the nothing to report report...

And now....several years have passed

2011-10-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm older. We're all older. I had actually kind of forgotten about the blog. After all, who really blogs anymore? (OK, Chris and Lauri do). I suppose everyone's tweeting now. And Facebooking. But I did like the blog before, so here I am again. I still have nothing of importance to add to the world's giant database. But if I think of something, I'm all set up ready to post. Stay tuned.

I'm Baaaaack

2008-08-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

I don't really know why I'm blogging again. You can see how I lack impetus... Summer is over. Calgary, Mt. Blaine, Kamloops, Fu-hoe-nics, done.

I'm so excited about the new year.

It's been too long

2008-05-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back. Today I'm done in by my job and ready to retire. Unfortunately, my retirement statement says I'm not ready to retire. I think a lot about just quitting my position and taking a teaching/counselling position. I have lots of seniority and lots of credentials and the work is good. I know I signed on for this job. I appreciate the people around me who truly give a shit and work hard. But I am so done in by people who are marginal and who can't imagine why they should have to do their job.

I think about X more years at this and I want to cry... Usually, I'm teflon, and I can shake off the bad karma dumped on me. But today, I'm looking at people who are losing, or going to lose their jobs so we can protect those who have simply been around longer, and it makes me crazy. It's wrong, wrong, wrong.

Then I think... who really cares?

Sorry Puhpaul, it's October

2007-10-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

OK, I am a bad, bad blogger. I'm only blogging now because I'm waiting for other people to finish making my dinner. What can I say? It's been busy and I've been cranky and sometimes nothing seems really memorable. However, when I think about it, there are some things that need to be reported. First: we have an exchange student. She's great. Second: she likes Coco and Coco likes her. She is a reformed dog person. Third: She already has a prom date. No surprise.

Larry and I are off to Thunder Bay for four days tomorrow. Apparently, it isn't that smart to leave a grade 12 student home alone for four days.

July is SOOOOO over

2007-08-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

This was the Chez Regush 5 star resort. Long ago and far away.

I am now muddling through school start-up and - for a real challenge - looking after Bighair's three cats. Talk about a personality overload at her place. First there is Highway 450, the outdoor cat. Friendly, happy, happy, happy... Wants in, but is just happy to have a little affection and several full bowls of food each day.

Then there is Fletcher. Moves like molasses in winter. Happy and low-maintenance. Might go out if you give him a lot of warning and several minutes to stretch out and move towards the door. Same procedure to get him back in at night. Call, whistle, wait. Call, whistle, wait. Then he will appear, slooooooowly, and meander his own sweet way into the house...

And finally, there is Scarlett, the Voldemort of all cats. If hissing was money, I'd be a millionaire. She has a bad, bad temper and doesn't mind letting me know about it. She's mad when I get there in the morning and hisses all the way past me and out the door. Then she takes her bearings and trots up the street to take position on the path to downtown, where she greets all and sundry pretending all the while to be a nice, friendly cat.

In the evening, I drive to the path, go and call her. She comes up - pretending to be a nice, friendly cat. She lets me pick her up, put her in the car and drive her home. Then, it's hisssssssss all the way into the house. Hissssssss while I feed her, clean out the litter box, pet Fletcher, close the blinds, hisss, hisss, hissss. And an occasional swat - claws extended - directed at my leg. I pet her and she hisssssses.

Jo-anne says she's got a call in to Supernanny for Her Hissiness. Good thing.

It all reminds me a lot of dealing with adolescents.

Moving on

2007-07-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

Alas, the time has arrived. One more fantastic dinner by the pool and we must away in the early hours tomorrow to the "Valley of the Sun." Possibly people in Kamloops think they live in the valley of the sun and maybe it's "a valley of the sun" but for sure it isn't "the" valley of the sun. It has been a great warm-up to the real thing.

The week has gone by at breakneck speed - although we are leisurely and relaxed in every way. That never happens during a work week. Just experienced an interesting thunder, lightning, wind, and rain storm. But it's over now, the sun has emerged and it is baking out there again. Wild.

It's the cocktail hour (feels like the cocktail month) and so, more pressing agenda items need to be addressed. Next post from Phoenix.

I'm in the 'loops

2007-07-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Man it's hot. And it's only halfway hot compared to our next destination. The resort here, Chez Regush, is perfect in every way. Beautiful airconditioned accomodations. Fine dining with an incredible wine selection. Golf at first class courses. (if you like that kind of thing). Attentive staff. The pool is lovely. There is a fully equipped workout room, free wireless internet, plasma bigscreen with HDTV. The owners are solicitous and warm. We have fine evening conversations. What more could one want? Absolutely nothing.

And what does this cost? Well, you know. It's priceless.

Shaken not Stirred

2007-06-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Our fabulous relay team - "Shaken not Stirred." First place Masters team. Only Masters team. But third place overall. L-R Gary, Joe, Jud, Ray, Mike, Jan, Me, David, Bruce.

Skeena River Relay '07

2007-06-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day out on the river - except for the hour or so where I stumbled along overheating. Finally subbed out after 9 or 10 kilometres. It was brutal and felt so good to stop. A bit of a motivator to be better prepared for next year. We medalled despite my performance. It helps to the be the only masters' team.

This pic does not do justice to the heat. My usual running time is in the early am when the temperature might crest 4 degrees celsius. It was about 25 degrees, still, and humid out there. Every step was agony, my legs felt like lead, and I never, not for one moment, felt like I was in any kind of groove. Why do we do this?

Mostly because the day on the river, the scenery, the friends, the fun. The post-race beer is a great motivator for many.

Stripey gets visitors

2007-04-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

Spring Break?

2007-03-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

When everyone else is suffering throughthe heat of Mexico or Arizona, I'm here shovelling. What's that about?

I've been Offline

2007-03-09T19:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been offline for a long time... Computer blues. Apparently now, things are fixed and I can be busy on the blog again. Sorry to my many blog stalkers and fans. Ok, sorry to the three people who read my blog occasionally. Next big blog will be about the 24 hour sport-a-thon, where I survived 24 hours of continuous sporting and a broken tail-bone and raised $2100 for charity while doing so. All together, our sport-a-thoners raised over $28,000, most of which will be matched by some govt. grant or other. Stand by to stand by... more breaking news soon.

All Things Australian

2007-01-21T12:51:00.000-08:00

Early Morning Jones'
Robin, Mum, Dad, Me, Ailsa
Larry is still thanking my Dad for letting him marry me...
An Echidna (anteater) by the side of a country road.

Christmas Dinner...

2007-01-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

My Dad at the head of the table as is proper...
Who knew that Nar Nar Goon is "the mural town?"

We headed there for the traditional Boxing Day BBQ

Mate

2007-01-19T22:14:00.000-08:00

What seagulls in movies are not saying... This is my brother's bird, "Mate." In animated movies, seagulls are saying "mine, mine, mine..." Because that is what seagulls say. This beautiful bird..."mate"... says "hello mate." Which is kind of dumb, because in essence, he is saying hello to himself.

Used to be Spencer St. Station

2007-01-19T21:53:00.000-08:00

Back in the day, this was unsightly railway yards. Now it is the view from our suite at the Grand Hotel at night - full moon. Melbourne is a cool city. Always was, but now has all the things that make a western city attractive. Loved spending time there - rediscovering what I once knew so well. Melbourne was an understated place once. Locals trash talk the floating roof over the railway station, but it was very beautiful to me. Lots of large sculptures in the city. Very cool.

Family BBQ

2007-01-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

Brant, Trav, Kirsten...My Fabulous Nephews and Neice

2007-01-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

Love you guys!

Ben and Tim create the world

2007-01-14T16:05:00.000-08:00

The boys

2007-01-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

Tim and Nick in Australia....

Brrr. Aussie Summer...not

2006-12-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

Still waiting for the warmth... Cricket on the telly. Cocktail hour at 5pm. All the good food in the world. Yep, we are in Australia. I'm doing a lot of reading (thanks Paul - I'm loving Biff) and lying around. Oh, and a bit of a walk this morning - down the hill to town, over the footbridge to the beautiful 90 mile beach, along the main street and then back up the hill. It's sunny now, but the wind is southwesterly, which in the southern hemisphere, does not involve any heat. Tomorrow we are off to visit my good friend and once-bridesmaid, Ailsa. Oh, yeah, and there is a Cherry Ripe at hand whenever the urge strikes.

Christmas in Australia

2006-12-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

After a fairly uneventful trip, we arrived in Sydney late and had our connecting flight changed. Naturally, our bags went on their own adventure and remain there even now. A quick trip to Target had us outfitted in all new clothes while our travelling clothes were washed. Here in Melbourne, it is the coldest Christmas day since 1935. Rain alternates with sun. This is good news here, where drought conditions prevail. My brother tells me that it was 42 degrees a couple of days ago. The predicted high today is 16.

My nephews are slightly taller, but largely unchanged. They are currently happily playing with many toys, including a bowling set that Uncle Larry, clever guy, put together. The newest member of the household is Coco the dog. Weird coincidence.

My sister-in-law, a terrific cook, is preparing a great Australian Christmas lunch. It's in the oven and on the barbeque and the house is redolent with engaging odors. I'm on my first glass of champagne and orange juice and all is well with the world. It's great to be in the company of family. Peace on earth. At least until the boys start scrapping over the playstation or something.

I'm in Australia, and I'm loving it.

Thanksgiving in California

2006-12-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

The only problem with California is that there are too many Californians. What a great trip though. Chocolate factory, turkey, Valentine the dog, wine tasting, shopping, eating, drinking, laughing, laughing, and laughing with our very good friends. Yeah, it's a great trip to take every other year.

2006-12-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

Susan, Kathy, Larry. Wine tasting at Healdsburg

2006-12-02T16:20:00.000-08:00

Valentine the wonder dog

2006-12-02T16:18:00.000-08:00

Susan and Kathy - fine times in San Francisco

Coco Snoring

2006-11-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

My beautiful Coco asleep and snoring by the radiator... A cat's life. Not so bad.

2006-11-12T22:11:00.001-08:00

Fall

2006-11-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

What is he doing?

On hold with Air Canada

2006-10-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

I have now been on hold for more than 20 minutes. It's my own fault really - they warned me that the wait would be long. But I now know a lot of things about new reward plans from Air Canada that I didn't know when this started. The hypnotic music track has put me under a bit of a spell and I know that if I could only speak to an Air Canada service representative, that I could find out even more about accumulating points through Bell Canada. But only if I move to Quebec or Ontario. And my accumulated points expire seven years after collected if not redeemed. Seems like I might have been on hold for almost that long.

Coco has sat with me throughout this ordeal. She is a faithful cat.

Days later...

After all that, the representative told me that I couldn't change my ticket. Thanks for that, said I. It was good to learn so much about the new programs though, I added.

Thanks...Giving

2006-10-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

Back from a five day trip to Phoenix where we moved Ellen into an assisted living complex - "Merrill Gardens." Although, typically, there are no "gardens" per se. There is a courtyard with some desert landscaping. I guess that will suffice.

When we arrived, Ellen was glad to see us and not at all befuddled by our number (4). She happily related the "hat" story to us for the first time. It seems that a few years ago, Ellen performed a rather dramatic rescue of 14 people who were stranded on a mountain top. She received a rather jaunty "Nature Conservancy" hat as her reward. As it happens, we knew that the hat was sent to her in gratitude for a monetary donation to the Nature Conservancy cause. It was clear that someone (i.e. me) had to break the news. So I sat by her, held her hand and told her exactly why we were there. She seemed just fine with the notion of moving the next day.

The next day, however... she was upset. Of course. "I don't know why I have to leave," she wailed. Then she looked straight at Christine and said "I don't know why YOU'RE telling me what to do - you NEVER talk to me." I was relieved that she had assigned the blame squarely on the shoulders of someone else.

The young men we had hired to move Ellen's stuff seemed perplexed by the randomness of the move. "Take that, no, take this, no - oh, maybe this?" Until Erin advised them that "this is how Canadians move."

An hour later, we were escorting Ellen into her new home. We arranged furniture, hung pictures, and filled cupboards. The real victim of the move seemed to be Cotton, the cat. She hid under the bed as soon as it was put together.

On the first day when we left,after strict instructions to the contrary, Ellen let the cat out, prompting a search by staff. Cotton was found several hours later - under the bed.

By the last day we were there, Ellen had received a "gift" of some new clothes. We don't know where they came from, but suspect that Ellen may have visited someone else's room and availed herself of new duds. It's a whole new world of adventure in Merrill Gardens, that's for sure.

Autumn Arrives

2006-10-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's fall in my garden. And it's beautiful. Sorry to all four of my faithful blog buddies for the lack of blogging, but honestly, I really have a dull life. Although I did just spend a couple of days in Vancouver - with my friend Kathy. That was fun. And on Wednesday, we (a posse of us) are off to Phoenix to move Ellen into the care facility. Richard can't get her to move, so we are heading down en mass to make it so. I know she's going to be unhappy and overwhelmed by it all, and that just doesn't feel great, but it has to happen. So, next stop Phoenix, where it is still around 100 degrees farenheit during the day and autumn is a foreign concept.

2006-10-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

At rest

2006-10-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Phoebe meets Bambi

More National Geographic in the Yard

2006-09-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Imagine my delight to look out at another rainy morning in Prince Rupert and find a big buck resting in my yard. Shortly thereafter, along came yet another buck. They sized each other up and then engaged in some mild nose-to-nose antler locking and pushing. Occasionally they would be distracted by something and take a break. It was amazing to watch them push each other around by the nose.

2006-09-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

Gentle persuasion

2006-09-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Deer life

What a day in Terrace will get you

2006-08-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Shiny new vehicle

August in the backyard...

2006-08-26T09:44:00.001-07:00

Someone has taken to stringing rope from the antlers of local deer. Ok, the deer pics aren't that good, but it was blazing sunshine (really) and I didn't want to chase Bambi out of the yard.

2006-08-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Bambi has a rest in the backyard.

Back in July...

2006-08-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Larry and Ellen - and the white car...

Still thinking Summer

2006-08-18T22:12:00.000-07:00

This is Kamloops, hiking in the hoodoos. Ok, just walking, but it's hot and a lot of uphill. Stunning beauty just above Gina's home. I had a great time with my good friends Pat and Gina. We lay around the pool (really good friends who live in hot climates always have air conditioning and a pool) - reading, talking, drinking wine, eating awesome dinners. Life looked pretty good in Kamloops. The best thing is that the weather, while hot, does not boil you to the point where you can't go outside as it does in Phoenix.

Barb poses gracefully for a portrait

2006-08-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

Barb's usual civilized demeanor at dinner...

Pedicure Princesses

2006-08-11T18:39:00.001-07:00

Barb and I on our pedicure thrones... another great day of pleasing ourselves in Phoenix. We have decided that this is to be one of the traditions of my visits to the valley.

2006-08-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

Rhett, Barb, Me, Larry after dinner. The Valet took our pics.

Two days at the Phoenican!

2006-08-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

Dinner in one of the restaurants at the Phoenician to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss. They provided a complimentary dessert.

2006-08-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

The view from our balcony.

2006-08-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

Margarita and book in hand by the pool. Lasted about 45 minutes. Even with the pool, the margarita, the iced water, and the shade, 118 degrees just isn't that pleasant.

Moving On

2006-07-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

It's my last night in Phoenix... Up at the crack of dawn tomorrow and on to the northern end of the Sonoran Desert - Kamloops, British Columbia. Today we took my mother-in-law to visit the care facility we are considering for her. We would like her to willingly make the choice...you know, "look kids, I'm 105 years old and I need to have someone looking out for me 24/7, for god's sake don't make me stay in this big old house by myself." Astonishingly, she has not made that pronouncement - not like sang froid's dad who elected to move and apparently has his wits about him.

She liked the facility and loved the lunch they gave us. She wondered aloud about all the "old" people floating around and imagined that if she ever got that old she might need to live in a place like that. Nope, she is not going to willingly volunteer to be moved.

We are not, my husband and I, very assertive with mom. So we are plotting how to convince her that "they" have made a ruling that she can't be on her own anymore. She tends to conform to the rules of "them" whoever they are. (E.G. "They" won't let her drive her car anymore. "They" have made a rule that you have to have tall trees in your yard. - she means the palm trees that have been growing in her neighborhood for 35 years, but every morning she goes out and marvels at the number of trees that have been planted over night by order of "them.")

Anyway, if "they" can convince her that legislation has been passed requiring her to live in a very nice assisted living complex, then all will be fine.

Hot, hot, hot in Phoenix

2006-07-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Record temperatures in the valley of the sun kept us hopping while we stayed at the Phoenician. Getting from the lounge chair to the pool required quick footwork over burning concrete. Even a poolside margarita and pitcher of ice water in the shade could only keep us outside in the 118 degree farenheit heat for about an hour.

Now, back in Tempe, I'm reading books (Ultramarathon Man - inspirational - particularly when he writes of running through Death Valley - I could relate...although my ten feet from the chaise to the pool is hardly 100 miles of running in what he describes as a "toaster"). Now I'm reading The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. Awesome book that strikes despair into my heart as someone who works in the human services field with many cultures.

Other than the highly indulgent lying around with a good book, we've been doing the chores that magically (and routinely) await our arrival. The car needed work at the shop for a constantly flattened battery. Bugs in the house (scorpions!!!! according to the home care woman - I've seen none, and I've been vigilant) required pest control. A trip to the vet for Cotton. A two hour visit to the HMO for mom, where her Dr. is a scary eastern european chick who barks orders to our 88 year old mom - "stand up straight" and "eat properly!" Good thing Mom is profoundly deaf and has zero short term memory. Good thing I didn't acquiesce to the urge to hit Dr. Romania.

Of course Dr. Romania doesn't know that our mom is also much older than her birth certificate states. On any given day, mom might be "almost 100," or "exactly 100," or as was the case yesterday, "nearly 104." Fair enough, I say. At 88, she's earned the right to be as old or young as she wants. I hope she's not expecting a letter of congratulations from the governor or George W though.

A perfect level of dementia has left Mom profoundly happy. Every sentence in a conversation ends up with her laughing and laughing. Perhaps because no one has a clue what she's talking about. Least of all her. I'm glad for her, but worried for her. Although she has daily home support and Richard comes in once or twice a week when he's in town, it really is a short journey from here to the full residential care.

Friends at home

2006-07-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

Paul... Smoking on the deck...

I'm leaving to go to Phoenix tomorrow. There will be no deck time there. Too damn hot.

2006-07-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Larry resting after much grilling of salmon

2006-07-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

On the deck...Alana and Coco making her escape...

2006-07-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Alana and Paul... quilt buddies.

2006-07-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

The 2006 Smithers Senior's Golf Champion.

2006-07-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Sunset in Prince Rupert. Yeah, it's always like this.

2006-07-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

And the view out the other way. Where there are deer in the mornings. I can forget about every rainy day when I look out here. Praise be.

2006-07-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

And this also.

2006-07-09T21:22:00.000-07:00

This is the extraordinary view from my deck. It is so fabulous that I feel like a bit of a fraud posting it. It is so much better than it even appears in the pictures. This is my reward. I don't know what for, but it is a great gift.

2006-07-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

Eilish at Mariner's Park, PR, on Canada Day. Great weather, great community.

Happy Anniversary

2006-06-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

So the party was fun... Thanks to my very wonderful friends - you know who you are. It was a great way to celebrate the many years of marriage, which, coincidentally, also number my years in Prince Rupert.

Fabulous Egg Balancing Magic

2006-06-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Be amazed by Larry's amazing egg balancing magic. And so that the sceptics among you may see, a close-up, un-edited photo showing no supports...no hidden wires. Just skill and will.

2006-06-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

David Blaine, eat your heart out. Here is my fabulous husband Larry, with whom I have spent almost 25 glorious years, demonstrating yet another of his seemingly endless talents...the egg balancing trick. You can see why we are meant to be together.

Twenty-Five Years of Wedded Bliss

2006-06-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

How did this happen? All of a sudden, I have been married for 25 years. Holy cow. I'd blog a nice wedding snap, but there aren't any nice ones. The only together photo I found was 4 years ago in front of some bottle house in the Kootenays. However, we're having a party tonight (any excuse, right?) and so maybe someone will take a fabulous shot and I can post it tomorrow. Of course, the actual anniversary date is July 4, so I shouldn't get ahead of myself. We might not make it. I like to take it day by day.

2006-06-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

The Hurricanes, third place finishers at Seafest Canoe races... Gotta love those athletes.

The Guy Who Makes it Happen

2006-06-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

The 2006 Skeena River Relay

2006-06-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

Another great day on the river - despite an early start and an uphill run. The run was hard - as usual I was underprepared, but once I finished, the glow began and now, a whole day and a half later, I even feel quite good about it. After that I worked one of the stages with Paul and Erin which was interesting. I really, really appreciate the many, many friends, colleagues and students who helped out. I know it is not always everyone's idea of a great way to spend a day. In fact, the whole thing can be downright irritating. However, once again people stepped forward and made this a great day for the runners. Thanks everyone - you know who you are.

2006-06-04T17:37:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the help Erin!

2006-06-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Those crazy volunteers make everything run smoothly. Even if there is a black bear just around the corner.

2006-06-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

Skeena River Relay - The Strolling Bones, Master's Division Winners.

My Personal DNA

2006-05-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

Animated Leader

You are a Leader

Your solid grounding in the practicalities of life, along with your self-assuredness and your willingness to appreciate new things make you a LEADER.

You're in touch with what is going on around you and adept at remaining down-to-earth and logical.

Although you're detail-oriented, this doesn't mean that you lose the big picture.

You tend to find beauty in form and efficiency, as opposed to finding it in broad-based, abstract concepts.

Never one to pass on an adventure, you're consistently seeking and finding new things, even in your immediate surroundings.

Because of this eagerness to pursue new experiences, you've learned a lot; your attention to detail means that you gain a great deal from your adventures.

The intellectual curiosity that drives you leads you to seek out causes of and reasons behind things.

Your confidence gives you the potential to take your general awareness and channel it into leadership.

You're not set on one way of doing things, and you often have the skills and persistence to find innovative ways of facing challenges.

You are well-attuned to your talents, and can deal with most problems that you face.

You do your own thing when it comes to clothing, guided more by practical concerns than by other people's notions of style.

Generally, you believe that you control your life, and that external forces only play a limited role in determining what happens to you.

If you want to be different:

There's more to life than the practical - take some time to daydream and explore the aesthetic sides of things.

how you relate to othersYou are Animated

You are outgoing, comfortable with others, and up for anything, which makes you ANIMATED.

Some people find crowds and parties exhausting, but not you! You are able to be yourself in many situations.

Sometimes it is hard for you to understand why others feel the way they do, but that doesn't stop you from trusting them or having faith that they are good people.

You know the world is complicated and that there is often more than one side to a story, so you are careful not to make judgments about others too hastily.

You would rather experience the world than sit back and observe it—you are not one to sit on the sidelines.

You are an independent thinker and don't get too worried about how others might perceive you—you are not self-conscious about being the active, engaged person that you are.

Although you have a keen understanding of different people's life circumstances, you occasionally have trouble seeing why people get so upset and emotional about things—they should just lighten up and have fun!

In addition to having faith in the world, you have faith in the people around you—you trust others to do the right thing and to be honest.

You do your own thing when it comes to clothing, guided more by practical concerns than by other people's notions of style.

Generally, you believe that you control your life, and that external forces only play a limited role in determining what happens to you.

If you want to be different:

Remember that time alone can be just as fulfilling as time spent with others—take some time for yourself and you might find that there are many things in your inner world that are just as compelling as the world outside your window.

Your open-mindedness about the ways of world gives you an understanding of people's differences, but that knowledge doesn't always translate into sympathy. Don't be afraid to let your trust and understanding influence your feelings.

Coco: Scrabbler

2006-05-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Coco: Enjoying the deck

2006-05-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Coco likes to crawl into odd places and doesn't seem to realize that she looks kinda stupid. Besides, she's not even taking advantage of the view.

Eilish and Ruby

2006-04-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

Here are the girls playing Barbies. (Note Barbie legs in background...)

Red hats ziplining

2006-04-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

This is us ziplining in the jungle in Belize. Well, actually, we are not ziplining at this moment, we are posing for a picture. Later, we will zipline - memorably. At least we are safe with our red hats. And lots of equipment around our middles. Hey Carla, Hey Mersada!

Eilish and Larry

2006-04-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Eilish and Larry in the kitchen cooking up Chicken Chow Mein, a favorite food for both.

Crazy Phoebe: Psycho cat from hell

2006-04-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

Cat wants in. NOW!

Easter Dinner...the finale

2006-04-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Pecan Pie. Perfectly cooked and ready for eating...and then...eaten. Sorry Bighair.

Easter Dinner...the preparation

2006-04-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

This one's for Bighair... Her favorite...Pecan Pie. And the pecans are chopped just like she likes 'em. Now of course it's not cooked yet, but it will be soon.

Went for a run on the waterfront - sunny. First run in two weeks.

Now coffee and some blogging before getting back to stage 2 of dinner prep. Scalloped Potatoes. (Specifically for Lauri...)

2006-04-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to me. Today we purchased a new table and chairs. Old table gone (thanks Lauri) and new table in.

On Not Running the Half-Marathon

2006-04-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

I am currently not in the race. I started it. That is, I said "Go!" to the 40 or so participants. But I am not running. Because it takes a while for the runners to return, I have come home to print up some nice recording sheets so that I can take down their times when they pass the finish line.

I regret not training, not being motivated, not running.

2006-04-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

Life in Belize. I wish I was back there.

2006-04-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

Really cute guy

2006-04-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

The cutest guy in PR

2006-04-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

Leanne & John visited for a few days in March. How great was that? Shown here at Butze Rapids. And speaking of Butze, someone has gone crazy there - there must be 50 new signs up explaining the flora and fauna. And a couple of outhouses. Very cruise-ship-ready.

2006-04-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

Resting Phoebe

2006-04-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

Phoebe and me

It was all a dream

2006-03-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

A week back in PR and Belize seems like a long-ago dream. My dear friends, Leanne and John were here when I returned and the time with them passed all too quickly also. But it was great to have them here and be reminded of our 25 year-strong-friendship. Some relationships just have staying power.

A little piece of me is still lying in the hammock looking at the pool and the tree and the jungle and hearing the jungle noises, swatting away bugs, letting the white noise of my usual life fade away.

Or thinking about black beans and fry jacks.

Or the 300 foot "Black Hole Drop." Ziplining. Horseback riding through the jungle. Practicing Spanish. Badly. Having Tella laugh at me. (for the bad Spanish). Laughing with Karen, Betty, and Bighair. Plus our new best-friends, Mersada and Carla. (How are things in NYC?)

What about the spa treatment? Receiving a massage in a hut on the dock, with the louvred windows letting the swish of the waves and the Carribean breeze take me away?

Yeah, Belize. Thanks Karen. Thanks Betty and BH. Thanks to everyone at the JD.

Again Belize

2006-03-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

Another blissful day in Belize with all our close and personal friends. We did Black Hole Drop today - 300 feet straight down... a little unnerving, but life affirming. A hike through the jungle first to warm up. What a day. We lunched at the floor of the sink hole and then went on a little cave tour seeing ancient Mayan writing carved into the rocks. Yeah, another day in the jungle. I am not coming back. Hehehe.

Now I'm really in Belize

2006-03-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

OK, being in Belize is a lot better than just thinking about being in Belize. I'm sitting here amongst the tree tops in the jungle having a glass of wine with my new friends, Mersada and Carla. I'm also with my old friends Big Hair, Karen, and Betty. You can see the old friends in this picture. I haven't taken a picture of the new ones yet. Tomorrow we are going cave-tubing and zip-lining. Today, we went horse back riding in the jungle and saw a howler monkey. William serenaded us with Spanish love songs and a couple of rousing bible songs. We started the day with yoga by the pool. Christine had to speak sternly to Max the dog who was opening the third eye of a lady from Courtnay, BC. (He was licking her forehead.) You really can't appreciate Belize until you've had this kind of fun.

I'm in Belize....

2006-03-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm not actually in Belize. I'm just practicing my Maree voice. You see, today, I have misplaced my wallet. Or it has been stolen. The reason this would happen is clear. I have a thousand hours of stuff to fit into the next 24. So...what would make that even more exciting? Having to cancel my credit card. Apply for a new Driver's License. Go and find alternative measures for my trip. Yes. This is what I want to be doing right now.

Last year at this time, we were in Belize and Maree, another guest at the Dome, had lost her credit card. She sat for long periods of time on hold with Visa, punctuating that with "I'm in Belize..." in the most mournful voice.

AS I write, I have just received a call from someone at McDonalds. My wallet (sans money and credit card) has been found in a garbage can by the restaurant. What this means is that someone has stolen my wallet - quite probably out of my office. This makes my blood run cold.

I need a holiday.

I hate leaving town

2006-03-01T21:11:00.000-08:00

I have to go to Vancouver tomorrow. I'm not packed. I don't know what to pack. I am only going for a haircut and meetings. It's not like I'm going to have fun or anything. In fact, I may just lie face down on my hotel room bed most of the time. But in a week, I'm going to fabulous Belize with the lovely Betty and Christine. That is worth thinking about.

Friends and Family

2006-02-19T17:44:00.001-08:00

My friends are very important to me. I like them and love them for many reasons. They are generally nice to me and are always nice to animals. They are intelligent, witty, and fun to be with.

My family are also very important to me. I learned from them that you get what you give. They are also generally nice to me and are always nice to animals. Mostly intelligent but always witty. I love them too.

A long time ago I carefully explained to my dad that a friend was gay - worried that it would be a "problem" when they met again. He laughed at me, saying "I already know! What did you think I would do?" He did what he always did - treated my friend like a friend. Sort of the same way he and my family treated my Asian boyfriend (and the Croatian one). Oh, and the way they welcomed my husband - 14 years older than me and an AMERICAN to boot.

My family and friends aren't perfect - thank god - if they were, they sure wouldn't hang with me. But they are good people. I wouldn't change one single thing about them or my life with them.

Karma means you don't get away with anything. I hope Jo - Jo whoever you are...I hope you are ready to grow as a person. 'Cause it's coming right at you.

2006-02-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

Sad but True. They are playing with dolls. And each doll has a name.

I haven't blogged for a while....

2006-02-09T18:07:00.001-08:00

Because I've been very busy... watching my grown friends play with dolls with names like Blueberry Bunyip and Strawberry Stinker or something. Also, watching deer eat everything tasty to deer in my front garden. And yes, the second annual Scrabble Tournament where I scored the high score for a single play. But didn't win the coveted Scrabble Cup.

2006-02-09T18:07:00.000-08:00

National Geographic in my front yard

2006-02-09T18:04:00.000-08:00

Second Annual Cow Bay Scrabble Tourney

2006-01-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

Dinner for the women-in-charge

2006-01-07T22:42:00.000-08:00

Ellen and Me

2006-01-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

Ellen and Heather, oh, no, it's Bighair...straighthair...something