 30 of the 49 pages.  Another is Discover BC Challenge - Communities.  For this I need 40 caches that include the name of the community it is in.  

Got my free smoothy at Starbucks and some Chinese food and then back home.  Too hot to cook!

Sleepy

Bloodwork at 10 and then hung around reading until chemo at 1:15.  Was home by 2:30 and fell asleep.

Met Moira for dinner at the White Spot so I didn't need to do any grocery shopping today.

Love the Sony wireless headset I bought at the Outlet Mall.  It works with the iPad and iPhone.  I can be listening to music on the iPhone and it will interupt to let me answer a call.  The microphone is in one of the earpieces.  It also fold up.  Just what I wanted and about 1/2 price at the outlet store.'

900

Up early for my breakfast waffle and juice in the hotel and then headed out for a day of caching.  Found a lot in Bellingham and then worked my way home.  The final one - #900 - was Best Place on Earth - Truck Crossing, just across the border in B.C.  28 is the best day I've had.  2nd best was 20.

Took the shorts that didn't fit back to Macy's and exchanged them.

Had a good lunch in the Shrimp Shack in Bellingham.  Made a few stops at Starbucks and Macdonald's for the bathroom and free WiFi.  Dinner was in Ferndale and I crossed the truck crossing since there was an "incident" at Peace Arch.

Washington

Up early and collected Pru and Patience. Jesse woke up long enough to pack the car (it was very tight) and we were off to SeaTac. First stop was Starbucks. We did think of lunching but really didn't have time. We arrived at 12:45 - right when my GPS said we would. A driver was confused and STOPPED in front of me. Swerved around him and started breathing after a time.

Bought some shorts at Macy's but the pair I didn't try on doesn't fit. Went to Seattle Outlet mall for my Harry & David fix of relish and marmalade. Bought a pair of wireless headsets at Sony and I am charging them. Supposed to work for music and phone.

Meandered around the back roads and ended up in La Quinta near Bellis Fair. I'll geocache tomorrow.

Ready to go

Had a lazy day. Took stuff out of my car to make room for Pru and Patience tomorrow.

Played Bejewelled and watched PVR.

Birthday party

Had a quiet day.  It is so nice to have the cooler weather!

Picked up wine and arrrived at Pru's about 4:45 for birthday party for Lucas and Patience.  Jesse cooked fish tacos that were delicious.

I was tired so came home just after 9.

Rain

It was such a relief to see rain today.  The air quality warning due to forest fire smoke was quickly lifted and the plants all looked very happy to be watered.

Drove out to Matt's in Port Moody to deliver Lily's birthday presents and some moe things for Sadie to play with.  She is doing really well and can lie on her side.  She is a great little reader and will be well prepared for Kindergarten next month. 

Picked up groceries at Thrifty's and M&M Meats on the way home.

Poor Lions have nearly won so many games!

Hot sauce

Was trying to buy Valentina Hot Sauce for Jesse to use Sunday.  Google thought Whole Foods in West Van sold it.  Tried Capers and then the WF store at Cambie & 8th.  They didn't have it but the clerk called West Van.  Didn't have it either but the fellow there thought Granville Island Market stocked it.  He was right so I have a big bottle in the car.

Matt called to say they were going to the White Spot at Oakridge for brunch so I joined them.  Sadie is so good in her wheelchair.

Chris Evans picked me up at 3:15 and we went to Fifth Avenue for The Girl Who Played with Fire.  We sat down in the wrong theatre and missed the first bit!  Not as good as the first movie but still enjoyed it.

Great lamb dinner at George's Pizza & Steakhouse in Kerrisdale.  Even had live jazz guitars.

Smoky day

There is an advisory because of the smoke from the forest fires so I'm not walking much.  Did some birthday shopping at Kidsbooks and Chapters.

Decided to have fish and chips on the beach at Steveston.  Bit of a breeze helped.

So tired when I got home that I kept dozing off.

Klahowya Village

Drove over to Pru's and followed her and Patience to the I Found Gallery on Main Street.  I then followed them to Spanish Banks and they parked their car.  

I drove to Stanley Park and we went to the Klahowya Village.  It was my first visit and I'll definitely return.  The site is very pretty and their are several displays of First Nations Art for sale.  We only saw part of it but I was really impressed.

Next was a stop at the Vancouver Inukshuk at the southern end of English Bay Beach for photos.  

We had lunch at Joey's Burrard so we could see Jesse at work in the kitchen.  It was good but they messed up 2 of our orders and the bill.  Thought they should have knocked something off but they didn't.

Droppped the 2 sunbathers off at the beach and headed home.  After watching Murder She Wrote, I fell asleep for a while.

White Spot

Started my day geocaching in Delta. Walked 796 m to cache I couldn't find! Wonder if it should have been hanging on that big nail? Did find a new one under a tree. Picked up fresh fruit and veggies in Richmond and then went home.

Met Pru, Patience and Lucas and went to White Spot. Joined by Chris, John, Jesse and Patrick. We should get family rate.

Tim Horton's

A new cache at a shrine set up for Jimmi Hendrix on Union near Main.  I also found one at his grave in Renton, WA last week.

Met Georgina, Marilyn and Anni at Tim Horton's near Lougheed Mall for a visit.

Took a couple of gifts from Patience to Sadie and Lilly.  Also some shells I bought in Texas that I've been saving.  Sadie was asleep on the couch but was soon up in her little blue wheel chair.  She is getting pretty good at using it except in the hallway.

Picked up some groceries at Thrifty's on the way home.

Family Dinner

Had a quiet day and then did a bit of shopping and picked up prescription.

Pru had potluck dinner. I think there were 14 of us. Patience brought me a bunch of clothes from Macy's.

Lazy Saturday?

This was going to be a lazy day but Matt called to ask me to meet them at White Spot.  Lily always likes the Pirate Paks.  Dozy waitress made mistakes and didn't pay any attention to us - must have had a late night!

Dropped off prescription at the Safeway and bought some groceries.  Also some beer for dinner tomorrow.

Matt texted to say Sadie needed a large clip board for drawing.  I just happened to have a lapboard for a computer that I bought and didn't like.  Took it right over.  Always like to surprise him with efficiency - makes him think I'm smarter than I am.

It's not easy being five!

So said Sadie this morning.  The catheter is gone and the doctor took out the epidural needle while I was there.  Like me, she hated having the dressing taken off.  Next step will be sitting in the wheelchair!

Saw my dermetologist and all my itches are still excema.  Rewrote my prescriptions for a year's supply of goop.

Found 6 newish caches in Vancouver and Richmond to get to 870 in total.  83 in July makes this my best month ever.

Can't stop yawning tonight.

Sadie Blue

Met Andrea and Matt at the White Spot for lunch and then headed off for my chemo.  Had a good nurse today so it went well.

Visited Sadie at Children's.  She was not a happy camper as the medication was making her itchy.  The nurse gave her some Benedryl and the doctor changed the meds she was getting to see if it helped.  She is such a trooper.  She called the nurse at 4:30 and said she needed a hug!  Andrea spent the night on a cot and Matt is doing tonight.

Too tired for groceries again so just came right home.

Sadie's surgery

At the Cancer Agency for bloodwork at 9 and saw my trials nurse and a doctor at 11:00.  My doctor was away.  He was concerned and I wasn't sure why, but Stephanie said not to worry.

Sadie had her surgery on both hips this morning.  I met Andrea and Matt for lunch at Las Margaretas.  Great food and it was good for them to be away from the hospital.  The surgery was to take 5 hours, starting at 10:30, but they were finished by 2:30 and it went as well as they hoped it would.  She'll be in the hospital until Saturday and will have an epidural until Friday.

Did some shopping at COSTCO but it was too hot and I was too tired to do anything else.  Groceries can wait.

Home

Spent the morning exploring Renton and found 7 more caches for a total of 41 on the 3-day trip.  Loved sitting at breakfast in the hotel this morning with my waffle, listening to CKNW using an iPod app and reading the Vancouver Sun on my iPad.

Arrived at Sea-Tac at 12:20 and continued reading the paper as they have free WiFi.  Patience landed at 12:40.  We stopped a few time on the way home - Michael's, Starbucks and Shari's (for salads and blackberry cobbler).  

The border was fine with just one car in front of us.  They weren't even interested in the liquor we bought at the duty free!  We got to Pru's just after 6.

I stayed for a bit but really just wanted to be home.  I knew that I needed to carry stuff upstairs and turn on the fans.

Monroe jackpot

Spent most of the day in Monroe and found the majority of my 20 caches there.  I now have 857.

Had breakfast at the hotel and lunch in the Hitching Post Cafe.

Drifted south on the interior roads and ended up in Renton. A huge Holiday Inn was full but I found a Quality Inn.  Better room than last night and my iPad works.

 

Road Trip

Left at 8 this morning and was through Peace Arch by 9:15.  The radio (730) said there was no wait and they were wrong by about 40 minutes.  I like the staggered line and was able to read the Province.

Meandered south geocaching and found 14 before it just got too hot (27).  Most were in Sedro Wooley and Mount Vernon.  Tried a motel in Marysville but it was too expensive.  One I'd stayed in before was closed.  The Village Pie Shop sells pizza now!   Decided to keep going to Monroe.

I am in a Best Western and got a good discount for having CAA.  There is wireless that works with the iPhone and netbook, but not the iPad?  If it doesn't work in tomorrow's motel, I'll have to ask at an Apple store.  There was some noise from next door and the police showed up.  That worked!

I have 200 caches loaded near here for tomorrow.

All packed

Had a lazy day reading newspapers (on iPad) and my library book.  

Picked up Moira and friend for dinner at Applause.  Then had to go to the White Spot for blueberry pie!

My pack is already in the car ready for tomorrow's road trip.  I am picking Patience up on Tuesday at Sea-Tac so will spend a couple of nights on the road getting there.  

Geocaches are all loaded in my GPS.  I'll have to do it the slow way as it is too expensive to have the phone network on.  I'll make sure the motels have WiFi and stop at Starbucks once in a while.

Library ladies at lunch

Met Rum and Marilyn at the White Spot for lunch.  First time we have eaten together for many years.  Felt like last week.

Picked up a library reserve and did my banking - deposit, cash, U.S. cash.

Forgot about the football game until I saw Patrick's post so missed most of the first half.  Just about won on last play!  Must stop taking penalties.

A day of not accomplishing much

This video shows my day perfectly:

Went geocaching out towards Haney and didn't find any.  Really wasn't feeling great so came home.  Just one of those days.

Blah

Had no energy to do much today.  It needs to cool down just a little!

Errands

Did well today.  Went to BCAA for some books and travel insurance.  I can now cross the border for up to 3 days at a time.

Found 4 caches in Surrey area.  It finally got too hot to continue.

Returned a charger to Best Buy with no trouble at all.  Stopped at London Drugs and Cobs on the way home.

Arthritis acting up in my ankles today.

Support

Nice lazy day reading.

Louise dropped off her car and we had a great dinner at Cravings - Beef Short Ribs: Flambeed with bourbon and deglazed with root beer, then braised for five hours; served with vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. Best meal since my accident!

We drove to Champlain Heights for our cancer support group. We held it at a member's house as there aren't any in the Cancer Agency in the summer. 6 of us did quite well on our own.

Cleanup

Mel came today and my apartment is clean again.  

Decided I've walked a lot in the last couple of days, so this was a TV day.

Crescent Beach

Picked up Pam this morning for our first geocaching day since she retired.  We spent the day around Crescent Beach, carefully avoiding the crowds near the beach.  We found 9 before I'd had enough.  I'm now at 819.

Too tired to shop on the way home so just picked up an Orange Mango Vivanno™ Smoothie at Starbucks.  It was only $3 as I had this morning's latte receipt.  The forgot to make it so I also walked out with a coupon for a free drink the next visit.

Chinatown Walk

Took the Canada Line to Canada Place and walked to Maple Tree Square near the Gassy Jack Statue to meet others from the VESTA Status of Women Committee. 

As we walked, Joan told us the history of many of the buildings and monuments.  We went through Chinatown and around many of the older buildings in Strathcona.  I knew a lot but also learned a lot.  We really enjoyed this and want more.

Got on a bus on Main St. and rode it to Dunsmuir & Georgia.  Stopped at Dairy Queen in the mall for some ice cream (I couldn't bite the big panini sandwiches at the shop we stopped for lunch - just had a big latte).

Moira and I went to Applause for a great Japanese dinner.  

Chemo day

Bloodwork was 8:30 this morning.  I then visited with some friends and went to the cafeteria for my scone.  Back to the chemo waiting room to read until 10:30.

My trial nurse was away and her replacement found me and asked why I hadn't gone to my appointment with her.  I was able to show her my appointment sheet that did not have it recorded.  I love being right once in a while!

The treatment went well and after seeing Mae and Darline I was out of there.  Stopped for a haircut and to pick up some library reserves and then home.  Fell asleep for part of the afternoon.

Harrison

Drove up to Harrison for a swim today.  Filled up with gas at Silverton for $1.02/litre.  It is $1.17 in Vancouver!

Had lunch at Kilby - vegetable soup, homemade bread and wonderful apple pie.  Enjoyed the blackberry jam I bought on the last visit so bought a couple of bottles and some raspberry jam.

Found 6 caches (810) and had a good swim.  Must complain that the temperature is lower in the pool by 25 degrees.

Stopped near Cloverdale for Mexican at the Luna Loca Restaurant- more than I could eat for $12.95.

Still having some trouble with the lip and with my bite.  

Dentist again

Saw my dentist briefly to check on partial.  It is fittting well and I am getting used to it.  Still slurring some words.

Couldn't decide what to do but it was still pretty cloudy so I ended up getting groceries and heading home.

Fresh fruit

Did some laundry this morning.  It is such a relief to have cooler weather so I feel like moving around.

Headed out to Richmond and loaded up on cherries, raspberries, blueberries & fresh peas.  Love this time of year.

Poor Netherlands

I always pick the wrong team to cheer for!  I did like it that the Spanish team had members from all parts of Spain and was a unifying force for a previously fractured country.

Watched Inkheart after the soccer.  Really enjoyed it.

Out to Safeway and then Youban mall in Richmond for Chinese takeout.  Too hot to cook.

Poor Lions

Watched Germany win 3rd place in the World Cup.  One game left - go Netherlands.

Stayed in again.  It was still pretty hot and my foot was sore.  The new plate is fitting well but I need to practice talking.

Watched the Lions 1st game at Empire Field.  Not a great game.

The Pacific

The van that honks at 7:30 every morning was back today.  I waited until the man came out of my building and called down to him to ask them to stop waking me up.  He did seem agreeable so we'll see what happens next week.

I went back to sleep for a while and then decided to just stay in out of the heat all day.  Watched the last 4 hours of The Pacific.  It has been nominated for some Emmy Awards and should win. 

Teeth!

Back to the dentist for my new upper partial. It has a front tooth and also one to fill a hole on the side. After fixing the bite they wanted me to take out - not possible! Suzy had to use pliers. It took a few more fittings to get it right. Now I have to learn to talk without slurring.

Found a couple of caches on the west side and then headed home to hide from the heat. Went out for a long dinner at the White Spot to cool down. Nice to chew again.

Hot

Okay, now it can cool down.  This is too hot!!

Watched the soccer game and then dozed away the afternoon.  I was up early because some idiot blows his horn at 7:30 every morning.  I must go down one day and get the licence number and report him - or shoot him.

Went to Steveston for fish and chips.  Was hungry for real food and figured I could get through some nice halibut with a missing front tooth.

Dentist

Went to my dentist this morning. She ground a bit off my remaining front cap to improve my bite which had gone to hell. She said the two loose teeth will tighten up. At least they have stopped aching. The tech then did the moulds for a partial. My mouth is so small since the cancer surgery on the top lip and the lower lip still tender from stitches that it was stressful. My gap reflex didn't help.

Went to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo with Chris Evans. What a perfect movie. Can't wait for next 2 movies.

802

It was such a beautiful summer day I headed out to Pitt Meadows and did some geocaching.  I am now at 802! 

Stopped at Swiss Chalet and had some soup and perogies for lunch.  Tasted so good!

Lions opener

Slept in really late this morning (still in my Lazy-Boy).  

Watched the Queen's Plate and the BC Lions game in Edmonton.  There were lots of mistakes but we kicked ass!

I'll be glad to have a plate put in this week.  Soft food has lost its appeal.

Dr. Gelmon was actually in the Agency on a Sunday!  She called to say the biopsy was estrogen positive.  That is the best news since it means we carry on with my treatments.  She still doesn't know what is going on with the last biopsy.  It might have been a faulty test and it having them redo it.  For the moment that tumour is stable and we are going to just watch it.

Go who?

Getting hard to pick teams in the World Cup.  I've decided to cheer for the Netherlands.  Tomorrow is the Lions.

Went to do some geocaching once the games were finished.  Gave up on one in Delta as the boardwalk through the woods was broken and leaning towards the water.  Found a few in Surrey instead - 797.  I have to decide what to find for the 800th so it means something.

Stopped at Byrne Road for groceries and home for dinner.  Really tired so waited a while to cook.

Back geocaching

Up early to watch the 2 soccer matches.  Picked one winner.  Had hoped Ghana would move up to semi-finals.

Feel pretty good so went geocaching.  Found 3 new ones on Sea Island and 1 in Richmond.

Came straight home.  The lip still has twinges and my teach don't feel right.

Happy Canada Day

Up in time see most of the Canada Day show with the Queen in Ottawa.  Didn't think much of the entertainment.

A weird day at the Cancer Agency.  I told the clerk I was 1/2 an hour early as I needed blood drawn and she told me I was wrong.  She even came back and said the nurse in charge said I was wrong.  I knew I was right so waited until a nurse took me in and she said that she was drawing blood - hah!  

It took a while for her to call the lab to say I was ready and it turned out the tech was already sitting in the waiting room.  The first needle in the port was too small and the blood dribbled out.  She filled a tube with a label and coloured cap and then remembered the first one was to be thrown out.  The clerk was sent to find a replacement with the right colour.  Then the flow was so slow, she took everything out and tossed it.  We started again with a bigger needle and she again forgot the 1st tube was a throwaway.  The clerk was sent to find another replacement.  We finally finished at 1:25 - so much for coming at 12:30!  It was 2:30 before I finally headed back to the car.

Met a couple of neighbours from Killarney Gardens who are on the same 2-week rotation.  Had a good visit before and after the treatment.

Was to tired I just headed home.  Four days in a row at the Agency is enough!

Oncologist

Went to the Cancer Agency at 9 for blood tests.  Enjoyed a cup of tea and (crumbly) scone for breakfast.  Getting bored with soft food.

Saw Dr. Gelmon for the 1st time in a couple of months - she was away last month.  She didn't have the tumour marker or biopsy results yet.  Monday's CT Scan didn't show much change.  She'll call Friday or Monday with more info.

She thinks we don't need to panic with the new diagnosis of an estrogen negative node in the right leg.  I am not getting sicker, like I was a couple of years ago, and the CT Scan isn't showing a big change.  My tumour markers are now in the 50's but not going up steadily.  More like a hover.

The plan is to keep me on the current treatments and assume that they are working for most of the cancer.  If the new kind acts up, I'll need more chemo.  She doesn't think we are anywhere near there right now.  It is more wait and see but at least no one is panicking.

Got some more soft food at M&M and Cobbs and some fresh local strawberries and raspberries at a fruit stand.  After grabbing a couple of library reserves, I headed home.  

My mouth is sore tonight and I am really tired.  No family reunion in Alberta for me this weekend!

Another biopsy

Up early to watch soccer.  Maureen picked me up at 12:30 and drove me to the Cancer Agency for another ultrasound guided fine-wire biopsy.  This time it was the top of the left leg to see if the tumour there is still estrogen positive.  Had the same doctor and it went well with just a bit of pain.

Maureen came for me after a dental appointment.  I spent the time in the 5th floor lounge reading Ellery Queen magazine on my iPad.  A volunteer made me some peppermint tea and another gave a classical concert on the piano.  Dr. Drysdale stopped by to say hi.

Home by 4:00.  Put some ice on the leg and it really hasn't been a problem.

CT Scan

Up early to start drinking water for scan. Finished the test quickly and stopped at Oakridge for groceries. Even brought home a Starbucks latte that I sipped once it cooled.

The big scab and stitches fell off this afternoon. Feels much better! I even had macaroni and cheese for dinner. Skipped the union retirement dinner at the Yacht Club.

I am feeling much better tonight. I'm cutting Vitamin E capsules and putting the oil on my lips.

Riots

Today the rioting in Toronto added a new element to my TV viewing.  Thugs who wear masks and do damage need to be thrown in jail and kept there a while.  We need to figure out how to get rid of them so the voices of the real protesters are heard.

Woke up in time for the 1st soccer game but kept falling back asleep.  Bit better again today but still can't each very much.  Still working on the scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, fruit milkshakes, pudding...

Go Ghana!

At least the World Cup is keeping me entertained as I heal.   I usually wake up while one game is on and then watch the final one after showering.  Nice that at least 1 African team has made it to the quarter finals.

Short trip to Safeway to stock up on milk and eggs.  Made a milkshake this afternoon and had scrambled eggs for dinner (again).  

Found a huge bruise on my abdomen that I hadn't noticed.  My mouth is better today than yesterday but the teeth are still tender.  They were sure knocked about!

Coffee trip

Met Louise at Character's for coffee. Decided on fruit milkshake. We played with iPad - free Internet. Took cinnamon bun home so I could tear it apart in private.

I went straight home as I was bagged. My teeth are cranky today.

iPad

Slept a fair time but woke up with a bit of a headache and feeling a bit sick.  Better after a shower and was finally able to brush my teeth.

Met Barb M at Oakridge to give her RTA minutes book.  She gave me a card and fruit basket from the RTA.  I showed her around the Apple store and then picked up the iPad that had come for me.  I figure I deserve one for all the stress I've had this month.  It is instead of buying a new laptop - and cheaper!

Was feeling pretty shaky so came straight home.  

Scrambled some eggs for dinner.  Am hungrier now and slowly eating soft food.  Still can't drink without dribbling.

No crisis today (for me)

Slept pretty well in my Lazy Boy.  Was a bit shaky so when I got up so approached the day slowly.  Felt better after a shower.

Did a quick trip to my Safeway and loaded up on liquids and soft foods.

Nibbled and sipped through the day but can't do much.  I can talk better today.

Relieved that Moira's new car kept her safe tonight.  She was just jealous of the attention I was getting!

Toothless

Slept pretty well in my Lazy Boy.  Watched soccer when I woke up and called the dentist when they opened at 7:45.  They fit me in at 3:15.

Ate some yogurt and finished the soup at lunch.  Tooth still painful to touch.  Picked up a library book on the way to the dentist.

Suzy Hupfau is the best dentist!  She took an x-ray and couldn't see anything wrong.  Froze my mouth and took the cap off, hoping to just put it back on again.  I could tell right away things weren't good.  The tooth was broken off at the gum line and couldn't be fixed.  She took it out and the nerve was exposed.  No wonder it hurt!

She tried to get the root out for quite a while but it wouldn't budge.  She then asked the assistant to call Dr. Slemko, an oral surgeon next door.  He was in the hallway on his way home when they caught him.  Suzy took me next door and he went to work.  He finally had to drill it apart and take out the pieces.  Worth every penny of the $320 to get rid of the pain.

Came straight home clenching a bloody gauze between my teeth.  Looked a fright!  Can't eat real food for a few days.  Found a box of pudding to make with milk and that was dinner.  Not really hungry.  

I have Tylenol 3s and will take then just to keep the pain away.  It isn't bad at all tonight.  I won't take them in the morning until I've gone to Safeway to load up on liquids and soft things like ice cream.

Face plant

I started out okay today.  Took my car to Toyota for service and winter tires removal.  I finally called Weir to tell Diane I wouldn't make it for lunch.  I was finally done at 12:20.

Stopped at Mark's Workwear and then Oakridge on the way home.  Was coming out of the Bay and trying to cross behind a Canada Post truck that was parked.  Too busy watching for cars and tripped on the speed bump end.  Fell flat on my face!

I could feel the top front tooth dig into the lip.  Of course I bled like a stuck pig and was really shaken up.  Several people came to help and made me lie still for some time as they called 911.  Finally a couple of security guards and a nurse helped me up and over to a bench.  The guards had a first aid kit and cleaned a lot of the blood up.

A fire engine was next and they put me on oxygen as I was getting shaky.  My vitals soon came back to normal for them and we waited around for the ambulance.  They cleaned me up some more and transported me to VGH.  Matt showed up and stayed until 3.  I was then moved to a private room.  Sent some memos and posted to Facebook but had to stop then as the room blocked the signal.  Was also loosing battery power.

The doctor and a student came in at 5ish.  He cleaned me up and put about 7 stitches inside and outside the lip.  My tooth didn't go all the way through so the pavement must have split the outside open.  The cap on the tooth is loose and it hurts every time I touch it.  I'll call my dentist in the morning.  My nose is bloody but isn't broken. A tetanus shot was the final touch.

Mae arrived in a cab just as I was leaving.  Maureen collected me and we stopped at Max's so I could get some soft food.  I picked up my car and was home by 6:15.

I ate part of the food.  I can only chew on one side and it is hard to avoid touching the loose cap.

Think I'll try sleeping in the Lazy Boy tonight.

FTF

Didn't feel well most of the day.  Think I was clenching my teeth in my sleep so my face was sore.

Still - when 3 new caches popped up in the Dunbar area, I just had to go.  Was the First to Find on one of them.  Macro containers were hidden in cars that have been parked with dirt in the engine compartment and fruit trees planted in them.  Found 2 but a 3rd car was towed away!!  Met a couple at the second one and they actually found it so I was officially 2nd.  Also 2nd at a tree near the Dunbar Community Centre.

Came back home to watch soccer and listen to the Lions.  Don't know why it wasn't on TV even if it was pre-season.

Sleepy day

Had a good sleep after yesterday's adventure.  Decided to do nothing but read, watch TV and play games.  Love retired life!

Sea to Sky geocaching

Met Georgina at her sister's house in North Vancouver just after 11:00.  We headed up the Sea to Sky for some geocaching.  Climbed up to Shannon Falls and found a couple.  Had a wonderful lunch at the Shady Tree Pub just outside Squamish -  (large) cup of seafood chowder and beef dip and pulled pork sandwiches that they split in two for us so we could share.

Georgina used her pass to get us in the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum in Whistler - a great museum!  Shopped in the gift shop and had a cup of tea with bannock.

Worked our way back home and found a total of 7 caches.  Didn't find a few.

Finally got home at 10:15 after driving over 300 km.  Will sleep tonight!!

Tired day

It was dull all day so I didn't mind that I spent it inside the Cancer Agency.  Picked up Mae at 9:45 and arrived at 10 for my bloodwork.  

Saw Stephanie, my trial nurse, at 10:30.  The bone scan this week was normal.  Always a relief that the cancer isn't in the bones.  I was taken in for treatment early (12:25) but the drug was about 45 minutes late (1:45).  

Picked up some food at Liberty Bakery on the way home.  Fell asleep for a bit.

Clean apartment

Mel came this afternoon and cleaned.  First time in ages and it was embarrassing.  I hate housework and use my sore hands and wrists as an excuse.

Picked up a reserve at the library and found a newish cache on Blenheim.  Bought groceries at IGA and home again.

Bone Scan

Drank 4 cups of water and was at VGH by 9:00 for the Bone Scan injection.  I asked about it this time.  Most of the radiative stuff is gone in 6 hours but you can set the alarms at the border off for about a week.  Bit hard to find a vien and I'm left with one of those purple things.

Had Eggs Benedict with tomatoes and avocado at the Sunshine Diner on Broadway.  Loitered over a couple of pots of tea as I had to drink 4 cups.  Back at VGH at 11 for the Scan.  Good technician so it went smoothly.  Hard to lie still for 1/2 an hour when no one is talking at you.

I was home by noon and dozed off a few times through the afternoon.  Picked up dinner at Applause as I just didn't feel like cooking.

Resigned from the Retired Teachers' Executive today.  Too much pressure on how I should do the newsletter.  I have to focus on medical stuff right now.

Caching day

The sun was shining so I headed for White Rock.  Found a total of 6 caches in White Rock & Surrey.  Had fish & chips by the beach.  Steveston is still better than anything I've tried in White Rock.

Home by 5.  I now have date for biopsy - June 29th.  I now have appointments Monday to Friday that week.  Bone scan tomorrow morning.

Safety in the woods

Not feeling spiffy so didn't even get dressed today.  Watched the Germany give Australia a lesson in playing soccer.  Had hoped the Lions preseason game would be on, but it wasn't.

Cleaned up some bills and paper.  Watched the Tony Awards and thought it was the best awards show I've seen in a while.  Lots of performances and not so much talking.

Another woman found dead in Pacific Spirit Park.  There are still caches I need and I have to wait for Pam or Lori since it seems foolhardy to enter alone right now. 

Yawn

Had a good sleep and actually slept in a bit.  Met Pam for some Delta geocaching.  We could not find the Salmon puzzle cache.  Too many weeds!  Both of us started sneezing.  We had to go to the library to recover and wash.

Went for a great walk on the dyke and met a local farmer who strolled back with us.  Her son is a cacher.  After leaving Pam, I found a couple more - on Annacis Island and in Richmond.

Took Pru her late birthday present and sat in the front yard for a while enjoying the sunshine.

Picked up groceries at Oakridge and home by dinner time.  I am tired!  Tomorrow I'll watch some soccer.

World Cup

Saw the end of the 1st World Cup game.  Thought South Africa might beat Mexico but at least they got a tie.

COSCO meeting at the Hastings Community Centre at 10.  Always interesting but I couldn't stop playing Angry Birds.  Had lunch at Tom & Jerry's with Patricia.

It was raining so I decided to head for Richmond.  Did some much needed shopping at London Drugs and Chapters.  Had passport photos done at London Drugs and took everything into the Canada Passport office.  Took no time at all and I'll have my new one in a couple of weeks.

No sun again

I was going geocaching with Georgina this morning but backed out when she called.  The weather was not clearing up as fast as it was supposed to.  Also I didn't sleep much last night.  Maybe the dinner?

Did fit in a load of laundry but didn't do much else.

Time to get up

Woke up at 10:30 - isn't it nice to be retired!

Took all day to meander through the newspaper (online).  Love days like this.

Met Moira for dinner.  Applause was full so we tried a new one in Marpole.  Won't go back.

Dr. Gelmon left a message while I was out.  She'll see me when we do a bunch of tests to figure out what to do next.

Disaster exercise

Slept in this morning and had a slow start to the day.  Found 3 caches in Richmond, Delta & New Westminster.  Ate at the Waffle House and then picked up a few presents and water at COSTCO.

Met with other disaster supervisors at the Red Cross for an excercise to get ready for the forest fire season.

VTLA Dinner

Went geocaching in Delta this morning and found 5.  Was home in time for Perry Mason at 1.

The VTLA annual dinner was at the Vancouver Lawn and Tennis Club.  They sang a song about geocaching to Pam.  Always a treat to see old friends.

Karen's office called to set up a bone scan next Tuesday.  She wants to see me in the next couple of weeks to plan our next steps.

Rain again

I had good intentions to do some work today but ended up watching movies and hockey and playing Bejewelled 2 on my iPhone.

17 cache day

The sun was shining so I headed for Abbotsford and found 17 caches, my second best day.  I now have 751.  It is sunny so late that it was hard to stop.

I have 4 books in my iPod that plays through my car radio via a cable in the glove box.  I love using the BC Library site, Libraries to Go.  Why buy digital books when you can borrow them?

Home by 8.  Feeling pretty good today.

Dinner with the girls

Slept in this morning - best part of being retired.

The sun was shining but I stayed home until the semi-finals of the Scripp's Spelling Bee were done.  Laura Newcombe, from Toronto, made it to the finals.  I set my PVR and headed out.

Found 2 new caches that were hidden last night.  The first was on River Rd. in Richmond and I ran into Pam trying to open the box.  We got it open and signed the log.  I then headed over to Mitchell Island and found a micro in line with the old bridges that used to connect Fraser St & No. 5 Road.  The 3rd I found was near Willingdon & Kingsway.

Met Andrea, Sadie & Lily at the White Spot on Lougheed.  Amazing how Pirate Paks have stood the test of time (42 years).  I remember the original pirate chest at the doorway of the old dining room.  You got a prize from it if you finished your meal.

Sunshine

After all the confusion yesterday about what to do next, today was business as usual.  Bloodwork was at 11:30 and I then picked up my new prescription.  After lunch in the coffee shop (mediocre), I sat in the 6th floor lounge reading.  Darline and Sarah stopped by to chat.  My chemo was at 1:00 and went quickly.

There was actually blue sky so I headed out to Delta to try some new caches.  Couldn't find the 1st 3 but had success on the next 3.

Picked up groceries on the way home at Marine Way & Byrne Road in Burnaby.

Drat

Started the day with blood work at the Cancer Agency.  The nurse made mistake and I had to do it all over again because she was one vial short.  I like the port-a-cath but it is a bit of a production - saline, test vial, vial, saline, heparin. 

Walked over to Fairmont for my oncologist appointment.  My doctor is away so I started with my trials nurse and a resident.  The biopsy in my leg showed that the lymph node there had breast cancer in it.  The difference is that it is estrogen negative while the rest is positive.  The drugs I am on won't have any effect on it.  The question is have they stopped working.  The plan was to stop the trial and see if they will lift the blind.  If I wasn't on the real drug the company might let me switch.  

After working out what might happen, Dr. Chia, the head of breast cancer in BC came in - this is the usual ritual: nurse, resident, oncologist.  He says to carry on with what I am doing until Dr. Gelmon comes back.  He thinks the treatment is holding the rest of the cancer at bay so why stop.  This new one might need radiation.  I'll probably need a biopsy on the other leg to see if those nodes are still positive. 

It was raining so I decided to just come home.  

Referrals

Woke up this morning with a headache, blogged ears, a black floater and flashes in the right eye, a couple of rashes and a sore wrist.  Old age is a bitch.

My GP retired in February and this was the first time to the Seymour Health Clinic since then.  I saw Dr. David Narvas and really liked him but he only works there a couple of days a week.  He fixed the ears and gave me referrals to a new rheumatologist and to my former dermatologist.  He also sent a 2nd request to the eye specialist with an urgent note.

Dropped off The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest for Pru and we went to dinner at the White Spot at Oakridge.

Late night

Supposed to be a rainy day so I stayed in.  Turned out not to be so bad.  Just can't predict any more.

I slept in as I kept reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest until I finished (4 am).  Just couldn't stop!  Now I'm choked that the author is dead and I've read all 3 books.