Rainy geocaching day

Lori was babysitting so I met Pam at her house and we spent this rainy day inside.  I showed her how to do her geocaching stats and some other computer and ipad stuff.

Rainy drive home.  The tunnel was busy so I went the long way over the Fraser Bridge.  

Really tired tonight.

Angry Birds

Slept in even with the time change.

Must stop playing Angry Birds.....

Sunny day

It was such a gorgeous morning I had to go geocaching.  Found a couple in Richmond, one on Mitchell Island and then headed to the Waffle House for lunch.  Then 2 in Burnaby and a puzzle in Everett Crowley Park.

The walks in the sunshine felt good.

Winners

The Lions and Canucks kept me occupied on this dull rainy day.  They both won!  

I am reading The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival, a Canadian book about a rogue tiger in Russia and can't put it down.

Better day

Slept for over 8 hours last night.  Had a bloodtest today to check my platelets and passed.

Met Pru at Oakridge for some White Spot burgers.  Picked up some food at M&M in Richmond and then home for the weekend.

Felt tired all day.

Bad reaction

Arrived at the Cancer Agency at 9:30 for bloodwork.  Lost my parking ticket and spent far too much time looking for it.

I have been in the trial now for 19 months but today I get the real thing - AMG 479.  For this 1st bag, the drip took an hour instead of 1/2 an hour.  I had a metallic taste in my mouth for a bit but breezed through it.  About 10 minutes into the hour observation time, I started feeling odd.  I went to the bathroom a couple of times but then started shaking and got very cold.  The nurse called for help and started a bag of benedryl.  The doctor came and they added something else & Gravol.  Another nurse arrived with hot blankets to wrap me up.  I shook for about 20 minutes.

All these drugs meant I couldn't drive home so I stayed until Darline and Mae were finished their Therapeutic Touch clinic and Darline drove my car.  The went home by Canada Line.

I am tired tonight and have slept quite a bit since this happened.  I did call my trials nurse and she doesn't think that the doctor will stop the drug but I'll probably have benedryl before they start it.  This means no more driving on that day.

Karen

Out before the sun was up to see Karen and Stephanie, my trials nurse. They briefed me on side effects and did an exam. I might have a rash, dry eyes - Oh wait, I already have those symptoms. No wonder they thought I was on the real drug. Also have to watch for bleeding as platelets might drop. My bone scan just showed a lot of arthritis. Home by 9.

Worked on more puzzles.

Puzzle caches

Met Pam and Lori in Surrey for our weekly geocaching trip.  We concentrated on puzzles in Surrey/White Rock.  I logged 11 but we spent a long time not finding a couple, even with a hint for the owner for one of them.

Stopped for lunch at Dock's Fish & Chips along the beach.  Perfect sunny day for it.  

Finally stopped searching when we needed our flashlights.  Picked up a burger at Vera's and was home by 8.

Odd day

Made a 3rd attempt to find the right black cartidge for my computer at Staples.  Their computers were down but they let me in when I promised to pay cash.  My Cobbs is gone from 5 & Steveston!

Came home and did a load of laundry.  Matt called just after 3 to say he had my cookie dough from Sadie's school and didn't have room in the freezer.  Took less than an hour to get their with my cooler bag in hand.  Stayed for dinner and a visit.  Home by 8.

Printer woes

Bought cartridges for my new printer at COSTCO and they were the wrong model.  They took them back even though I'd opened the box!  Bought the "right" ones at Office Depot but the black is wrong!  Of course that is what I am out of.  the number is right but it is not the standard black.

Watched the Lions and finished a book.  Spent Halloween watching Rocky Horror Picture Show that I recorded at midnight last night.

Quiet Saturday

Have heard very few fireworks this year.  The silence is nice.

Picked up a book at the library and groceries at Safeway.  I was out of most things.  Use my cart for coming up the stairs.  I bought it at the PNE for only $20 so shouldn't complain that the wheels fall off when it is empty.

End to a busy week

Just couldn't get inspired to do much today.  Caught up on watching everything except movies on my PVR.

I really have to get groceries tomorrow.

Bone Scan

At VGH for an injection for a bone scan at 9:00.  Had breakfast at the Sunshine Diner and then did some shopping at Granville Island.  Sat there reading until it was time to head back.  The scan was at 11:50 and I was walking out at 12:25.  Everything went smoothly except the itch on my leg I couldn't scratch.

Came straight home and kept falling asleep this afternoon.  My leg hasn't been hurting so I think it was all the sitting on the weekend that bothered it.

Talked to my trial nurse and I will see Karen on Wednesday at 8 AM.  My first treatment will be on Thursday.  It will be an hour the first time to see if I react to the drug and I'll have to sit for another hour after it's finished.  Good thing I can amuse myself with music and books.

Placebo

Woke up with a headache so didn't even get dressed today.  Watched some of the many hours on my PVR after being away for several days.

Karen called when I was on the phone and left a message saying I was on the placebo.  My trial nurse will call to arrange moving me on to the real thing!

Puzzles

Had bloodwork this morning to help them decide about taking me off the clinical trial.  

Lori and I met at Pam's to do some rainy day caching.  We spent the day solving various puzzles that gave us the coordinates of caches.  A lot of puns, math, science, music....  Always easier doing these with 3 minds coming from different directions.

Did a bit of shopping on the way home but my left leg was too sore to do much.

Home

Good sleep last night.  Had free breakfast at the hotel before starting out.  Had lunch in Spences Bridge where there was a cache.  It didn't start raining until about Boston Bar.  Stopped at the Chilliwack Airport for dinner as I have to fast for 14 hours for tomorrow's blood test.  The rain was nasty so I got off the Freeway at Langley and Hwy 10 was much better to see on as there were a lot of streetlights.

Found 17 caches today.  Didn't think I'd done so many and had to count it twice.

The Cancer Agency found me in Cache Creek to tell me a bone scan is booked for Thursday - a waiting time of a week. 

 

Kamloops

Lazy morning. Halia made scones and Angie a fresh fruit salad. A perfect breakfast.

Only found 3 community named caches. Failed to find the final in Vernon. Have to go back next year.

Stopped in Kamloops at new Best Western. $109 and there is a couch! Ate at Red Robin.

Fall Council

The BCTLA Fall Council meeting started at 8:30 with breakfast - good treats! Impressed by with quality of young teacher-librarians struggling to keep a library program in their districts. I slipped out a couple of times to put my feet up in the lobby.

A few of us went to the Cactus Club for dinner. Angie then took Halia and me home for the night (and some wine).

Having some leg and groin pains.

Kelowna Fresh

Great conference today. Met others in hotel dining room for breakfast and then drove to Kelowna Secondary for BCTLA conference. Well organized and interesting speakers. Much isn't relevant any more but I didn't have to pay since an award is named the Val Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award. Love it that Sharon Scott won - one of my mentors in the 70's.

We had an Executive meeting from 4 to 6 and then a large group went to Moxie's. Had a great steak soaked in honey and garlic.

I finally said I was driving back. My legs were rebelling against all that sitting!

Drive to Kelowna

Left my Starbucks at 8:30 on the way to the BCTLA conference in Kelowna. Stopped in Hope for gas and a snack at Tim Horton's. Lunch at Billy's in Penticton. There was N Earthcache right behind it and a simple one at the museum. I am concentrating on finding 40 with the names of the community in the title. Climbed up into the mine ruins in Hedley and found the spot described but no cache. More success in Penticton. Could see one in Westbank but couldn't get to it in rush hour traffic.

Checked into the Capri and couldn't see anyone. Drove across the street to Kelsey's and there they were. We went to Kelowna Secondary for a social.

Stopped with a group for a cocktail downstairs.

Rats

The day started out wrong.  I packed my pack for the day at the Cancer Agency last night.  Headed out today and had to come back for the forgotten wallet.  This made me 1/2 hour late for bloodwork.  Two nurses were quite upset and thought something had happened as I am never late.  Nice to be missed!

Saw Karen at 10 and the CT Scan on Monday showed that the node in the right groin is growing.  This is the one that was estrogen negative in the biopsy a few months ago.  The plan is to lift the blind on my clinical trial to see if I have been getting the real drug.  If not, I'll probably switch to it.  If yes, everything stops and we move on to Plan C.  First I need a bunch of bloodwork and a bone scan.

Met Mae for lunch at the Cactus Club and then back to the Agency for a couple of hours of reading.  Had the chemo at 2:15 and was on my way home by 3.  

Met Moira for dinner at Applause and to pick up a box for the conference.  Really tired so didn't stay out long.

My suitcase is already in the car and I am nearly ready for this weekend's BCTLA conference in Kelowna.

Another perfect Tuesday

Lori and Pam came by this morning and we went caching at Kits, Granville Island, the Olympic Village, Hastings, East Vancouver and South Vancouver.  I counted 13 new ones for a total of 1145.  We stopped at the Argo Cafe for lunch.  I'm really enjoying these caching Tuesdays.  We make a good team.  I do the driving and they get the caches in the difficut terrain for me.

Canada Line

Left at 2:15 for the Cancer Agency via Canada Line.  Had to drink a bottle of water at 2:25 and another at 3:15 to prepare for CT Scan.  The Scan went well and the nurse found a vein without much trouble.  My arm seems to be better since we started using the port for most blood draws and chemo.

Sat reading in the lobby (next to a bathroom) until it was time to join 3 friends at the Cactus Club for dinner.  We then walked back to the Agency for a support group.  Got a ride to the Canada Line and was home quickly.  A lot better than paying for parking.  Last week was $15 for half the time. 

My ankles and feet were sore today.  Getting old sucks.

Sunday again?

Had another lazy day since the next 7 will be so busy.  Watched a couple of shows I had taped on the mine rescue.

Canucks were entertaining tonight.

Recovery day

Slept in and just sat around watching all my shows on the PVR.  Easy to fall behind with both hockey and football games to watch.

Liberty

Had lunch at the Liberty Bakery with former Status of Women members.  Always good food and good company.

Picked up a couple of puzzle books at Chapters, stopped at COSTCO & returned library books.

The official final count for accounts logging a cache on 10-10-10 is 78,313.  Beat the previous big day of 56,654, set on April 18, 2010.

Car care

Took my car to Open Road Toyota for a regular service.  It was a big one and included new transmission fluid for the first time in 111,596 km.  Had the snow tires put on since I am going to BCTLA conference in Kelowna next week.  I arrived at 2 and waited until 6:40!  Good thing there was free WiFi for my iPad and I had a good book to read.

Decided not to shop and just picked up Chinese food on the way home.

Caching in White Rock

Lori was busy with family so Pam and met in Surrey at a cache we both have not been able to find.  She got it fairly quickly.  She also found one on Marine Drive that has been evading us for months.  We were on a roll this morning!  I found 16 for the day.  Pam already had a few of them but let me find them.  

Home by 5 and am too tired to watch the news tonight.  Did see the first miners come out of the mine in Chile.  Amazing coverage.

Happy Thanksgiving

Talked to Daphne, Janet & Marilyn in New Brunswick today.

Watched Lions give a game away to Winnipeg - must stop stupid penalties.

Picked up Jesse & Pru and we joined family at Chris's for tasty turkey dinner.  We watched U.S. football, baseball & Canucks all at the same time.  

Worked on puzzles for tomorrow's geocaching day in White Rock.  Must buy a book to help.

10:10 on 10/10/10

Met Pam at the 10:10:10 Anniversary Flashmob in Queensborough.  This is also important at it is the 10th anniversary of geocaching.  The goal is to set a record for the number of people finding a cache on a single day.

Found a cache in New Westminster with the help of 2 others and then did some shopping at London Drugs, Price Smart, Kim's and Cobb's - do like the strip mall at Byrne and Marine Drive.

Finished reading the Pickton book tonight.

Pickton

A rainy day so I cocooned with my latest library book, On the Farm by Stevie Cameron.  I forgot about it for a bit so have to finish by Wednesday.  Really well written and fascinating to see everything put into a cohesive timeline.  Like the way she puts a face to each victim.

Lazy

Slept in and didn't do much today.  Feel pretty good, just tired.

Early day

Bloodwork was 8:00 today so had to set a couple of alarms to make sure I got up.  Saw nurse at 8:30 and then sat in the lounge reading until my 11:00 treatment.  Had a good nurse and it went quickly.

Drove to the Waffle House for some liver and onions and found a couple of easy caches nearby. Someone had written in the online log that one was missing.  I found it in about 2 minutes - love it when that happens!

Too tired to do much else so headed home.  Fell asleep in front of the TV.

Recovered

Had a good long sleep to recover from yesterday's walking.  Feel pretty good today but stayed in to rest up for tomorrow's chemo.

Do enjoy reading several newspapers every day on my iPad.  No recycling!

Another Geocaching Tuesday

Picked up Lori and Pam this morning for our weekly foray.  Took quite a while to get through the tunnel so I was a bit late.

We started with a cache hidden near the ferry but couldn't see it.  No one has found it in a year so it might be washed away.  We then crossed the border to Point Roberts.  The first was right by the old Breakers.  Several were in the woods and we walked a few kilometers down the trails.  I found 10 altogether for a total of 1101.  Lori & Pam did some of the clambering for me.  My 1100th was actually hidden in the Public Library - perfect!

Went home the long way via the Alec Fraser Bridge and avoided all traffic jams.   

Very tired and my legs don't want me to do much at all for a bit.

Wash day

Did a load of laundry this morning and stayed in reading for the rest of the day.

My neck is feeling better but isn't back to normal yet.

Ioco Ghost Town Days

Stopped at Pru's first thing to pick up her book 2 and my book 3 of "those books" to lend to Andrea.

Motorcycle parade got in my way to Matt's again this year.  Don't know why they can block all cars turning left for miles.  Had coffee and pumpkin scone and then headed out for the Ioco Ghost Town Day.  A perfect size for little kids.  They rode ponies (even Sadie) and decorated cookies and pumpkins.  We all took a ride around the townsite in a 1920's Ford.

Sadie is really moving around well.  She can scoot down stairs and across the floor at home and uses a walker when out.  It is the kind that is behind her with 2 wheels on the front.  That way it won't roll back.  She can sit on the bars when tired.  Physio is going to be 2 evenings a week at a pool.  She doesn't seem to be in any pain, just weak.

Picked up Curiosity, the Vancouver Sun's book club pick for October and did some shopping at Thrifty's before heading home.

Stiff neck

My neck is still stiff and sore but I got a good sleep.

Out for a brief visit to the library and Safeway and then in for the rest of day.

At least the Lions provided good entertainment tonight.

Apple day

Met Jane at the Oakridge Apple store at 11:30.  It is right next door to the store that was held up with gunfire last night.

The plan was to buy an iPad but her Mac is too old to connect to one.  We had a good clerk who printed out everything we needed and we went to the White Spot to have lunch and talk it over.

Jane decided to go for it so we went back and got the iPad.  She'll have to bring in her Mac so they can move everything to the new computer.  We stayed on to load new apps.  

Finally home at 4 and was really tired.  My neck is still sore and stiff.

Best geocaching month

The sun was still shining so I headed to West Vancouver to find some caches.  Started at Cypress Bowl and then Horseshoe Bay.  Then worked my way back to North Vancouver.  Found 7 and didn't find a few more.

I now have a total of 1,091.  My best month was July 2010 with 83 finds.  This month I now have 178!  Won't beat that for a long time.

I have a really sore neck tonight.  I've been using heat and I'll take some Tylenol before going to bed.

Harrison Hot Springs

Dropped library book off at Pru's this morning and was on my way before 9:00.  Stopped in PoCo for brunch at IHOP and then to Mission for 7 caches.

Arrived at Harrison about 3:00 and sat in the pool for 1/2 an hour.  The water really felt good on my sore joints.

Had dinner at the Chilliwack Airport - chicken stew with biscuits and peach/blackberry pie.

Lazy day

My headache was finally gone today but it tired me out so I just stayed in and finished my James Lee Burke book, Glass Rainbow, so I could get it to Pru while there's still a couple of weeks before it has to go back to the library.

Headache

Woke up with a headache and it lingered throughout the day.  An excuse to watch PVR and read.

Sadie started walking with a walker today and the doctor says the bones have healed.  I told her she'd be running by Halloween.

Home again

Lori got up at 7 this morning and headed off with her sister-in-law.  They took the logging road to Lake Cowichan that we were on yesterday.  They were aiming at finding the remaining 80 of the 100 caches.

Pam and I stayed in bed for a bit and then had breakfast in the hotel.  We started off just before 9 and found caches in Port Alberni.  Stopped at Tim Horton's for lunch and then worked our way back to Coombs.  Even found one in Cathedral Grove.

Picked up several loaves of bread at Coombs and then off to the ferry at Duke Point.  We boarded the 5:45 and had dinner on board.  I was home at 8:45.

Found 17 caches today for a total of 70 for the weekend - now at 1077.

Port Alberni Geo-Cathlon

Attended 3rd Annual event at the McLean "Steam" Sawmill outside town. It drizzled and rained on and off but was quite warm. We walked "a lot" and I was glad when we finished the 10 caches. I won a door prize and bought a few things.

Lori's sister-in-law took us to some more caches and drove us part way up the logging road she and Lori will do tomorrow. We found the 1st 20 of the 100. My knees acted up in the back of the truck and it hurt climbing down so I read the clues and others got drenched!

I am now at 1,061 - 54 in 2 days.

Killer whales

Picked up Lori and Pam and started off for a geocaching event in Port Alberni. A pod of about 50 killer whales entertained us before the ferry left.

I am now at 1,027 caches. We stopped for tea at Lori's mom's in Parksville and dinner under the goats at Coombs. Drizzled on and off.

We are now in a Howard Johnson.

Access denied

Picked up Mae and arrived at the Cancer Agency just in time for my 10:30 chemo.  Everything went quickly and I was out in under an hour.  Good music on my iPhone and a good book help.

Out to Richmond to return something to Chapters and picked up lunch in one of the Chinese malls.

Talked to Matt tonight.  Sadie is not having an easy time at school.  She loves Kindergarten and they like the teacher.  At first she was denied access as she was in a wheelchair.  That changed the next day but she was not allowed to take part in the Terry Fox Run because there were stairs or a hill.  Now she is not allowed to use the elevator with the daycare teacher who takes the class to the afternoon kindergarten class.  What the fuck?

I used my connections to get the story to an Associate Superintendent.  See how long that principal keeps making stupid decisions.  So much for inclusiveness.

Sadie is just zooming along in her recovery and should be using a walker next week. 

Check up day

Bloodwork at 9:45 this morning and then saw an oncologist at 11.  It was a new one today and she said I seemed just fine and to carry on.

Picked up a couple of books at VPL and a few groceries and then home.  Too tired to do much of anything.  Dozed a bit in the afternoon.

1,007 caches

Picked up Pam and headed across the border this morning.  We found caches from Birch Bay to Bellingham and back.  My count was 26 for a total of 1,007.  This month is now my best ever at 94.

Lunch was at the Shrimp Shack and dinner was at Taco Bell.  Filled up with gas at COSTCO for $2.85.  The range of prices at the different stations was nuts.  I think the highest was $3.59.

Our last couple were in the dark so we finally decided to come home.  The border was fine once we explained geocaching and I was home by 9.

Cactus Club

Had a quiet day just reading and watching TV.

Met Louise at the Cactus Club for dinner and then we went to our support group.  Cost me $15 to park at the Cancer Agency.  It is just so unfair to overcharge cancer patients.

Cleaning day

Mel and her kids came today to clean and do the laundry.  The sun came out a bit when they left but decided to just stay in and watch TV (PVR).  Like the new Sherlock series.  Also like the new Jimmy Smits, Outlaw.  Recorded Boarwalk Empire and will watch later.

My blog is getting a lot of hits from the U.S. as someone with my name was murdered.

BCTLA

The BCTLA Executive met at the BCTF building from 9 - 4 today.  We always seem to end on the last item on the agenda.  With the new constitution this was the first time I've had a vote and it felt good.  

We walked to the Wicklow Pub in False Creek for lunch.  Good food and service.

I was tired enough that I just went straight home at the end of the day.

Personal GPS service

Thought it was going to rain all day so decided to stay in, especially since I have been out every day for a while.  Of course that meant the sun came out!

Moira called on the way to Harrrison Hot Springs.  Her ride went early so she had to drive.  I stayed on the phone for over an hour and took her over the Knight St Bridge, on the N/W connector to the Fraser Bridge, down 88th to 200th and across Golden Ears, then out Lougheed.  She took a few wrong turns (onto Dewdney Trunk) but I got her there and avoided all rush hour traffic jams and bridge construction.

After all that driving  I didn't feel like cooking so went to the White Spot.

Another caching day

Felt pretty good to start the day but finally had some problems and threw up a bit in the afternoon.  Headed home after that.

Found 6 caches - along 0 Avenue, in Abbotsford and Langley.  Total is now 981 - 19 to go!!

It drizzled in the morning but was quickly hot.  Might be the last break until our Geocaching Tuesday comes around again.

Just had some soup and a scone for dinner.  Maybe now it's time for some more tea.

Support group

Went to the Women with Metastatic Cancer Group at the Cancer Agency today.  We actually had a proper tea with treats from the Secret Garden in Kerrisdale.  Great way to start a day.  Always helps to meet with others in the same boat.  All of us know we aren't going to "get better" but we just want to live with our diseases.

The day was nice so I found 3 caches in Delta and 2 in Surrey.  Did some shopping on Scott Road - birthday present at Chapters, pens and an iPhone battery booster at Staples and money at VanCity.  Was home in time for Murder She Wrote at 4.

Woke up with a headache but took a painkiller early and it stayed away.

Burnaby Lake bonanza!

Met Lori and Pam at Burnaby Lake for our 2nd Tuesday of caching.  We left Lori's car at the first stop and I drove them around the lake to park mine.  We then walked back to Lori's.  During the celebration of geocaching's 10th birthday, caches were hidden around the lake.  The rules state that they must be separated by a minimum of 0.1 miles (528 feet or 161 m).  We found a new one every 161 m!

Finally found Lori's car and drove to Lougheed Hwy for lunch at a pub.  Then back down a road on the south side of the lake for some more finds.  Wandered around a bit and then went to Anni's for dinner.  She fed us lasagna and peach pie.  Wonderful!

Lori took me back to my car and we found a final cache close by to bring our total to 36.  This beat my previous record of 28 in a day and my total is now 970.

Had planned on charging my iPhone during the night but forgot to turn on the power bar.  That resulted in the charge being completely drained.  Boosted it with the car charger and battery backup but it finally gave up the ghost.  Must be better organized.

Christiane

Had an appointment at St. Paul's today to have tests to check that the pill I take for the Sjogren's isn't damaging my eyes.  I passed with flying colours.  Two were for colour and one was to check periferal vision.

Picked up Mae at 3:15 and we went to Chris's funeral.  Saw many friends.  Another from my retreat group gone.

KLEINER, Christiane August 20, 1961 to September 8, 2010 Our beautiful and beloved Christiane has slipped away. Family and friends in Canada, Germany and the United States mourn. A memorial service will be held at St. Margaret's Cedar Cottage Anglican Church (1530 E. 22nd Avenue) on Monday, September 13 at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to the Callanish Society ( www.callanish.org/).

 

Mae needed  prescription from London Drugs so we ate at the salad bar in Whole foods while we waited.

 

Rainy day

Went out in the rain this morning to return an overdue library book.  Kept renewing it and just couldn't care enough to finish it.  Picked up a latte and then off to the last day of the Ladner Market.  Started with a halibut burger and loaded up on tomatoes, jam, pickles, pickled beets, homous, tarts...

Spent the afternoon watching the last 6 episodes of 24 that I had been saving.  Power corrupts!

 

Go Lions

After 7 losses, we creamed Toronto and are in 3rd place.  Much better game.

Spent the day reading and watching TV.  My gut is a bit upset so didn't want to stray far from home.

VTLA BBQ

Did a load of laundry this morning.  Also carried printer to car and will try to give it away tonight - heavy!

Picked up a steak at IGA and then to Mary's for the annual VTLA Executive BBQ.  They invited a Pam & I even though we are retired.  Lovely evening and even found a new home for the printer.

Pretty achy and tired so didn't stay very late.  Another member of our Callanish retreat died this week.  Our little group is now so small!

Blood clot

Picked up Mae and was at the Cancer Agency for my 10:00 blood test.  Saw my trial nurse and she said the latest CT-Scan shows the blood clot that was sitting on top of the port-a-cath is now gone!  The heart specialist had said we had 3 choices - take out the port, go on blood thinners or wait and see.  We all voted for door number 3 and ended up being right.

Had a new nurse for chemo today and it went really smoothly.  Visited with Mae and Darline a bit.

Out to Richmond for some fresh produce and a few things at London Drugs.  Celebrated with an ice cream cone (chocolate, raspberries, walnuts) at Marble Slab.

Lee Valley

Didn't feel well this morning so didn't get up until after 10 and stayed in until late afternoon.

I do like the service at Lee Valley.  Took the cane back I bought in April.  It got stuck in the dirt on Sunday and came apart when I pulled.  Turned out there is a point beyond which you shouldn't extend it.  I had seen that mark but couldn't help it.  I was all ready to buy a new one since it was my fault and they exchanged it!  

Stocked up on groceries at Safeway.  I was out of everything!

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.