Bad Betty's Birthday Bash

This weekend we celebrated Bad Betty's 82nd Birthday. It began on Sat when we went and picked her up and brought her back here to spend the night. She opened a few gifts, had a glass of wine and went to bed.


Always the party girl, she did enjoy the gifts she got especially the one from Chris.

But that's a whole different story and sometime down the road I'll tell about it. But not right now.

Sunday she was up at the crack of dawn while the rest of the household was still getting their beauty sleep. Some of us need more than others. Not mentioning any names here. Be quiet.


We drove down to Stanley Park and met up with (most of) John's kids for a Sunday brunch. Niki had everything arranged for us and it was fabulous. It was great to see her and her darling daughter Alaia.

BB was thrilled beyond words. Alaia is such a sweetheart.




Josh and Gina were there looking good. After Gina's health problems and surgeries it's a real thrill to see her looking strong and healthy. They're always lots of fun.



We ate a ton of food and then there was dessert!

This was when the big girls stepped up to the plate and 'took care of things'. Somebody had to do it.



After a few more photo ops we went for a drive through the park. So many memories of family times come to mind and my mom had a warm, nostalgic trip through the park. Lots of stories of how we all learned to swim there, eating the best fish and chips in Vancouver, my dad taking me rowing on Lost Lagoon, it was sweet.

Along the way home we took the scenic route through West Vancouver, into North Vancouver and Deep Cove. There's a cute little store there that Chris and I always go into so we took BB in there and bought her the hat she's wearing now. Sweet huh.

Back to Abby with a car load of pics and memories of a day well spent.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews Turns 69, this is hysterical

To commemorate her birthday , actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan 's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP. One of the musical numbers she performed was 'My Favorite Things' from the legendary movie 'Sound Of Music'. Here are the lyrics she used:

(Sing It!) - If you sing it, its especially hysterical!!!

Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores.

Gotta love getting old.

Old and Cranky

Sometimes in life we are met with old and cranky people. Have you ever met any? hmmm, I think I've known various ones throughout my life, I can still see them in my head and remember names.

When I was a kid there was an old cranky lady who had a perfectly manicured lawn. We lived in the city so all the houses were really close together. Not like now when we live in a townhouse (LOL).

Anyways, cranky old lady had a sign in her yard that said "Keep off the grass". No please or thank-you. I mean we were kids, and back then you didn't do anything without somebody saying please or thank-you. How else would we learn?

My job (self-appointed) was to poke my foot on her grass like I was doing the hokey-pokey. I would keep one foot on the sidewalk and the other one on the grass. It would hardly take any time at all before her front door would open and she'd yell in a voice loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear, "Keep off the grass" and I'd skip on down the street. Smugly.

Anyways, this week one of our old and cranky clients died. Not one of the oldest but definitely one of the crankiest. She was in a scooter and would run over anything that got in her way...didn't matter if it was straps on the floor connected to someone else's chair or a driver's foot...just back 'em up and hit the power.

One time she said to me, "I can never remember your name" and I told her I'd like to keep it that way. When she asked why I told her that way she didn't know my name when she'd call in and complain. She called and complained about everybody and she had this busted look on her face, like 'you know about that'?

So here's to old and cranky...I never want to go there myself. What's wrong with being nice to people? Is it THAT hard?

Happy Wednesday..........

It's been a busy weekend. Friday I drove out to Abby before work to pick up BB. She spent the night here so we could get up bright and early Sat morning and go to Victoria for the day to visit Paul. Paul was quite 'with it' and we enjoyed a nice visit with him. We took him for a walk and out for lunch at a cafe close by.

The nicest thing about where Paul lives is that it's walking distance (even for him) to a selection of shops and cafes. It's in a beautiful neighborhood of Victoria. His accommodations are very nice and bright and he seems to be quite happy living there.

Picked up Chris on the way back to Abby and we all enjoyed a meal out. It's a tiring day for BB and usually takes her a few days to re-cupe.

Yesterday we met some friends for Church and lunch afterwards. We hadn't met them in person before having only communicated online. It's fun to meet new people and exchange stories of our life's journeys. We had a good time with them and chatted long after the meal was finished and they had cleared our plates away.

We headed to the beach afterwards for ice cream and frozen yogurt. Good times. Walking and talking.

This week I want to do some new things. I'm feeling like I'm in a rut so I've determined to do at least one new thing a week. It doesn't have to be something I've never done before, i.e., sky diving but do something 'new' in that it isn't something I always do. Like when's the last time I've washed my car on a Tuesday?

Baby steps. Don't want to just plunge into this with both feet. Gotta take it slow.

Have a good week everyone.............peace out.

The Ocean

I am one of the fortunate people in the world that live a stone's throw away from the beach. OK, a little more than a stone's throw but still pretty darn close. I have always loved the ocean. It calms me, soothes my soul, keeps me grounded (can water do that?) and is a theme of decorating around my house. I love everything connected to the ocean - underwater life...........coral reefs, rocky reefs, marine life, sail boats, light houses, sea shells, lots and lots of sea shells.

I have seen a little bit of the ocean. The Pacific ocean that is. Having grown up on the west coast and travelled down the coast as far as San Diego and living on Oahu surrounded by ocean, you'd think I'd have had my share. Not true.

This morning I drove out to the beach closest to my house just to get my "ahhhhhhh" . I am always in awe of the ocean, how it never looks the same twice.


Off the coast of San Diego.



One of my favorite spots to hang out...the Oregon coast.



Of course, Hawaii..............the best of all coast lines.

Now you can go about your day having had your oceanic fix. You're welcome.

This is FUN

Make a Smilebox photobook

From the Land of Aloha

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Friends

My friend Barbarino and her husband Pete renewed their vows yesterday. It was a beautiful day, just perfect weather wise. They had gotten married in January in a civil ceremony but wanted to have a summer reception with their friends and family.

I really liked the way they said their vows, they were personal and not something copied out of a book.


Their vows really reflected their personalities and their love for each other. It was nice to be there.


BS and I have been friends for a long time and although we don't see each other a lot we always laugh a lot when we do get together.



This is what Chris looks like with a purse. It's actually my purse and she was holding it for me while I went and got her cake. She doesn't actually own a purse of her own.

Congratulations Barb and Pete!

Get Smart

The movie. Probably also some good advice (haha), like why would anyone say Get Dumb?

My friend Jennifer and I went out for dinner (Yum) and then to see "Get Smart" tonight. See I 'got smart' a long time ago and got to be friends with Jen whose son happens to be the movie theatre manager so Jen gets her and a friend in for free. Yippee! I'm her friend!

Soooooooooooooo funny. If you want a good laugh..............

Chris and the Cottage

This is where Chris is this week. She went up on Canada Day with Maggie. Needless to say, it's a little quiet around here! On her way up she was informed that Hwy 1 was closed because of a forest fire so she went a round-about route which turned out to be a good one. I'm just glad she got there safely.


To own a place that we call 'the cottage' was really Chris's dream and in 2005 we made it happen. It's quiet and peaceful (except when her mom's around) and somewhere we like to go and hang out.

There's lots and lots of work that's already been and more still to come but we're seeing the results.


I'm not getting up there as much this summer because of a) working Friday evenings and b) no more vacation time so in the meantime I'm missing Chris and Maggie.

Happy Birthday "Little B's " and Canada!!!

Today is Benson and Bailey's second Birthday! Our Vet has always referred to them as the "Little B's"...the little darlings. They continue to bless our lives with their crazy antics and charming personalities. They are as different as day and night but still very much brothers.

Bailey loves Maggie, Benson can't stand her. Bailey kisses her and snuggles up beside her. Benson gives her 'the paw.'

Bailey loves company. Benson runs and hides in the closet until the coast is clear.

Bailey wants to know what's going on at all times in his home. Benson gives a yawn and goes back to sleep.

Bailey likes to play sock baseball. This is a game where he dodges socks being hurled at him at break neck speed fresh out of the dryer. Benson likes to help with laundry by laying on top of warm sheets out of the dryer.

Bailey loves Becky. Becky loves Bailey. It's all good until Benson takes a swat at her. Hence, Benson doesn't love Becky.

Bailey is ho hum about treats. Benson meows until his cupboard is opened and his treat is dispensed. He particularly likes "stoner Sundays" when the catnip comes out and he gets 'oh so mellow man, like, wow'...kinda like he was around in the 60's.

Bailey chases little toy mice, Benson baptizes them in the toilet. They're quite the Evangelists.

They're great cats and a joy to have in our home. They keep the neighborhood safe by watching everything from the upstairs window. They slay all the monsters in the backyard by staring at them for hours.

Happy Birthday Boys!!! We love you!!! We love you too Canada!!!

The Wal-Mart Greeter

A very loud, unattractive, mean-acting woman walked into Wal-Mart with Her two kids, yelling obscenities at them all the way through the entrance.

The Wal-Mart greeter said pleasantly, "Good morning, and welcome to Wal-Mart Nice children you have there. Are they twins?"

The ugly woman stopped yelling long enough to say, "Hell no, they
Ain't. The oldest one's 9, and the other one's 7. Why the hell would you Think they're twins? Are you blind, or just stupid?"

"I'm neither blind nor stupid, Ma'am," replied the greeter. "I just
Couldn't believe you got laid twice. Have a good day and thank you for Shopping at Wal-Mart."

Hawaii No Ka Oi

I had a fabulous week in Hawaii. Althought it was short, it was a good one! I visited with friends and enjoyed that as always as well as spending a lot of time on Becky's rooftop lanai. I soooooooooo love it up there, 37th floor, fabulous view and a warm pool to swim in. I went up there several times a day and even took my portable DVD player up one night and sat in the darkness and watched a movie.


One morning I woke up early, the sun was shining so I thought why don't I just take a drive over to the North Shore. It was beautiful. It's a whole different world over there and I haven't been on that side of the island's beach in a long time.

The one thing about being on vacation by yourself is that you don't get any photos with you in them. As I'm usually the photographer on every trip I take anyways I'm used to it.
However, by my last night in Hawaii I thought I'd ask someone to take my pic so here it is. Diamond Head in the background.



I enjoyed seeing old friends...Mrs. A has been my Hawaiian Mama for over 30 years now and always treats me to lunch at the country club. They make the best iced tea everrrr.


Some other friends and I spent a day together just hanging out and swimming in the pool and talking and laughing and eating. Such good times.



It's time to say goodbye to Hawaii once again, I never know when the next opportunity will come for me to go again. It's a piece of my heart, where I live and breathe and feel at home.

Aloha!

So, I'm off to Hawaii once again.

Tonight I was at some people's house who were celebrating birthdays and it was great to be there. Some people from church who had invited me (us) over for their celebration. They were turning 45 and 70 years old!

I had no idea they were 25 years apart, they seemed similiar in ages and spirits. It was a nice night spent with friends I know and others I met tonight.

When I was there I was sitting with someone that I knew 20 years ago, in another lifetime. Isn't it amazing how people we knew years ago "pop up". I sat and talked to her for awhile, things keep coming up up, how we worked together and our lives are connected by people we have in common, etc.

So she asked 'what are you doing tomorrow? maybe we 'll have lunch"

I was almost embarrassed by my reply..."well I'm actually off to Hawaii tomorrow"

Egads! It revoked a response like...how? what?

But to me...it's going home. A place in the tropics that I know. I can remember a time when I knew the streets of Honolulu better than I knew Vancouver. It's not something that a lot of people understand.

Honolulu is something that I know. I feel at home there. It's as comfortable to me as getting on a bus to Vancouver. It's hard to explain that to people.

So for now...it's good. I won't be gone long...and I'll be back to work soon. After all, its being blessed with a job that I love that pays these bills. And yes, I do pay my bills and I do work.

All's good in the hood. Peace out cub scout. Later skater.

So...an unexpected surprise has come my way. See this pool? Lovely isn't it? It's on the 37th floor of a condo in Waikiki. hmmm?



This is me reading a book by Dr. Phil's wife at this pool. Great book. Good read. Should read that book again. Soon.



See this pic? Palm trees. Beautiful palm trees swaying in the wind. Warm, sunny beaches, white sand, palm trees. All good. Very, very good.




This is my friend Becky who lives in Hawaii with her dog Tiger. Becky is going to Arizona to visit her friend. Tiger isn't.

I'll be seeing Tiger but I won't be seeing Becky (sniff). Yes, I'm off to Hawaii (again). Aloha! Be back soon.

Don't hate me. I'm as amazed as you are.

My friend WD is home from the hospital. After another major seizure kept him longer than expected, he's on the mend! I'm so thankful to God for this miracle. WD continues to bless my life in ways that few people understand.

A WD story.

One Sunday when I still worked in the home where he lives it was my turn to take 'the guys' to church. They attend Joy Fellowship, a wonderful church FOR people with disabilities. On any given Sunday there are at least 4 song leaders, 12 ushers, countless greeters, there is never a lack of volunteers at JF.

This Sunday happened to be Communion. JF celebrates all the sacraments of the church with due reverence and respect.

I got to share communion with WD. When I got back to the Home I was challenged by another staff member who said, 'you can't serve communion to him, you don't know if he's really born again.' Excuse me?

Nobody can tell me that people with disabilities aren't born again just because they're non-verbal, blind, deaf, whatever. Who cares? Jesus doesn't, that's for sure. Didn't He come to bring salvation to 'the least of these'?

WD shares his heart with me by his smile, by his soft gentle touch holding my hand, by kissing my hand for the very first time, is that not the heart of Christ Jesus? That we feel his gentle touch?

I know when I get to heaven there are going to be all kinds of people rejoicing around the throne with me that I loved at JF. It's almost a year now since Joy passed away, then sweet Jackie of JF passed away suddenly. Kit will be there hammering the legs on something. There will be sweet music sung by people that on earth could never be heard.

I know WD will be kickin' up his legs and dancing with Jesus.

So ends my sermon for the day.............all's good in the hood.

My Friend WD

My buddy WD has been in the hospital all week with some medical concerns. WD has been my bud for many years and brings me a reason to smile every time I see him. He was over to my house recently and brought me birthday presents (who doesn't love that). WD is a sweet spirit. Although he can't talk, can't see, can't walk, he still 'puts his best foot forward'. With all of his medical limitations WD still takes time to let people around him know he loves them.


I went to visit him in the hospital this morning and he was awake. I talked to him for awhile recalling his last visit to my house and the great pressies he brought me and the coffee we shared. He smiled and giggled as is his usual self and then he took my hand in his and kissed it! Awwwwwwwwww...it melted my heart.

WD needs your prayers. I'm praying he'll be restored to health again and can continue blessing those around him. That he'll be free from pain and able to kick back and relax once more.

Here's to you WD!

And We're Back!

After a whirlwind week of adventure here we are again, safe and sound! It's good to be home. Up to the eyeballs in laundry of course but home again.......ahhhhhh, how sweet the sound. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again tonight.

Last Saturday I drove up to the cottage with Maggie who behaved beautifully. We stopped at her park on the way up so I could throw the ball for a bit with her to tire her out a little for the ride. She ran and caught the ball a few times and then all of a sudden it was like the lightbulb went off in her head and she thought,'hmmmm, park, ball, packed stuff, i'm going to my cottage' She did really well on the ride there and back which was a pleasant surprise.

We took down a number of trees, very sad, but had to be done. Because of the pine beetles most of the trees on our property will have to come down. Last weekend we took down the grove of trees on our front corner. The place looks so different now than when we first bought it, all nestled in the trees.














We left there on Monday and picked up BB along the way. Tuesday morning we headed to the ferry bright and early, so early in fact that we ended catching an earlier ferry.

We got to Victoria and visited with Paul and took him out for lunch for his 85th Birthday.


He's failing and is quite confused a lot of the time but he seemed to enjoy the day and he's always so glad to see my mom that it's worth the effort to bring her there just for the look on his face when she walks through the door.

Wednesday morning we headed for the Oregon coast. We spent the first night in Seaside, always a personal fave. Lots of shopping as always. Those American Outlet stores have got to be some of the best of God's creations. I know I'm very thankful for them.

Thursday we drove to Lincoln City and guess what? Another Outlet centre! Yippee, more shopping!

Friday we drove north and enjoyed some of the best mahi mahi at a restaurant overlooking the water that I've ever had. It was fabulous.

So, now home again, back to the grind but it's good to be home. No more vacations now for awhile, will be enjoying the summer at home.

The Part That Really Sucks About My Job

I really like my job. I drive people around who can't drive themselves for various reasons, they're disabled, they're seniors who don't drive, some have driven and had to give up their licenses, but for whatever reason, I drive people around. I drive people to Dialysis at the Hospital every day and we become 'buds'. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only friend they have (beside other drivers). People live alone and the only time they go out is their 3x/week visit to the Hospital for Dialysis. How much does that suck?

This past week one of my faves, Mr. F. passed away. He was an older man living in a Care Facility but he always reminded me so much of my dad. I never picked him up without thinking of my dad, he had the same quiet, gentle nature. I told him one day how alike he was to my dad and he smiled and said, "that's a compliment because I can tell you loved your dad." He never complained, just rode the bus in his wheel chair. He's gone now and I've missed taking him home this week.

Another one was H. He was a retired bus driver (of big busses, not like these little prissy busses you drive around he said to me). He got so weak in the end I just about carried him upstairs to the front of the house where he lived. He just looked at me and said, "thanks a lot Doll". That was his last ride.

There have been so many that I've driven that have passed away now. It seems the crotchety ones that complain about everything keep going and going and going but in the meantime, it's always the good ones that go isn't it?

Anyways, that's my lament for this week. I'm heading up to our cottage tomorrow with Maggie, Chris is already up there and we're going to cut more trees! Yippee! And THEN we're going to Victoria for the day on Wed to see Paul for his 85th Birthday and THEN we're heading down the Oregon Coast, whew!

The weather's great and I'm headin' out of town so seeya in a week or so!

That's My Boy!

He's too cute for words...Bailey Boy. He loves to just watch me lying on the bed and then figure out the best way to suddenly POUNCE on me. He's a real ham. His brother Benson is very mellow and just sits and watches from the scratch bar.

When we have company Bailey walks on up to people and introduces himself, "Hi, I'm Bailey, I'm pretty much in charge around here. I'd like to be your new best friend."

Benson hides in the closet. Scaredy cat.

Gotta love 'em.