Why plan?

Most of my plans this week have been in vain.  Today. Was going to Delta but the fire alarm inspection didn't happen until almost 3.  By that time, the traffic reports easily convinced me to go in the other direction.  Found a neat cache by the community gardens near Arbutus & 5th.

Had an early dinner at George's on Arbutus and was home by 5.

Still sore and swollen.  Icing helps.

Coffee with Chris

Grabbed an easy cache near MacDonald and 16th for #15.  Met Chris E. at Beans Around the world by 57th & the Boulevard.  Sat for 2 hours.  Grabbed Chinese food at Oakridge on the way home.

My leg is huge.  It was hard swinging it into the bathtub but getting into the car was a bit easier today.

What sunset?

My drugs were delivered today.  Such an efficient pharmacy in Coquitlam.

Stayed in all day and then went to adult Pirate Pack Day at the White Spot.  Couldn't even get close to the door and was in no shape to stand in line.  Had a steak sandwich at the X-Site Grill and Bistro on Hastings instead.  

Arrived at the parking lot at the top of Burnaby in time for a sunset event.  Cloudy and drizzling.  Didn't stay long.  Day 14. 

Day 13

Went to COSTCO for water and pens.  Not too busy. No one near to pick up the flats for me.  Sometimes I get lucky.

Third day in a row I couldn't get to my first choice as the terrain was too hard.  Climbed ivermectin small rocks and discovered a pile of crap (and paper) next to Ground Zero.  Gave up before I broke something.  Had to stop at a pub for the bathroom - should have eaten there.  Grabbed an easy cache by the IGA and picked up a taco salad on the way home.  Too bushed to buy groceries.

ICBC

Went to the ICBC Claims Centre to have my accident evaluated.  Couldn't believe that it's going to be    over $1500 to fix.  There is a dent and the bumper wheel well panel and assented door need painting. Also need a new mirror.  No delectable to pay and I'll get a courtesy car (so I can keep geocaching).  Think I'll wait until I've seen the radiation oncologist next week.

First cache I looked for was out of reach over some boulders (NOT 1.5 terrain) but I got an easy one at Rupert Park.  Picked some Japanese food for lunch and dinner.

Fire alarm went off so I carried the garbage out on the way to meet my neighbours outside.  Apparently this was the second time today.  No sign of fire.  Stayed outside until the fire fighters turned it off as it was so loud.

Tea with Mary

Tried unsuccessfully to reach a cache at UBC on the way to Mary's for tea.  Sat on the deck watching the hummingbirds come to te feeder.  Perfect Vancouver afternoon.  Passed on a ride in her new sports car as I'd never have gotten out of it as it was too low down.

Should have tried for a first to find on Sea Island but a thunder storm opened up just as I was getting up to go.  Drove right up to it on the way home.

My foot and groin were not happy by the time I got home.  Elevation, ice, Tylenol.

Tennis and soccer

Went to East Vancouver for today's cache.  Picked up lunch at the White Spot and was home in time for the tennis.  Hard to cheer when both are Canadians.  White Caps won in a good game.

No improvement in swelling.

Day of waiting

They were starting at 11 to check our smoke and heat detectors.  The alarms went off from time to time but they never made it to my suite.  The van left at 4:30 so I headed out.  The plan for the day was shot.  Found another cache on the dike at the end of Frances.  Easier when you know what you're looking for.

Decided to try Pajo's for halibut & chips.  No lineup and even got a picnic table on the beach.  

Leg and foot still big.

Richmond dike

Found a cache on the dime at the end of Steveston Hwy.  Another cacher stopped with a nudge in the right direction.  Picked up some essentials at London Drugs on the way home.

Cancer Agency called with an appointment on Aug. 20th with Dr. David Voduc.  He'll decide if some radiation might shrink the big lymph node at the top of the right leg to allow more drainage.  Still have a big foot and leg today.

Fat leg

Found an easy cache in a birdhouse on River Road in Richmond.  Picked up some Cinese on the way home.

Been icing my foot but my whole leg is swollen tonight.

Check up day

Met Lori at a dog park in Queensborough for today's cache.  We then had lunch with Anni and Gunnar at a nearby Tim Horton's.  They must have been stuck in a horrible crush of traffic as a truck was stalled in the middle of the bridge.  I headed west on the Connector and was at my appointment early.

Saw Karen for the first time in ages.  Tumour markers are 46 and my weight up a bit. The CT Scan results weren't back so she'll call me.   My foot was really swollen.  The tumours in my groin are still big and hurt most of the time.  There are about 6 of the new skin mets.

The plan is to see if a radiation oncologist thinks shrinking the tumours will help the leg drainage.  My next appointment will be in a month instead of two.  I'm to start icing the foot as well as keeping it up.

Picked up a BBQ chicken at Safeway.   Should last a few meals.

Last cache with Pam

Met Pam in Champain Heights for today's cache.  She brought back 2 bags of laundry.  Tomorrow she leaves for Australia to visit her son.  Won't be back until Sept. 26th.

Stopped at Dairy Queen for a treat and then home to put my swollen foot up.

Lunch with Chris

Found today's cache at South Memorial Park.  First time I've driven in - there really is a memorial.

Had lunch with Chris and Yuriko at his place.  Nice to sit outside now it isn't so hot.

My right foot is still really swollen so I spent the rest of the day keeping it up.

New dog

Left home just before 1:00.  Picked up a latte and headed to Matt's.  Found today's cache just off Clarke Rd.  was supposed to be. 1.5 terrain but it was much harder.  Once I spotted it hanging in a tree, I couldn't give up.  Should have used the grabbers.

Bought some stones at the Village Toy Shop to go with the book on rocks I was giving Lily for her birthday.  Also gave her a couple of dog stories.  Met Lulu, their new chocolate lab cross.  Very calm dog.  They are fostering her for a few weeks to make sure she's a good fit.  She's 2 1/2 and from a rescue place.  No sign that she's been mistreated. The man who owned her in the U.S. just couldn't look after her.

Bought some groceries at Thrifty's and was home just after 5:00.  The drive felt good but my righ foot has been swollen the last few days.

August #2

Met Pam at a cache this afternoon.  We both have our second out of 31 possible caches for August.

We went to the Little Mountain Coffee Company at 33rd and Main for a visit.  I'll go back as the service was friendly and the latte was good. Also like the gay friendly password for the WiFi.  Pam took two bags of my laundry to do before she leaves for Australia. 

Did some shopping for Lily's birthday at Kidsbooks and then picked up some Chinese takeout at Oakridge Mall.  

Fire

Just heard someone yelling fire.  A car was burning one apartment building away.  I called 911 and watched from the safety of my window.


Today is the beginning of a challenge to find a cache every day in August.  Grabbed a new one near a mansion in Shaughnessy that was owned by a whisky baron.

Met Louise, Gwen and Wanda at Shizenya on Broadway for dinner - I ate a lot.  Always good to get caught up.

Car accident

Was driving on Alderbridge next to Landsdowne Mall just after 2 this afternoon.  A woman driving a red SUV changed lanes and hit me.  I could see the front of her car coming towards my front passenger side so drove over a little cement bumper onto a grassy medium.  Managed to avoid the trees!   I must have been in her blind spot.  She was very upset that I might be hurt but I don't think so.  Got a headache and my leg hurt but that's normal these days.  It might have made it worse.  My right ankle and foot are swollen again but don't hurt.

My mirror has no glass and it left a big black scrape on her car, as if the plastic melted as we scraped past.  We both have streaks of white - not sure why.  She is missing the door handle on the back door.  Would have been a lot worse if I hadn't swerved away.

I continued on to meet Moira for coffee.  By the time I got home, the other driver had done her ICBC report and said just what I did.  Love honest people.  Because my car is 10 years old, I can't just go to a body shop.  My appointment at a claim centre isn't until Aug. 12th.  Really hard driving without that mirror.  I'm trying not get into to many situations where I have to change into the right lane.

Summer tires

Finally took my car in for servicing at Open Road Toyota in the Richmond Auto Mall.  Arrived at 9:45 and left at 3:10.  A long day and it cost $740.  So glad to have the summer tires on.  Haven't been driving much and was way below the mileage for the regular servicing.  Didn't have to pay for the airbag recall.  Walked across the street to Fenders for lunch - great egg salad on rye.

My toaster oven gave up the ghost while doing my toast this morning so bought a new one at London Drugs.  Also upgraded my Kobo to the Kobo Aura HD at Chapters.  Never can find the clip on light when I need it.  This one is built in.  The screen is also bigger.

Got home just in time to see Toronto demolish the Lions.

Didn't sleep well last night.  Lost of aches.  After sitting for 5 hours today, the tumour at the top of my leg was really sore.  It seems to have settled down now.

CT Scan again

Usually have CT Scans a few months apart but had one today. Guess Dr. wants see if there is anything getting worse after being off my drug for a few weeks.  Went quickly.  I always wear clothes with no metal to save having to change.  We warmed my arm in a hot blanket and a vein was easily found.

Did some shopping at Granville Island (trick is to go before 11:00) and Safeway.  Used my cart to carry everything up the stairs.

Baseball and Golf

Watched the Blue Jays win and the end of he Canadian Open.

Busy week coming so decided to stay in this weekend.

Still no rain

We might get through July with no rain at all.  We need rain soon for the forests.

Felt better today.  Watched 4 hour mini series on Lewis & Clark.  History is so much more interesting in the hands of Ken Burns.

I have ankles

Nearly all the swelling is gone.  Gave myself another day of sitting in my Lazy Boy.

Now my problem is I'm not going to th bathroom.  Can't win.

I hate Canadian Tire

i decided tomgive Canadian Tire another chance. As usual they didn't seem to have what I wanted (folding lawn chair), there was no one to ask and it is hard to get out.  Went to London Drugs for some good service.

Sat in the shade by the river for a bit.  Finally came home as my headache started up.

Coffee with TLs

Busy day today.  Visited my dentist for my 6 mo. checkup.  Once I retired, my extended dental plan stopped paying for two a year.  I pay anyway as they check my lymph nodes and look for anything funny in my mouth.  Problems are a side effect of one of my drugs but they found nothing wrong.

Joined a weekly meeting of teacher-librarians at a coffee shop near 57th and the Blvd.  first one I've been able to attend.  There were 6 of us and we sat outside for a couple of hours.  Bought 1/2 a roasted chicken at Capers to take care of a few meals.

My right ankle still has some swelling but I was able to graduate to wearing sandals.  Felt good to be out.  Still having some pain in one tumour and some cramping but am improving every day.

Too hot

Okay, enough!   I want some rain to cool me down and water the plants.   Didn't feel well again in the afternoon and think it is the heat.  My fans do a good job but it has been hot all month.

Better day

Felt better today.  Could even see some of my ankles.  The right one puffed up tonight but not as much as last week.  The headache still pops back when I stand up but doesn't last.

Lazy Sunday

Watched the British golf this morning.  Spent the day reading and watching TV.  Caught up on The Killing - watched 5 in a row.

Feet still improving.  Gut a bit upset and the headache kept trying to come back.

Slow day

Think the swelling in my feet is slowly getting better.  Didn't feel great today and just listened to music and read.

Finished J.K. Rowling's The Cuckoo's Calling.  Really enjoyed it.  She is still a good storyteller.

Fresh produce

Went to Richmond for blueberries, raspberries, peaches, fresh local corn...  Picked up a bento box on the way home that took care of lunch and dinner.

Feeling better than yesterday but still have a bit of a headache.

Not a good day

Went to bed last night with a headache and it has lasted all day.   Tried to doze as much as possible.

It was a weird day.  Couldn't read the newspapers at the library site.  PressDisplay wanted money.  After a few hours it started being free again.  My TV went black in the middle of the morning news.  Finally got someone at Shaw to reset everything and got the signal back.

Definitely a good day to hide inside with the fans going.

Busy morning

I had to be at the Cancer Agency at 9:30 for bloodwork.  Always easy with my port.

Found a chair with a stool so I could put my feet up until my mets group at 10:30.  Comforting to be greeted at the door by the same two volunteers who make me a cup of tea.  Large group today.  One person needed to talk a lot so others didn't say much.  I was tired and my feet were uncomfortable.

Bought food for lunch and dinner at Max's on the way home.  Slept part of the afternoon.

Hot day

Good thing I have efficient fans.  Spent the day inside where it was relatively cool.

Feet seem worse tonight.

Drug restart

Today I started taking my Afinitor again.  We're trying it every second day for a while to see if I get sick again.  Fingers crossed!  

Quick visit to Byrne & Marine.  Bought bunch of stuff at London Drugs and some bread and lemon tarts at Cobs.  Brought home a 1/4 chicken from Nando's.  ate part for lunch and finished it off with a side salad at dinner.

Feet and ankles still swollen.  Just have to be patient.

Quiet day

Spent the whole day with my feet up. Still swollen.

Eating well. Getting used to three proper meals a day.  Hard to break decades old habits.

Geocaching Get Outdoors Day

Actually went out this morning to find a cache for Geocaching Get Outdoors Day.  Picked an easy one at Columbia Park (43rd and Alberta).  Stopped at my little Safeway storefront for a couple of prescriptions.  Grabbed a latte and a scone on the way home.  

Spent the rest of the day with my swollen feet up.  Luckily, my apartment is cool with the fans going.  

Granville Island

Arrived at Granville Island at 10.  Not many people yet and lots of parking.  Bought some bacon, Okanagon cherries and a few other things, including an egg salad sandwich for my lunch.  Dropped of a prescription at my Safeway and was home by 11.

Feeing a bit better today except the swollen feet.  Kept them up most of the day.

More cancer

The doctor called to say the biopsies showed the breast cancer has spread to the skin.  Apparently, it does happen.  If it is odd, I'm the one to do it.  She's been in contact with Karen and we have a plan.  If I'm feeling well, I'm to start the Afinitor on Sunday or Monday and take it every second day. I'll have bloodwork next week and have a tentative appt.  the next week.  If I'm feeling okay, we'll cancel that one and I'll see Karen the next week when she comes back.

Felt a bit queezy all day but ate well.  Bad sleep last night with the swollen feet, but dozed off a few times.  Went to Richmond this morning for some groceries and local berries.

Biopsy

Saw one of the doctors working with Karen this morning.  My diarrhea is back so they decided to have me start the Afinitor on Monday and only take it every other day.  I have more growths in a line across my abdomen, along my hysterectomy scar line.  Might be skin cancer so I went to the Agency for a fine wire biopsy

The doctor was really skilled at putting me at ease just by chatting.  He did the two largest lumps - 2 wires in one and 3 in the other.  Simple procedure and hardly hurt.  Didn't even need band aids.

Drove straight home and kept my puffy feet up for the rest of the day.

GP checkup

Drove myself to se my GP.  He said to keep my feet up to help the swelling go down.  They are a bit better each day.  Gave me orders for fasting blood test for diabetes and I have to grow out my toenail (cut it today) so they can test a clipping for fungus.  No rush for either.

Stopped at the 25th & Oak Safeway for some groceries.  Got a BBQ chicken that will last a few days.

Sleep

Had a long sleep.  It was nice not to have blood taken at 5am.  Felt a bit sick in the afternoon but it passed.  Just took a Tylenol for a beginning headache and a few sore tumours.

Did all the dishes I'd left in the sink and dealt with a pike of mail.  Tried not to stand too much as my feet were starting to swell more.  They were bad when I went to bed but smaller this morning.

The hospital called to make sure I was okay and the Cancer Agency gave me an appointment for Wednesday.

Home from 9 days in hospital

I was getting sicker, so Pam & Lori took me to the doctor on Thursday, June 27th.  Mine was booked up so I saw another.  He ordered tests and said he'd call on Saturday.  When he talked to me he said to go to emergency.  Moira took me to VGH.  Iwas actually past the waiting room and lying Dow in about 10 minutes - triage works.  I was severely dehydrated and my heart was racing.   A few hours later I was in a private room with a killer view of downtown and the mountains.

They started pumping fluids in. I had to be quick to unplug my pole and roll it to the bathroom.   Luckily they used my port right away so I didn't have too many pokes.  Can't believe how much blood was drawn.  Different types of specialist kept coming and the GI fellow did a colonoscopy.  After a couple of week of barely eating or drinking, it was impossible to chug 4 liters of the prep.  Did enough and the test showed nothing.  They took a bunch of biopsies but I don't know the results.

Started feeling better and eating properly.  Things aren't back to normal, but moving in the right direction.  My biggest problem is swollen legs and feet and the pesky fungus infection in my toe.

Pru brought me home.  We stopped at Max's and bought stuff for lunch and dinner.  Even have leftovers for tomorrow.

I'm off my Afinitor and talked by email with my oncologist this afternoon.  I'm going in a week Tuesday to see what to do next.  Will see my GP this Tuesday.  The hospital thinks this could have been a reaction to the drug or that I just picked up a strange bug that they couldn't find.

 

Not hungry

Still not feeling well.  Haven't eaten much for days.

Ordered groceries from Stong's online.  Should come tomorrow.

Still sick

Felt a bit better Monday but threw up a few times in the morning.  Managed a bit of soup for dinner.

Headache put me in bed at 9.

Another bad day

Sunday was not a great day.  One of those nights where I had to decide whether to sit or kneel.

Finally went to bed at 8 pm.

Shaky day

Didn't really feel well all day.  Probably a result if yesterday morning.

No energy so didn't do much.

Bad start

Woke up this morning with bad diarrhea that lasted all morning. A side effect I don't welcome.

Met Matt at VanCity and made him co-owner of all my accounts.  Haven't checked to see if he's cleaned me out.

After a bathroom stop at the nearby Starbucks, I headed home with a scone and a latte.  

Geocaching in the rain

I met Maureen at Lori's and we went to Coquitlam for a specific cache.  Found a few more (I logged 2 & they had 5).  Pouring rain so they were wet enough for one day.  

Lori had some magazines to drop off at Anni's.  She fed us lunch.   Always a treat to see her.  

Made it home before the traffic got bad.  It had taken an hour to get to Lori's in the morning instead of 20 minutes.  

TV off

My mets group this morning was a large group.  Useful as usual.

Picked up Japanese food at Applause and split it between lunch and dinner.  Manage to spill something on me every day.  Must do laundry.

TV signal all messed up tonight.  PVR plays so I know the TV is okay.  Better be.

Checkup

You can always tell things aren't perfect when the doctor goes to fetch Karen Gelmon.  My tumour markers are slowly dropping and my weight has stayed the same. The CTScan shows most tumours are the same and a few have grown.  There's something in both lungs but it could just be leftover from my infection in March.  I showed them 3 new growths that I can feel and they found another in my neck.

It was mostly good news and Karen doesn't like jumping to change medications.  I'll have another checkup in 6 weeks instead of 8.  While it wasn't all good news, it could have been a lot worse.  I pointed out that I can manage my side effects and they weren't enough to make me want to stop this treatment.

Treated myself to halibut and chips at Pajo's on the beach in Steveston.  Finally got some local strawberries on the way home.

Day off

I've had a busy couple of weeks, so Monday was a lazy day.  Reading, TV and card games on my iPad.   Too many games!  

Father's Day

Lots if posts on Facebook, so I added some photos of my Dad.  He died 44 years ago.


Had a great lunch at Chris's. he and Yuriko  did some BBQ chicken & salad.   Can't remember when I've eaten so much.  No nausea today.  We sat outside for several hours.

Haircut

Friday was a busy day.  Stopped at VanCity when I realized I had no cash at all.  Also got some U.S. money to pay for a package and wine in Point Roberts this week.  Finally got a haircut.  It was the longest in years.  Mae was excited by the curls and wave at the back.  I was happy to have a cooler head.

Bought a bag of  groceries at IGA.  My manager came charging up the stairs behind me, grabbed the bag and left it at my door.

Had a long nap and then Moira called to ask me to go for dinner at the White Spot.  It is their 85th anniversary and they have a menu of oldies.  Chose Chicken Pick'ns.  The batter brought back memories.  I would have that and my Mother would eat Chicken in the Straw.  Remember kneeling in the back seat to reach the tray.

Shaky day

Decided it was a long week and im feelin off, so I needed a day of rest.

Sad news about Michele's cancer.  She's had it as long as I have.

CT Scan

Picked my prescription and had a CT Scan at the Cancer Agency.  The line kinked and they had to take it out and try again. My veins are a challenge at times.  The tech was a parent at Weir. Always easier with a friendly face.

No point in planning anything else after drinking so much water, so I came home.  Slept for part of the afternoon.  Feeling a bit sick tonight.

Long night

Stayed in my Lazy Boy until 6 and then back to bed until 9:30.  In the end, I got a lot of sleep and the pain went away.

Arranged with Janet and Marilyn on Fridaybto see them today but guess they forgot.  Glad to have the day in (and close to the bathroom).

UBC Caching

Lucky I went early to te Cancer Agency for my bloodwork as it took an hour. My dermatologist gave me an order for nutrition and thyroid test and said it should be easy to add to regular test - NOT.   They has to phone my oncologist as only a staff doctor could order tests.  The orders had to be redone and more labels made.  Gave up 8 vials of blood and finally left with the nurses still doing paperwork.  Last time I'll do that to them. 

Was late getting back home to meet Lori and Maureen but they used the time to find a cache.  We worked our way along to UBC.  Good lunch at Togo Sushi, but very salty.  Got home just after 4 and drank a whole bottle of water.  Fell asleep a couple of times while waiting for the others.  

My leg started hurting and I went to bed at 8:30.  Slept for a few hours and have now moved to the chair.  Still hurting but not as much.  

Good intentions

I was going to get a haircut and groceries but ended up staying in.  Did a few chores.

Busy day tomorrow so lazing around seemed the right thing to do.

Tony night

Slept in and then listened to an amazing interview with Temple Gradin about autism.  A brilliant woman who admits if she had been born 20 years earlier, she would have been institutionalized, not a professor.

Watched several episodes of Game of Thrones and then the Tony Awards.  Best award show on TV.

Seasons in the Park

Today was Pru's 65th and a bunch of us took her to lunch at Seasons in the Park.  First time I've seen the renovations and they are spectacular.  We sat outside with a view of the mountains.  They couldn't make a good cup of tea, but the food and service were very good.  I had the Andouille Sausage corn bread, poached eggs & charred pepper puree.

Some of them went to the races in a stretch limo.  I didn't know about it beforehand and decided to skip it.  Judy seemed to be running everything and I find her very tiring.  Too loud!

Watched some hockey and soccer.

Dermatologist

Saw my dermatologist at 11:45.  My skin is doing better.  She said to try Veralac on my nails.  I just have to get the Witchcraft off first.  My big toe still looks gross. The bruising on the nail is actually green and a fungus infection.  Have to stop the salt soaking and try vinegar and water.  

Picked up bread for dinner at Granville Island.  Also added some meat loafs and bacon. Then to Liberty wines for Pru's birthday present.  Got the Veralacat Shopper's on the way home. 

Family dinner at Pru's to welcome Janet and Maureen. I arrived at 5.  Finally met Jack.  Cute and well behaved baby.  I was done in by 8 and soon left.  

Disappointing day

Janet and Maureen hoped to finish the rehearsal in time to meet at the White Spot at noon.  Got up and sipped some tea while waiting.  It didn't happen.

Finally, I drove to Byrne Rd and shopped at London Drugs, Cobs & M&M Meats.  Needed my cart to get the stuff upstairs.  Enough effort for one day.

Was starving, so got some chicken at Nando's.  Finally ate after 2.  Saved the salad and some chicken for dinner.

Recovery day

Someone called early (8:30 is early when you stay up late) and woke me up. Didn't even look to see who.  Dozed on and off for a bit and finally realized I didn't have to go to my mets group.  Needed a day of nothing.

Solved some puzzles, played games and watched TV.  All of a sudden it was dinner time.

To the North Pole

Lori and Pam picked me up at Ironwood (#5 & Steveston) and we picked up Maureen in Surrey.  Found several traditional and puzzle caches in North Surrey.  Dropped off Maureen Nd Pam to look after Maureen's grandson until a parent got home.  Lori and I had lunch at White Spot on Scott Rd.

After stopping at her house, we headed through the tunnel in the HOV lane.  What a difference - you miss all the merging.  Picked up my car and we all converged on Garry Point in Steveston at 4:30 where sweetmarie was waiting.  Lori kayaked over to the lighthouse to sign the log for the North Pole.  When she came back for water and nuts, i got really tired and headed home with some halibut & chips.  Lori continued down Shady Island to sign a few more logs for the others.  They moved the vehicles down to the weir to wait for her - she didn't finish until about 7.  I never would have lasted that long.

My leg started hurting again but I took some Tylenol right away and it settled down.

Pills

Talked to Afinitor in Ottawa about my pills.  They called Pacific Blue Cross while I was on hold.  PBC will now cover me and the company will pick up my share until I reach $1,000 each year.  The drug costs $6,000/year and I will reach my $200,000 with PCB in 2 1/2 years.  That will mean no more coverage for anything - drugs, physio, ambulance...   Doesn't seem fair to sick people.

Better day

Ended up getting about 8 hours keep last night.   Still fell asleep again during the day.

Watched women's soccer lose 3-0 to U.S.  They have such a strong bench. Hard to compete with such a big country.

Love Sunday night T.V.!

Port Moody

Drove to Matt's today.  I finally gave Sadie her birthday present.  She didn't seem to mind the late delivery.  We went to the White Spot for lunch.  Only managed half my meal.

Bought some groceries at Thrifty's on the way home.  Didn't feel too tired when I got home.

Tonight my left leg started hurting.  Went to bed at 8:30 for a while.  Finally got up and seemed to settle.  Still hurts, but not as much.

Cactus Club

Met Sarah and Louise at the Ash & Broadway for lunch.  Wasn't feeling well at first but polished off most of my food.  Nice to spend a couple of hours catching up.

Too tired to do much else, so headed home for a long nap.  Pacific Blue Cross woke me up to say they will cover my drug.  Very nice woman.  Too late to call the company in Ottawa so have to wait until Monday.  I want to know if I have to pay 20% myself.

Note to self - don't move to Oklahoma.

Bit of housework

Actually did a bit of housework. Also played games (Mahjong, Tetris, Bejewelled) and watched T.V.

Getting warmer, even though its cloudy.

Phone calls

Returned some phone calls.  My drug is coming on Monday from Coquitlam.  I alo talked to the main company in Ottawa & Pacific Blue Cross on a conference call.  Gave everyone permission to share information.  PBC is refusing to pay for the drug so we appealed.  Now the need a letter from my oncologist to say I really need it.

Whitecaps didn't play well enough to win the Canadian championship.  They need a spark.

Puzzle day

Started out in Point Roberts.  Filled up the gas tank and picked up a parcel.  Bought a charger that will work with my iPad, iPhone and iTouch.

Met Pam and Maureen at Lori's and we worked on puzzles.  Far too much rain to be caching.



Got so tired, I had to take a nap before leaving.  Was almost hit on Ladner Trunk by a driver changing lanes.  My brakes worked well

Slept some more when I got home.  Glad to have leftovers from our lunch - egg sandwich and hamburger soup.  

My groin is quite painful, but I'll try bed.

Rainy afternoon

Good day to stay in.  Did some geocaching work.  Watched good movie on Liberace.  What a different life he would have had if he could just admit to the world that he was gay.  

Toe looks better and the hardener is helping my fingernails.

Mahjong

With all the things to do, I spent the day play on Mahjong on my iPad and catching up on my PVR shows.  Really enjoyed one on Krakatoa.  One f the best recreations of a volcanoes and its aftermath.

Slept until 10 this morning.  Really needed a lazy day.

Geocaching breakfast event

Made it to the Boundary Bay Airport for a geocaching breakfast.  Sat with Pam, Carol and Maureen.  Lots of familiar faces.

Pooped out halfway through my food and came home instead of caching.  Slept most of the afternoon.

Sore ribs tonight. From yesterday's fall?   Can't win.

Callanish Retreat

My mets group used money donated by the Cancer Busters' Dance to spend a day at Callanish.  A great day with art therapy (clay), relaxation, movement and good food.  Would have been perfect if I hadn't tripped over the mats.  Have a few spots that hurt tonight.

My toe is still yucky.  Finished my antibiotics and soaking it in Epsom Salts.

Scandals

At least TV is interesting with all the scandals to follow.  Love this quote: "At worst, he personally ordered it done and chose the people who executed the plan. At the very least, he fostered an attitude within the party [...], chose the managers of the people who committed these crimes and completely and utterly failed to exercise any oversight, supervision or leadership. In the end, it doesn't really matter where [his] actions or lack of them fall on that scale. He is the leader and a leader is responsible for the actions of the people he leads. If he had a right or honourable bone in his body, he’d admit that and resign immediately." - Stephen Harper on Paul Martin, during the Gomery Investigation

Two pills left and the toe is still red but not hot or purple.  

Witchcraft

Took Moira's advice and bought some Witchcraft at Shopper's to harden my nails.  Picked up a bag of groceries next door at the IGA and then home.

My toe is still red but not as bad as it was.  Only a few more pills left.  Gained a new side effect.  Must stay close to home.

Crappy that the Canuck's coach found out he was fired on the news.

Rained out

Didn't go geocaching with Pam.  Rainy and still resting the toe.  Slept part of the afternoon.  I am getting old.

All my favourite shows ending in cliff hangers.  Must stay around to find out what happens.

Blah

Think the antibioti is making me tired and taking away my appetite.  Another day of resting the toe.

Watchednthentornado in Oklahoma.  Always bad when so many kids are killed.  Glad I live here.  Earthquakes don't come as often.

Lazy day

Decided to give my toe the day off. Watched the Sedins lead Sweden to a gold medal. Loved  the golden helmets pulled out at the end.

Sunday night TV is perfect - Masterpiece and Waking the Dead.

Restless day

Had to go to London Drugs and Cobs in Burnaby this morning.  Came home without getting wet.

Tried to rest my toe for the restt of the day. Fell asleep for part of the afternoon.

Antibiotics

My doctor doesn't work on Fridays so they told me to come to the Seymour Clinic as a walk in. Took less than an hour.  The doctor said she'd usually tell me to go home and soak my foot but I was too far gone.  Now I've got 7 days of  Cephalexin.

Had a good lunch at Crepe & Cafe  near 41st and Dunbar  and then filled the prescription at my mini Safeway.  

Infected toe

Met Lori and Pam on Annasis Island and we found caches there and moved to Queensborough, New West, Champlain and Burnaby.  Cleaned up gaps on all our maps.  Started out drizzling and ended up hot.

My toe has been inflamed for a while now but is much worse tonight.  Must find a doctor tomorrow.

Mets group

Hauled myself out of bed in plenty of time to attend the mets group at the Cancer Agency.  A couple of new members came.  One friend not doing well. Goes with the name.

Bought some produce at Granville Island.  Didn't like the soup on offer so stopped at the Sunshine Diner for a grilled cheese sandwich

Four more years of scandal

Nice day so I had halibut and chips at Pajo's.  Sat at a picnic table watching the river traffic and reading my KOBO.  

All set for an NDP majority so was shocked when the Liberals won.  At least it looks like Christy is losing her seat and the Conservatives won nothing.  Of course, the Liberals are really mostly conservative hiding behind the Liberal name.

Dix and his team blew it.  They tried being polite while the Liberals kept flinging shit.  We should have itemized every sleezy thing they've done in the last 12 years.  The list is long.  By the time Dix started talking about them, it was too late.  Many had already voted.  The target should be the opening of the advance polls, not voting day.

Only in B.C.   Sigh.

Almost better

Fixed my KOBO today.  In the middle of the night it came to me I hadn't Googled the problem with the sync.  First site I found told me exactly how to reset to factory settings.  Took a while to do it all but it now works a treat.

Tired after yesterday's headache.  It still tries to come back when I move too much.

Old Headache again

Woke up at 5:30 with the headache I get from time to time, not the one from my drug.  It lasted until bedtime.

Didn't do much of anything.  Had some M&M Meats onion soup for dinner.

Another night in the chair

My left leg started hurting last night so I had to spend the night in the Lazy Boy.

Enjoyed the Whitecaps game.  First win over LA.

Had a quiet day - reading, watching TV, geocaching stuff, resetting old iPhone so I can give it to Sadie and Lily to use as an iTouch.

VESTA Women

Left my car at Lori's and we headed back to White Rock to find the final of yesterday's series.  She solved it last night in 55 minutes!  Still a blur for my mind.  Home by 11:30.

Met nearly 20 women from VESTA at Szechuan Chongqing for dinner.  Good company and good food.  Only ate from the dishes I really liked so I didn't overdo it.  

Home at 8:30 and not too tired.  Even my stomach is behaving.  

Projections

Pam, Lori and spent the day in White Rock. We were working on a difficult bunch of puzzles. I say we, but only Lori can wrap her head around this type of problem.  I did have to tweet a fellow catcher for some help on one of them.  Luckily she always answers.

This cache is part of a series of six puzzles all based on the theme of determining the final coordinates by projecting or intersecting lines from points on the ground. There is also a final. To solve the final you will need to collect clues written on the log book in each of the other puzzles in the series.

Did some shopping at Canadian Tire and was home by four. Started watching TVand suddenly realized it had switched to Chinese.  I had slept for quite a while.

 Nice to be out in the sunshine again.

Dull morning

The morning looked cool and cloudy but the sun came out in the afternoon.

Loved Christy's gaffes today. Who knew you could write in two names on a ballot at the advance polls and get away with it because it is clear who she meant to vote for.  Wish I knew that when I voted last week.

Canuckleheads

Bought a car charger for my new iPhone at Best Buy.  Also got a new plug for the iTouch ans iPad.  It was the plugs that failed, not my cables.  I now have everything charged up.

Bought a bag of groceries at the IGA.  The BBQ chicken should do for several meals.

My brother's old nickname for the Canucks fit tonight.  At least I don't have to convince myself to watch until next season.

Apple day

Started my day in the Oakridge Apple store.  Couldn't have asked for better service.  They honoured my Apple Care on the iPad and gave me a new one for $49.  I had broken the glass.  Then I signed up for another three years with Telus and got an iPhone 5.   My model was old and the battery isn't great.   Several people helped to make sure both were set up and working properly.

On the way home I detoured to Richmond for some Chinese food.  Ate part for a very late lunch and finished it for dinner.

Charging woes

Having trouble charging my iPhone and iPad.  Time to do something about them

Canucks were so bad, I couldn't watch the whole game.

World Wide Flash Mob

Pam organized a WWFM event in Delta -  Bubblefest.  Counting kids, there were over 60 of us.  At 10:00, we all started blowing bubbles in a little Ladner garden.  This was the 10th year and there were about 556 events in 42 countries.   We found another nearby cache on the way back to Lori's.  Lori, Pam and Carol headed to the new power trail that appeared this morning on the dyke near Mud Bay.  They got all 55.  I went home for a nap. They must have ridden about 25 to 30 km altogether.

Whitecaps must be watching the Canucks too much.  Poor game :(

Granville Island

Went to Granville Island his morning.  Now I know not to be there before 11 if I want soup.  Today I had a bowl of lentil soup.  Bought some groceries and then went to the toy store to get some bubbles for tomorrow.

Stopped at Kidsbooks, Ming Wo, Esso VanCity and the Cupcake store as I worked my way down Broadway. Parking in front of each.

Voted at the District Office for my riding. There map was wrong so I wasted time on Kent.  Finally found it on Granville.  Love voting early when there are no lines!

Bought a Canucks donut and wore my shirt all day.  Didn't help.

Dinner out

FedEx delivered my pills this morning.  So efficient after all the fus a couple of months ago.

Met Moira at Applause Japanese Restaurant for dinner.  Just inhaled the food. So nice to have my appetite back.

Feeling pretty good.  My fingernails continue to break.  Funny how something so small can hurt so much.

What time?

By the time I went to bed, both legs hurt in the groin.  For once, it settled down and I got to sleep.  Woke up at the right time but was so tired I just went back sleep.  When I finally looked at the clock it was 10:20 - too late for he 10:30 mets group at he Cancer Agency.

Had to flip between the Whitecaps (winners) and the Canucks (losers).  Couldn't watch to the end of the hockey for the second game in a row. Maybe no one told them it was the playoffs.

White Rock Caches

Every time we clean off the White Rock map, more caches appear.  Went out with Pam and Lori.  I got 17 to take me to 6,102.

It was a beautiful spring day and we had really good fish and chips at Montgomery's Cottage Lunch across from the beach.  

It was a long day. I left home at 8:45 and got back at 5:15.  Felt good and not tired at all.  However, I now have a bit of a headache and the left leg is painful again.  I didn't walk much.  Sitting in the car too long?   

Debate night

Second night without a good sleep. Woke up at 4:30 and finally got up at 7.  Dozed off a few times through the day.

Leaders debate tonight. Amazing Premier Clark can stand there and lie.  She often doged the questions and made a speech about families.  It was like she had memorized a few set pieces and trotted them out when stuck for a real answer.  She was the only one with a bunch of notes.

The spell checker on this site really messes up what I think I am writing.  Have to always check it.

Groceries

Went to the IGA in Richmond and bought a bag of groceries.  I'm good at estimating a bagful to carry up the stairs.

Fell asleep for part of the afternoon.  Was awake for a couple of hours around 3:30 am.  Worst problem righ now is weak fingernails.  They keep ripping.